MG banks on unique features of Extender for share in Thai pick-up market

[snoop1130]

MG banks on unique features of Extender for share in Thai pick-up market

By Kingsley Wijayasinha
Special to The Nation

 

 

With Thailand being the world's largest 1-tonne pickup truck market, dominated by Japanese and American players, it comes as a surprise that MG has entered the highly-contested market with its Extender pickup.

 

Amid constant supplies of high-quality pickups to the domestic and export markets by major producers such as Toyota, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ford and Chevrolet, one wonders what MG has up its sleeves with the new pickup.

 

Question is how would it fight the big players with extensive R&D as well as strong marketing drives here?

 

MG, which is owned by SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) of China, has design and technical centres in Birmingham, England, but enjoys tremendous support from SAIC in the form of global sourcing, components supply chain and quality control management. While MG was well-known for making small sports cars and convertibles in the past, today its product lineup covers mass-market segments such as passenger car and SUV, with China being the largest market.

 

MG entered Thailand in 2013, joining hands with the Charoen Phokphand (CP) Group, and has been building assembly plants in Chon Buri for both domestic and Asean markets.

 

The Extender, based on the Maxus T60 made by SAIC Motors, was launched in the Thai market in August, instantly opening up a new market for MG, which previously offered only passenger cars and SUVs here. The Extender comes with only nine variants in luxury space cab and double cab bodies, while the commercial single-cab style has been omitted, pointing out what type of customers it is targeted at.

 

Unlike previous MG models that came with low price strategy, the Extender’s pricing seems pretty usual, ranging from Bt549,000 for the entry 2.0 Giant Cab model with manual transmission to Bt1.029 million for the top 2.0 Double Cab 4x4 model.

 

Still, MG is confident that the Extender can help it expand customer base in Thailand due to a good number of attractions.

 

Firstly, the attractive front-end design and large dimensions would surely appeal to Thai buyers. The radiator grille and projector headlights look luxurious, similar to something you’d expect from an SUV rather than pickup truck, and you can clearly see that it’s pretty big in size too.

 

The Extender measures 5,365mm in length, 1,900 in width and 1,850mm in height (for the 4x4 model), while the wheelbase is 3,155mm long. Apart from the strong road presence, this enables the Extender to come with lots of interior space as well as loading space when compared with trucks with smaller dimensions.

 

Get inside and it is also easy to notice the spaciousness both front and rear (even six-footers enjoy plenty of legroom). There are some soft-touch leather in the cabin that give it a luxurious feel, although most of the console and door panel still feel plasticky.

 

Both front seats are electrically-powered, and the rear seat backrests can be folded to increase carrying capacity in the double cab model. There are air vents at the rear too.

 

The console design looks good and has a large 10-inch color touchscreen display in the center with i-SMART connectivity system, supporting Thai voice command for all sorts of functions including phone, air-conditioner, power windows and even search for nearby attractions. There is navigation system with real-time traffic info. The system also has music streaming and news updates, and allows owners to check vehicle status and service logs via a diagnostic panel.

 

The Extender is powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo diesel engine that produces 161 horsepower and 375Nm of torque, which is just mediocre compared to the competition. The top model is fitted with a 6-speed automatic that’s a little jumpy in first gear, but performs smoothly in general.

 

While market leaders have reached the 500Nm level for torque output, the Extender’s 375Nm might just be enough for normal driving. With its 2,050kg weight, overtaking performance might not impress, and you’d probably wish for more torque.

 

MG claims an average fuel economy of 12.7km/litre which is pretty average while average CO2 is claimed at 207g/km.

 

The 4WD system is electronic and simple to use, offering the standard 2H, 4H and 4L options.

 

What you will like about the engine, meanwhile, is the smoothness, which is also reflected in the suspension setup. There are double wishbones up front and despite the rear leaf springs, the Extender offers a highly comfortable ride with no bumpiness to be found during our drive in Northeastern Thailand last week.

 

Cracks, bumps and potholes on the road were ironed out effectively, while noise insulation has been carried out well too, resulting in a pretty quiet and peaceful cabin (at least up to 120km/h).

 

The Extender comes with all the safety features you’d expect from a top brand, such as six airbags, disc brakes all-round, electronic stability control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, hill start assist, hill descent control, blind spot detection and lane departure warning. The parking camera has bird’s eye view function, but not with the best resolution though.

MG says that it’s cheap to maintain the Extender, with no more than Bt20,000 cost per 100,000km of driving.

 

The Extender might not be a superior truck compared to other brands in the market. But it does come with some good points that can help MG find customers who are looking for a pickup with elegant design, spacious interior as well as the latest multimedia connectivity.

 

MG Extender Double Cab 2.0 Grand 4WD X 6AT

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo intercooler

Displacement: 1,996cc

Bore and stroke: 83.0x92.0mm

Compression ratio: 15.9:1

Max power: 161ps/4,000rpm

Max torque: 375Nm/1,500-2,400rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Average fuel economy: 12.7km/liter

Average CO2: 207/g/km

Suspension (f/r): double wishbone/leaf spring

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 12.5 meters

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/disc

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 5,365

Width: 1,900

Height: 1,850

Wheelbase: 3,155

Track (f/r): 1,580/1,580

Ground clearance: 183

Weight: 2,050kgs

Wheels: 18-in alloy

Tires: 255/60 R18

Fuel tank capacity 73 liters

Price: Bt1,029,000

Distributor: MG Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/auto/30378249

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2019-11-12

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[sirineou]

Maybe more bells a whistles. but I think I will give it a pass for now. IMO Good looking truck ,

[tifino]

interesting Infomercial 

[owenm]

What is the Thai warranty on MG? 

In Australia it is now 7 Yr factory with unlimited kms.. 

[CharlieH]

6 minutes ago, owenm said:

What is the Thai warranty on MG? 

In Australia it is now 7 Yr factory with unlimited kms.. 

Like most things in Thailand probably 7 days if at all ????

[sammieuk1]

12 minutes ago, owenm said:

What is the Thai warranty on MG? 

In Australia it is now 7 Yr factory with unlimited kms.. 

I would say 5 mins with unlimited mileage but a good looker if you like bricks???? 

[MAGA 2020]

I'll keep my Ford

[transam]

2 hours ago, owenm said:

What is the Thai warranty on MG? 

In Australia it is now 7 Yr factory with unlimited kms.. 

In the UK it is 7 years, unless it has changed in the last year, it is only 4 years in LOS..????

 

Folk will buy this Chinese offering, the same as they are buying the other MG stuff, it's cheaper...

[sirineou]

3 hours ago, transam said:

In the UK it is 7 years, unless it has changed in the last year, it is only 4 years in LOS..????

 

Folk will buy this Chinese offering, the same as they are buying the other MG stuff, it's cheaper...

Is it that much cheaper? How much would a comparable truck cost? 

[Chongalulu]

3 hours ago, transam said:

In the UK it is 7 years, unless it has changed in the last year, it is only 4 years in LOS..????

 

Folk will buy this Chinese offering, the same as they are buying the other MG stuff, it's cheaper...

The article implies pricing is similar to established  brands but the power output is noticeably lower. Can’t see a reason to choose it over trusted offerings from existing manufacturers.

[transam]

8 minutes ago, sirineou said:

Is it that much cheaper? How much would a comparable truck cost? 

Look up Tata....????

[tifino]

9 minutes ago, sirineou said:

Is it that much cheaper? How much would a comparable truck cost? 

The Only comparable 

(& mentioned in the OP) is the: 

Maxus T60 

[canthai55]

 

As a comparison ...

Toyota 4X4 4 door Revo Rocco top spec 1,199,000

Why would you buy an underpowered Truck new to the market with no idea of durability for a few years

Edited November 13, 2019 by canthai55

[sirineou]

2 minutes ago, transam said:

Look up Tata....????

 

Just now, tifino said:

The Only comparable 

(& mentioned in the OP) is the: 

Maxus T60 

Sorry, I meant comparable trucks  in terms of equipment, provided by established in Thailand brands , such as chevy, ford, mazda, Isuzu etc.

Let's say comparing the price of the MG truck to a comparable Chevy Colorado.

[tifino]

4 minutes ago, sirineou said:

 

Sorry, I meant comparable trucks  in terms of equipment, provided by established in Thailand brands , such as chevy, ford, mazda, Isuzu etc.

Let's say comparing the price of the MG truck to a comparable Chevy Colorado.

 Or a Lada vs an equivalently basic old Fiat or Trabant! 

(Relatively speaking) 

 

[sirineou]

2 minutes ago, tifino said:

 Or a Lada vs an equivalently basic old Fiat or Trabant! 

(Relatively speaking) 

 

None of my relatives would ever drive any of these cars 

[Isaan sailor]

I’ll pass on the ChiCom pickup.  If you like the high Baht—buy it.  If you don’t like a high Baht, and a Chinese takeover of Thailand—don’t purchase MG.

[billd766]

3 hours ago, sirineou said:

Is it that much cheaper? How much would a comparable truck cost? 

There are more manufacturers available. Just do  Google search.

 

Ford Ranger

 

*Raptor: 1.699 million baht

*Wildtrak: 1.029-1.265 million baht

*Limited: 889,000 to 1.029 million baht

*XLT: 749,000-869,000 baht

*XLS: 659,000-789,000 baht

*XL: 559,000-799,000 baht

*SWB: 589,000-799,000 baht 

 

Toyota pickups

4X2 2.4J PLUS    THB 685,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X2 2.4J PLUS AT    THB 740,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4J PLUS    THB 779,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X2 2.4E    THB 779,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4E    THB 819,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4E PLUS    THB 849,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4E AT    THB 869,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4E PLUS AT    THB 899,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4G ROCCO    THB 914,500 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4G    THB 919,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X4 2.4E PLUS    THB 935,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4G AT ROCCO    THB 964,500 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4G AT    THB 969,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X4 2.8G    THB 1.07 Million*
OTR Price
5 seats, 175 hp PS, 2755 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.8G AT ROCCO    THB 1.13 Million*
OTR Price
5 seats, 175 hp PS, 2755 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X4 2.8G AT    THB 1.14 Million*
OTR Price
5 seats, 175 hp PS, 2755 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X4 2.8G AT ROCCO    THB 1.19 Million*
OTR Price
5 seats, 175 hp PS, 2755 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS

 

 

[sirineou]

19 minutes ago, billd766 said:

There are more manufacturers available. Just do  Google search.

 

Ford Ranger

 

*Raptor: 1.699 million baht

*Wildtrak: 1.029-1.265 million baht

*Limited: 889,000 to 1.029 million baht

*XLT: 749,000-869,000 baht

*XLS: 659,000-789,000 baht

*XL: 559,000-799,000 baht

*SWB: 589,000-799,000 baht 

 

Toyota pickups

4X2 2.4J PLUS    THB 685,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X2 2.4J PLUS AT    THB 740,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4J PLUS    THB 779,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X2 2.4E    THB 779,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4E    THB 819,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4E PLUS    THB 849,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4E AT    THB 869,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4E PLUS AT    THB 899,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4G ROCCO    THB 914,500 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4G    THB 919,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X4 2.4E PLUS    THB 935,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4G AT ROCCO    THB 964,500 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.4G AT    THB 969,000 *
OTR Price
5 seats, 148 hp PS, 2393 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X4 2.8G    THB 1.07 Million*
OTR Price
5 seats, 175 hp PS, 2755 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
PRERUNNER 2X4 2.8G AT ROCCO    THB 1.13 Million*
OTR Price
5 seats, 175 hp PS, 2755 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X4 2.8G AT    THB 1.14 Million*
OTR Price
5 seats, 175 hp PS, 2755 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS
4X4 2.8G AT ROCCO    THB 1.19 Million*
OTR Price
5 seats, 175 hp PS, 2755 cc, Diesel    VIEW NOVEMBER PROMOS

 

 

so at Bt1.029 the MG is not that much less expensive, and  by their admission  it is under-powered .

[billd766]

1 hour ago, sirineou said:

so at Bt1.029 the MG is not that much less expensive, and  by their admission  it is under-powered .

If I had me druthers I'druther go for a Ford Ranger again, probably the XLT: 749,000-869,000 baht. My current 18 year old Ford Ranger is a 4 door, 4x4, 2.5 turbo diesel with 401.xxx km on the clock and still rattles along.

[sirineou]

40 minutes ago, billd766 said:

If I had me druthers I'druther go for a Ford Ranger again, probably the XLT: 749,000-869,000 baht. My current 18 year old Ford Ranger is a 4 door, 4x4, 2.5 turbo diesel with 401.xxx km on the clock and still rattles along.

Also an excellent choice the Ford.

When I was in Thailand I had a Chevy Colorado picture seven years ago, when we were doing the fence around our property.Nothing fancy but it run like a top , Never had a problem. People complained about the Chevy service, but we rarely saw them anyway.

You take care of these trucks (all of them, I don't care, Chevy, ford Isuzu etc)and they will last for ever.

Unfortunately for as my wife talked me into sealing  it when we went back to the States. she said for the few times we are in Thailand we will rent.  It turned out that we came to Thailand more often than we thought and stayed longer than we thought, an it became costly to rent. So big mistake selling it.

We bought a small 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage , just so that we don't have to rent,  But I am getting ready to retire now and will be spending a lot more time in Thailand, so when I come there this spring we will be looking for a better car. SUV has being discussed by the wife, but beat a 4 door pickup truck, for value and practicality. If I have anything to say, It will be a pick up truck and the top candidates will ne a Ford or a Chevy, but U have no brand loyalty and will go with the best deal.  

At this point I don't see why I would get the MG, the savings are not enough to override all my other concerns. (reliability, service. resale value) Id rater do with a few less bells and whistles and have some peace of mind

 

 

 

 

[jaiyenyen]

I had a look around one the other day. I expected a plasticky, poorly made truck but was pleasantly surprised. It seemed well put together, certainly to the same standard of my Mazda BT50, if not better.

Reliability and after sales service? Who knows? All I can say is that it's been around in other forms, ie LDV in Australia and Maxus in China, so I would guess any major issues would have been dealt with.

[transam]

Must admit, the only real problem I have with the thing is the badge...☹️

[BestB]

Saw one just yesterday and in real life it resembles VW Amorok

[billd766]

12 hours ago, sirineou said:

Also an excellent choice the Ford.

When I was in Thailand I had a Chevy Colorado picture seven years ago, when we were doing the fence around our property.Nothing fancy but it run like a top , Never had a problem. People complained about the Chevy service, but we rarely saw them anyway.

You take care of these trucks (all of them, I don't care, Chevy, ford Isuzu etc)and they will last for ever.

Unfortunately for as my wife talked me into sealing  it when we went back to the States. she said for the few times we are in Thailand we will rent.  It turned out that we came to Thailand more often than we thought and stayed longer than we thought, an it became costly to rent. So big mistake selling it.

We bought a small 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage , just so that we don't have to rent,  But I am getting ready to retire now and will be spending a lot more time in Thailand, so when I come there this spring we will be looking for a better car. SUV has being discussed by the wife, but beat a 4 door pickup truck, for value and practicality. If I have anything to say, It will be a pick up truck and the top candidates will ne a Ford or a Chevy, but U have no brand loyalty and will go with the best deal.  

At this point I don't see why I would get the MG, the savings are not enough to override all my other concerns. (reliability, service. resale value) Id rater do with a few less bells and whistles and have some peace of mind

 

 

 

 

My wife and I had a discussion back in 2001 about what pickup we/I were going to buy. I decided on the Toyota Hilux and my wife decided on the Ford Ranger. We compromised, I got to pay the bill and she got the Ford Ranger. (But it is still in my name).

[transam]

16 hours ago, sirineou said:

Also an excellent choice the Ford.

When I was in Thailand I had a Chevy Colorado picture seven years ago, when we were doing the fence around our property.Nothing fancy but it run like a top , Never had a problem. People complained about the Chevy service, but we rarely saw them anyway.

You take care of these trucks (all of them, I don't care, Chevy, ford Isuzu etc)and they will last for ever.

Unfortunately for as my wife talked me into sealing  it when we went back to the States. she said for the few times we are in Thailand we will rent.  It turned out that we came to Thailand more often than we thought and stayed longer than we thought, an it became costly to rent. So big mistake selling it.

We bought a small 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage , just so that we don't have to rent,  But I am getting ready to retire now and will be spending a lot more time in Thailand, so when I come there this spring we will be looking for a better car. SUV has being discussed by the wife, but beat a 4 door pickup truck, for value and practicality. If I have anything to say, It will be a pick up truck and the top candidates will ne a Ford or a Chevy, but U have no brand loyalty and will go with the best deal.  

At this point I don't see why I would get the MG, the savings are not enough to override all my other concerns. (reliability, service. resale value) Id rater do with a few less bells and whistles and have some peace of mind

 

 

 

 

Your Chevy was actually an Isuzu back then.....????

[sirineou]

9 hours ago, jaiyenyen said:

I had a look around one the other day. I expected a plasticky, poorly made truck but was pleasantly surprised. It seemed well put together, certainly to the same standard of my Mazda BT50, if not better.

Reliability and after sales service? Who knows? All I can say is that it's been around in other forms, ie LDV in Australia and Maxus in China, so I would guess any major issues would have been dealt with.

Probably reliable, I am sure since they are trying to make a name for themselves and establish themselves in the international market , they are making an effort and are trying to develop a good reputation, Any major issues right now, would be the kiss of death for them . where some established brands might be resting on their laurels .

But the operative word is "Probably" an old coot like me would like it much more if it was "certainly" 

9 hours ago, transam said:

Must admit, the only real problem I have with the thing is the badge...☹️

Me too. name it Chevy or.... and would probably buy it in a heartbeat. As you said my Chevy was an ISuzu , or maybe the isuzu was a Chevy, who knows now days 

My concern is that chinese products have a negative perception as "Cheap" and if for whatever reason I decided to  sell it , I would take a hit greater than the purchasing savings.Perhaps this will change with time, Remember Hyundais when they first came out?