MG Maxus D90 SUV spotted testing in India, to rival Toyota Fortuner

Team OD Updated: February 05, 2020, 01:17 PM IST

A spy image has shown that SAIC's India arm, MG Motor India has begun testing the Maxus D90 SUV. This could mean that the body-on-frame seven seater SUV could be launched here sometime next year. The D90 is sold largely under the Maxus brand, the SAIC arm that sells light heavy-duty vehicles like MPVs and pick-ups. It is also sold under the MG and LDV brands in certain regions.

The D90 competes with cars like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mahindra Alturas G4. It is 5,005mm long, 1,875mm tall and 1,932mm wide, with a 2,950mm wheelbase. This makes it larger than the Fortuner and the Endeavour. A 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 225PS and 350 Nm but we think MG will bring it to India with the FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel, as seen on the Hector. This could be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed torque-convertor auto. A four-wheel-drive system is also available as an option which adds off-road modes, alongside driving modes.

We also expect this SUV to come with numerous segment-first features, given that this is a strategy MG has used to gain popularity in our market. We think the D90 could come with features like a 360-degree camera, TPMS, sunroof, dual-zone air-conditioning, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, six airbags, hill descent control and so on.

We also think the D90 could be priced very aggressively. It will sit above the seven-seat Hector in the brand's line-up and we think could be priced under the Rs 25 lakh mark.
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