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MG

MG is an old British brand and while many Malaysians may think the brand has faded away, it is actually still around and is owned by SAIC, a company in China. The company is known as MG Motor UK Limited today and has a range of models which it sells in certain markets.

Like other carmakers, MG Motor also has an eye towards the future and it will show what its vision is at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show later this month. The vision will take a 3-dimension form known as the Cyberster concept car which was developed by the team at the MG Advanced Design Centre in London.

MG Cyberster concept 2021

MG Cyberster concept 2021 (1)

It is a 2-door, 2-seater sportscar recalling the brand’s tradition, drawing a number of styling cues from the classic MGB Roadster. There are those classic round MG headlights, coupled with a slim grille design, along with interactive ‘Magic Eye’ headlights that open when switched on.

Other interesting details of the MG Cyberster are the ‘laser belt’ LED strip down the side of the car and the outline of the door, which follows the direction of the LED strip. The tail lamps are of LED construction and are integrated flat into the rear of the car, projecting a digital image that echoes MG’s British heritage.

MG Cyberster concept 2021

“Sports cars are the lifeblood of the MG DNA and Cyberster is a hugely exciting concept for us,” declared Carl Gotham, Director of SAIC Design Advanced London. “The Cyberster is a bold statement that looks strongly into MG’s future, touching on our heritage but more importantly building on our cutting-edge technology and advanced design.”

The Cyberster’s, with intelligent all-electric architecture, will have a projected EV range of 800 kms and is claimed to be able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds. It will also feature 5G interconnectivity.

One of the current MG models on sale and (below) two concept cars presented in earlier years.

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MG’s compact SUV, the MG ZS has been awarded a 3-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, an independent body that classifies vehicle safety based on various frontal and side impact tests. A maximum of 5-stars can be awarded to a vehicle if it copes well with frontal and side impacts as well as offers exceptional level of protection to occupants.

A 3-star rating achieved by the MG ZS, may not be exemplary, but means that the vehicle will provide a satisfactory level of protection during a collision. That said, in both the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, the MG ZS scored maximum points. The passenger compartment remained intact, and provided decent protection for driver and passengers.

Harvey France, spokesperson at MG, said, “An achievement of a three-star rating from Euro NCAP is a great result. The body of the car showed great strength in all aspects and the MG ZS scored maximum points in the side barrier and the more severe side pole impact tests, a true testament to the work carried out by the engineering team.”

Built at MG’s facility in Longbridge, Birmingham, the MG ZS is a popular vehicle in the UK as it comes with a relatively affordable price tag, decent looks and a slew of options. This include six way adjustable seating and a touchscreen infotainment system that provides Bluetooth connectivity and support for Apple Carplay.

MG, will be launching its new compact SUV soon, which the automaker says will mark an exciting new era of design for the company. The Chinese owned British automaker is looking to dip its toes into the hotly contested waters of the compact SUV segment with the MG XS.

The new vehicle will join the automaker’s MG3 and MG GS to offer UK customers a home grown alternative to the Japanese and Korean offerings. Sporting an angular look, the new design philosophy is based on what the automaker calls, ‘Emotional Dynamism’.

It has been said the new vehicle has been designed in a way that best expresses the company’s new design language that emphasizes the premium nature of the XS. Though not groundbreaking, the the curved lines and creases of the frontend do give the vehicle an interesting look.

The new face features an enlarged grill design that was inspired by the automaker’s older vehicles but modernized to have a more contemporary look. MG says that the larger grille is able to accommodate a bigger badge, which, for vanity purposes, helps show off the brand’s heritage that can be traced to the early days of the automobile.

Carl Gotham, Design Director of SAIC European Design Centre, said, “It’s a really exciting time for MG as it starts to roll out its new brand identity. Emotional Dynamism brings to the fore a premium feel to the new Compact-SUV with exceptional attention to detail throughout, such as the distinctive detailing on the ‘eye’ headlights and signature tail lights.”

“It has a level of detailing and range of impressive features you would not expect to find on a car of this size or price,” he later added.

MG is expected to divulge more details regarding the brand’s new design direction closer to the launch date of the new vehicle. The automaker has stated that it is confident that latest addition will be able to bolster its sales figures that are already up by nearly 83% year-on-year.

The British automaker can trace its roots back to 1924 and has produced some of the most stunning vehicles from the golden area of the automobile. Stay tuned and we will let you know more when further details are released regarding the MG’s design direction.

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