MG joins the MPV wars with the six-seater 360M

In recent months, MG Motors has emerged as a formidable carmaker in its own right, combining British heritage with Chinese practicality at very competitive prices.

In the Philippines, MG's offerings have primarily been sedans (MG5, MG6) and crossovers (RX5, ZS) making up a respectable sales figure of 5,084 vehicles rolling off the showrooms in 2019.

MG 360M | Ertiga beware | 2020 Auto Expo | PowerDrift

Now, it looks like the company is setting its sights on the highly competitive multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment as well.

A rebadged version of the Baojun 360, the MG 360M is being used to test MG India's prospects in the MPV segment

Breaking cover at the Auto Expo 2020, MG has given the Indian market its first look at the 360M six-seater MPV, with which the carmaker is expected to challenge the likes of the Suzuki Ertiga and Honda BR-V.

The 360M is a rebadged 360 compact MPV made by Baojun which, like MG, is under SAIC Motor.

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The 360M features a bigger version of the distinctive MG grille

At 4615 mm long, 1735 mm wide and 1,660 mm high, MG’s newest offering is longer than its potential rivals although it sits a little lower, and boasts a 2750-mm wheelbase that’s only slightly behind the 2775 mm measurement of the Mitsubishi Xpander, which enters the Indian market in May.

LED projector headlights frame the massive MG honeycomb grille, with foglights positioned at the corners of the front bumper.

Large LED projector headlights are accompanied by LED DRLs

A pair of sharp character lines cut across the doors on both sides of the vehicle, with the topmost crease terminating in wraparound taillights that adorn the tailgate.

The rear quarter windows look to be the largest in its class, and roof rails complement the floating roof effect. Two-tone machined alloy wheels on 185/65 R15 radials complete the MPV’s stance.

>>> Check out MG Philippines reviews while waiting for the 360M comes to the Philippines

Blacked-out pillars give the 360M a sporty look, complemented by 15-inch alloys

Along with a multi-function steering wheel and leather upholstery, the 360M boasts a three-row seating configuration with folding third-row seats.

A floating-type 8-inch touchscreen head unit takes care of infotainment on the go. In addition, a rear parking camera, antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control are just some of the safety features mentioned.

Cockpit featuring the leather multi-function steering wheel and 8-inch touchscreen head unit

But what potentially makes the 360M a standout in its segment are features that are not commonly found on other MPVs, such as the power driver’s seat and second-row captain’s seats with armrests.

There’s also an electric sunroof overhead, although it doesn’t span the length of the roofline quite as the MG ZS does.

Second-row captain's chairs are the highlight of the three-row seating configuration

Under the hood, the 360M is propelled by a 1.5L gasoline engine that generates 103 hp and 135 Nm of torque, with a CVT coupling the engine to the front wheels.

MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear underpin the 360M’s ride quality.

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A CVT with sport mode engages the front wheels

MG is currently using the 360M as a showcase to evaluate the market’s initial reaction, after which it is expected to decide on an official launch date for India.

More importantly, we hope that MG considers bringing in this loaded family carrier to our shores to spice up the market offerings with more choices.

We're hoping that MG brings the 360M to our shores to shake up the local MPV market

Would you like to see the MG 360M arrive and challenge the reigning MPV offerings in the Philippines? Let us know in the comments section, and keep it here on Philkotse.com for the latest industry news.