China Watch : SAIC launches MG 7L 1.8 Turbo

Namrita Chow, Automotive News China, 11th August, 2009

SAIC Motor has now launched the MG 7L
SAIC Motor has now launched the MG 7L in China.

SHANGHAI — A new, longer, turbocharged version of the MG 7 was launched in China in July to boost sales and strengthen the car’s image as a luxury car.

The MG 7L has a longer wheelbase of 2949 mm and stretches to 4949 mm in length. But the mega change is the shift to a turbocharged engine. The MG 7L comes with a 1.8T Kavachi T engine, with power output of 118 kw (160 hp) and torque of 215Nm.

The car also boasts Bosch made ABS and EBD systems and driver, passenger, side and front airbags made by Autoliv. The MG 7L comes in two versions: Comfort and Luxury, selling for 214,800 yuan ($31,450) and 248,800 yuan ($36,428) respectively.

However, it is too early to tell if the longer, more spacious and turbocharged MG 7L will win over new fans in China. A total of 1,691 MG 7 cars were sold in the first 6 months in China, down from 2,093 units in the same period last year.

[Source: Automotive News China]

Clive Goldthorp

4 Comments

  1. Great car 10 years ago, but now, at best, merely average compared with more modern Euro stuff. However, fairly competitive for the car’s current Chinese marketplace.

  2. Could one in theory purchase a RHD model for this country, or is it being built exclusively for the Chinese market?

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