MG One made its ASEAN debut in the Philippines; Will it come to Malaysia?

KUALA LUMPUR: The long overdue Malaysian debut of MG is finally happening this year. Now owned by China's SAIC Motor, the brand is expected to introduce several models in the local market such as the MG4 EV, ZS EV, and Cyberster. Well, if we look around our neighbouring market, the Philippines, MG has a strong presence with a vast lineup, including the latest MG One.

Also read: MG4 EV and ZS EV launched in Indonesia, should be Malaysia next right?

The MG One is a compact coupe SUV based on the SAIC Intelligent Global Modular Architecture (SIGMA) platform. It measures 4,581 mm in length, 1,871 mm in width, and 1,617 mm in height and spans a 2,670-mm long wheelbase.

MG Philippines offers the model in two variants - Standard and Lux, priced at Php 1,298,888 (approx RM 110,963) and Php 1.458,888 (approx RM 124,632) respectively. Included in the price is a 5-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance.

The latest MG vehicle features a sporty exterior design with a sloped roofline, lending it a wagon-esque appearance when observed from the side. It is equipped with a unique front grille bracket by a sleek pair of LED headlights. The rear design incorporates striking LED tail lights, a tailgate spoiler, and a faux skid plate. Accentuating the sporty side profile are musical wheel arches paired with 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch alloys with the top-spec Lux trim). 

Both the variants of the coupe SUV are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, which is tuned to generate a maximum power of 168 hp and a peak torque of 285 Nm. Sending power to the front wheels is a continuous variable transmission. The drive is complemented by an electronic power steering system and four-wheel disc brakes.

The MG One has an inviting cabin packed with numerous technologies. These include -

• 12.3-inch instrument cluster 
• 12.3-inch infotainment unit supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 5.4-inch touch switch screen
• Push-button start
• Remote engine start
• Automatic climate control (dual-zone on the LUX)
• Smart keyless entry
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold, 
• LED ambient lighting
• Wireless smartphone charging tray
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt sockets

The fully-loaded safety kit of the new MG One includes dual front and dual side airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, an electronic stability program, hill-hold control, cornering brake control, hill-descent control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, 360-degree camera system, and front and rear cameras.

The colour palette of the car comprises six options viz. Moon White, Iron Oxide, Meteorite Black, Extreme Speed Red, Fizzy Orange, and Brighton Blue.

Will the MG One come to Malaysia?

According to MG's recent social media updates, it appears that their product lineup in Malaysia could be centred around electric vehicles, reflecting a trend similar to that of Chinese car manufacturers like BYD, Great Wall Motor, and Chery. Thus, the possibility of the ICE-powered MG One's arrival is uncertain at the moment.

 

Also read: 2024 Haval H6 HEV: What to expect