Upcoming MG Starlight 560 SUV Spied On Video
MG Motor India is known to be working on bringing an affordable SUV offering to the Indian market. It will be based on the Wuling Starlight 560 sold abroad and the project is known to be codenamed ‘520’. The first clues of this plan surfaced when the a camouflaged test mule was spotted, Later, a patent filing confirmed the carmaker’s intent. Now, the SUV has been spied testing for the first time after the patent details were released. A video of the post-patent sighting, shared on Instagram shows some key styling details of the vehicle.
The Starlight 560-based SUV will belong to the 4.7-metre segment. The model sold abroad is 4.75m long, 1.85m wide, and 1.75m tall. In essence, it is as large as a Hector. It will thus compete with the likes of Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari when launched.
The size and road presence of Starlight 560 are clearly visible in the video. It has heavy camouflage on it. The video shows the rear, rear three-quarter, and front three-quarter views of the vehicle. The design, in general, seems to stand close to that of the global model. The headlamp design seen in the video suggests the same. The patent images had also suggested minimal deviation from the global model.
The SUV seems to be running on 18-inch wheels, the design of which has been completely concealed by the camouflage. We can also see roof rails, rear spoiler and regular pull-type door handles. Another detail that one would notice is squarish wheel arches.
The Starlight 560 looks modern and attractive. Key design highlights include LED headlamps, LED DRLs, bumpers with integrated skid plates, LED tail lamps, spoiler, roof rails, 18-inch wheel, chunky body cladding and more. The SUV has an upright stance and is available in three-row and five-seater forms in global markets. India is likely to get just the three-row version.
The Starlight 560’s cabin is expected to be modern and tech-packed. It will come with features like a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Ling OS operating system, and paired with a 6-speaker audio, 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, two-spoke steering wheel, automatic climate control, and more. Details of the exact interior design and feature list will only be out closer to the launch.
Globally, the Starlight 560 is available with petrol, all-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. These versions have significant design differences as well. It remains to be seen if MG would bring the EV to the Indian market.
What we know for sure is that the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version is coming sooner than we expect. The setup on this mates a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine operating on the Atkinson cycle with a 20.5 kWh battery pack and an electric motor. It has a combined system output of 194 hp and 230 Nm.
The PHEV version also claims a CLTC electric-only range of 125km and can reportedly do the 0-100 kph sprint in under 10 seconds (9.7 seconds to be precise). The top speed will be 170kph. This version thus strikes a balance between efficiency, performance and reduced fuel dependency.
The pure petrol version sold abroad uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine running Miller cycle. It makes 174 hp and 290 Nm and is offered with manual and CVT transmissions.
Miller cycle turbo-engines focus on efficiency by using a longer expansion stroke than compression stroke. It helps offset the power loss caused by the strong focus on fuel efficiency, by using turbochargers. A ‘compression control valve’ is probably the most iconic component of such engines. This version is less likely to be introduced here.
The EV version sold abroad comes with two battery pack choices- 54.5 kWh and 56.7 kWh. It is unclear if the same would be offered in India as well, should MG choose to launch the electric version here. In all three versions, the platform remains the same - F150, and they all get Front Wheel Drive (FWD).