MG Motor is preparing to debut its highly anticipated dual-cab ute, signaling the company’s commitment to capturing the Australian market. Known internally as the MG P9, this upcoming model will be rebadged from the LDV Terron 9, itself derived from the Maxus Star X, and it’s expected to cater to the booming demand for utes, particularly popular among Australian consumers.
The reveal of the MG P9, which CarNewsChina recently showcased through exclusive spy photos, confirms predictions about MG's strategy to renounce developing its own unique design for the ute. Instead, MG is poised to leverage the established LDV Terron 9 platform. Peter Ciao, CEO of MG Motor Australia, reiterated the urgency of this move during discussions with the media, affirming, "Without a ute, you can’t achieve Top Three, Top Five"—marking the dual-cab as pivotal for MG’s outlined growth targets to become one of Australia’s top-five best-selling car brands by 2027.
Currently, MG’s presence is modest, with roughly 41,302 vehicles sold year-to-date. Comparatively, Mitsubishi holds fifth position with over 62,000 units sold, indicating how competitive this race for commercial success really is. Utes hold significant sway over the Australian automotive market, accounting for nearly 19 percent of new vehicle sales. RVs like the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton dominate these figures, solidifying the necessity for MG to enter this segment with vigor.
MG Australia has been slower to introduce models compared to its competitors but is now catching up with plans for the new ute. Speaking to Drive, Ciao noted: "When I went back to China, I chatted with the [SAIC] chairman and I said, 'You expect me to do great things, but I told you, without utes here, it’s almost impossible.'" This version of the dual-cab will be MG’s first diesel-powered vehicle for Australia if it mirrors the LDV’s configuration featuring the 2.5-liter turbo-diesel engine producing 164 kW of power.
Design-wise, not much differentiation from the LDV models is expected. The primary modification involves swapping out the existing LDV badging for MG’s emblem, which has caused some criticism among enthusiasts hoping for more distinct designs. The variant identified as MG P9 will arrive with significant height and length attributes, with dimensions stated as 5500mm long, 1997mm wide, and 1860mm high.
MG has broader ambitions with electric options also projected to hit the market. The electric variant, dubbed the eTerron 9, is anticipated to feature two configurations: one with 200 kW and rear-wheel drive and another dual-motor variant producing 325 kW with four-wheel drive capability. Each configuration taps power from a 102 kWh LFP battery pack, resulting in impressive estimated driving ranges. The higher-powered model claims to cover up to 430 km on the WLTP standard.
Interestingly, the introduction of the MG P9 may not come without competition. The LDV distributors, Ateco, have already committed to bringing both eTerron 9 and diesel Terron 9 models to Australia under their own brand. Therefore, if MG does proceed with the P9 launch, it will need to differentiate itself sufficiently to avoid blending with LDV’s established offerings.
MG leadership has also foreshadowed the importance of timing. With ambitions to see the model on showroom floors as early as 2025, the clock is ticking for the MG team to finalize development. MG’s head of product, Akshat Ahuja, conveyed their urgency, stating, "We would love to have a ute tomorrow, but it’s key to provide quality and not rush the process."
Meetings have taken place between MG executives and the parent company SAIC Motor, underscoring cooperative development efforts which allow MG to utilize existing products from the wider SAIC umbrella, thereby expediting the overall design and manufacturing processes. MG’s expedited approach stands distinct from traditional lead times required within other regions, particularly reflecting the rapid development pace from Chinese manufacturers. Peter Ciao expressed assurance this methodology positions them to meet the pressing demand for utes within the next couple of years.
The MG P9's success could revolutionize the perception of MG within the Australian market, reinforcing it as not just another newcomer but as a competitive option against longstanding favorites. The anticipated rollout will not only engage buyers but also potentially reshape MG’s market share strategies moving forward. With Ciao’s ambitious targets steeped deeply within the brand’s aspirations, all eyes will be on the MG ute as it rolls down under.
