Watch out X70/Boyue; MG One debuts in China – 181 PS and 285 Nm from a 1.5T

Last week, MG took the covers off its latest SUV – the brand-new MG One. The new SUV has its sights aimed at established rivals such as the Geely Boyue (sold here as the Proton X70) and Haval H6.

Right off the bat is MG’s latest design language. The MG One gets two distinctive designs – α (alpha) and β (beta). Alpha is the sportier one, with lightning-like design element integrated into the front grille, while Beta takes a more elegant approach, thanks to its horizontal elements in the grille.

According to MG, the MG One is the first model to be developed on their new Sigma platform – which is a modular platform engineered to optimise interior space. That said, MG has not mentioned technical details surrounding the new SUV, including suspension configuration.

What MG did reveal was the dimensions of the MG One. It is 4,579 mm long, 1,866 mm wide, and 1,601 mm tall. Its wheelbase is 2,670 mm long. This makes the MG One larger than the Boyue/X70, but marginally shorter than the Haval H6.

Power is said to be derived from a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that does 181 PS and 285 Nm – on par with the current crop of rivals. MG did not reveal transmission options at the debut of the new SUV.

Interior details are also unknown at this point of time, but judging from MG’s current releases, one can expect a reasonably upmarket cabin. Whether or not it can better the Haval H6 would be interesting to see.

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Editor’s comment:

Even with these few details provided, the MG One is shaping up to be a worthy contender in the compact crossover scene.

After all, MG has to beat the Haval H6 at its own game – still the number one compact crossover in China. Back in June, Great Wall Motors sold 29,664 units of the H6, putting it as a fourth best-selling model in China, just behind the Nissan Sylphy and Toyota Corolla.