MG makes unexpected bakkie segment entry in Thailand
Iconic British sports car manufacturer MG has become the latest, and unexpected, entry into the ever growing bakkie segment when it introduced the Extender in Thailand over the weekend.
Essentially a rebadged version of Chinese parent company SAIC’s Maxus T70, itself a rejigged take on the earlier T60 that debuted three years ago and sold as the LDV T60 in Australia, the Extender mainly receives a new, MG bespoke grille with the rest being unchanged from the T70.
Directly aimed at the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton in the lucrative Thai bakkie market, the Extender will be offered in extended cab and double bodystyles with a choice of two diesel engines displacing 2.0-litres; a single turbo developing 120kW/375Nm and a twin-turbo producing 160kW/480Nm.
Depending on the engine and trim level, the Extender will come with a either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox with drive going to the rear or all four wheels.
In Thailand, pricing for the Extender kicks-off at 549 000 baht (R272 564) for the extended cab at 759 000 (R371 859) baht for the double cab, but, although available in right-hand-drive, it is not expected to touchdown in South Africa anytime soon.
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