MG Starlight - India's Most Affordable Plug-In Hybrid SUV Spied Ahead Of Launch
The latest launch from JSW MG Motor India has been the Majestor. The carmaker is now working on an all-new product for India- the Starlight 560. It is expected to become India’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV when launched. Now, a new set of spy shots has surfaced, showing more of its design details.
MG is expected to launch both electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of this SUV in India. It is the PHEV that we can see in these images. The project is internally codenamed ‘520’. In these images, the SUV is seen moving along a highway. It is heavily camouflaged, although details like the front grille design, headlamps and tail lamps are visible.
The overall proportions and exposed elements suggest that the Indian version will stand close to the Wuling Starlight 560 sold overseas, with its design. It will have an upright grille section with honeycomb pattern, uniquely styled LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, and front bumper with integrated air vents. The SUV will have a boxy silhouette and a balanced design. We can also see roof rails and a shark-fin antenna. The alloy wheels will also look interesting with their dual-tone design.
Going by these images, the SUV will have large windows and pull-type door handles. The rear has a rather plain design and we can also see horizontal LED tail lamps, prominent rear bumper and an integrated spoiler.
This SUV will be 4,745 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,755-1,770 mm tall. It will have a wheelbase of 2810mm. These dimensions give us a clear picture of its rival (s). The Starlight 560 will be larger than the Mahindra XUV 7XO and will likely compete with the same. The Mahindra, however, lacks a hybrid powertrain. Both five-seater and seven-seater versions of the Starlight are available in global markets.
The Starlight 560’s cabin will have a modern design. It will come with a long list of features. Expect to find the likes of a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on the latest version of Ling OS, 6-speaker audio, 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, two-spoke steering wheel, automatic climate control, and ADAS inside. More details of the feature-list are likely to surface closer to the launch.
The biggest strength of this SUV will be its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will mate a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated, Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an electric motor and a 20.5 kWh battery pack. The combined system output will be 197 bhp and 230 Nm. The SUV will be able to sprint to 100kph from a complete standstill in just 9.7 seconds, and will have a top speed of 170kph. It is expected to strike a fine balance between efficiency, performance and reduced dependence on conventional fuels.
MG also has plans to bring an EV version of the Starlight 560. Test mules of this have also been spotted in various parts of India. The EV will look much like the PHEV. Differentiating design cues will include the likes of a closed-off front grille.
The electric version will also be a seven-seater and will compete with the Mahindra XEV 9S and Vinfast MPV 7 when launched. It will come with a 56.7 kWh battery pack, claimed to deliver a range of around 500 km per charge. The powertrain will have an output of 136 bhp and 200 Nm.