[16th MIAS - What to expect] MG to launch the all-new RX8 SUV at MIAS 2020

MG to launch the RX-8 at the 2020 MIAS

After making a HUGE splash at MIAS 2019, MG Philippines is doing quite well, under The Covenant Car Company Inc.

The MG ZS is probably one of the best value-for-money models in the crossover market segment right now. Even the MG6, which we reviewed earlier this month, appears to be receiving positive reviews from many automotive sites.

The RX-8 has been launched in the Middle East 

And with MIAS 2020 just around the corner, several car manufacturers are beginning to reveal, or at least hint at, the models they'll be launching at the event.

MG has confirmed that they will be launching the all-new RX8. No, it’s not a Dorito-powered sports car, but a midsize SUV. Let’s take a closer look at this exciting new model.

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The MG RX8: The biggest and fanciest MG yet!

While there’s the MG RX5 crossover offered locally, the RX8 is on a whole new level. For starters, it's a seven-seater SUV measuring 4,923 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,840 high.

It has a wheelbase of 2,850 mm and a ground clearance of 202 mm. The height also plays a part in the the RX8's advertised wading depth of 800 mm.

Under the hood, the RX8 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged, inline-4 gasoline engine capable of 221 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. Beefy. Another thing is that the RX8 is no unibody crossover, instead riding on a ladder frame chassis that makes it considerably more capable in offroad driving scenarios.  

>>> While waiting for the RX8, read our MG RX5 2020 Philippines review

Look at that HUGE sunroof

Power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive electronic transfer case. Aisin also produces gearboxes for Toyota, Mitsubishi, Volvo, and MINI, owing to its reputation of building solid transmissions.

Even when it comes to amenities, the RX8 is definitely no pushover. Among the features it offers are dual-zone climate control, electronic parking brakes, a panoramic sunroof, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, leather seats (on the top-spec variant), a 10-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, along with keyless entry and push start button.

>>> Click here to update the latest changes in MG Philippines price

On the outside, the RX-8 looks like a larger version of the Tiguan. Sleek yet macho. 

The RX8 also has occupant safety in mind, offering a tire pressure monitoring system, with the top-of-the-line trim sporting a rear locking differential, lane departure warning system and cruise control, as well as a full complement of front, side, and curtain airbags.

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