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August 8, 2019

MG's First Pickup Truck is More Powerful Than the Ranger Raptor


By and large, it’s easy to tell which vehicle segments MG and Maxus would compete in—if it’s a passenger vehicle or light SUV, it’s an MG; if it’s a commercial vehicle or light truck, it’s Maxus. With both brands belonging to China’s SAIC Group, that’s all well and good; that is, until you get stuff like the MG Extender.

Made for the Thai market, the MG Extender is the British/Chinese brand’s first-ever workhorse that’s basically a re-badged Maxus T70 (which is in turn essentially a refreshed T60). Still, whatever the badge, it’s fairly new, launched at the Auto Shanghai last April.



Perhaps the most interesting thing about the MG Extender is its powertrain. It debuts a new family of 2.0-liter common rail direct injection diesel engines made by SAIC and get this, in its base form, it already makes 161 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque thanks to a single-turbo configuration. Add another turbo, and the outputs go up to 214 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque—figures which make it a Ranger Raptor fighter (at least in a straight line). Available transmission options are a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic while the four-wheel drive model coming with a locking rear differential.

In its home market of China, the MG Extender already has electric power steering (though the Thai market uses the traditional hydraulically-assisted rack). Built on what MG/Maxus calls FSF or Full Space Frame chassis structure, it’s ultra-rigid. With 255/60 R 18 wheels, its turning radius is rather large at 6.3 meters, but at least it gets four-wheel disc brakes as standard.



Whether it’s branded as an MG or Maxus, it boasts of features such as LED headlights with daytime running lights, automatic climate control with rear vents, push-button engine start/stop, leather seating, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 6 speakers. In the safety front, it packs stuff like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill start and descent assist, tire pressure monitors, stability control, and a rear-view camera.

Realizing that the Thailand market is ultra-competitive, MG decided to price the double-cab version of the Extender from 759,000 Baht (~ P 1,287,715) to 1,029,000 Baht (~ P 1,745,795).


Currently, neither The Covenant Car Company (TCCCI), the distributor of MG nor Ayala Automotive, the distributor of Maxus has given any indication on which of them will eventually sell the MG Extender / Maxus T70. Regardless, it’s worth noting that this pickup is destined by SAIC to be a global model. So the question beckons: would you rather have this with an MG or Maxus badge upfront?

21 comments:

  1. Filipinos, if you love your country stop buying chinese product including huawei.

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    1. Yes we also should stop buying japanese products, american products german products french products and many more foreign products.��������.

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  2. When will MG Extender and Maxuz available in Mindanao?

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  3. Whats with these people perception of Chinese cars? Have you been living under a rock lately?

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  4. So if you take out all Chinese parts like transistors, capacitors, radios, head units, and every other what have you, they might be stuck with just a windshield. Good luck driving in that.

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  5. Exactly how is it more powerful than raptor? "Thursday, August 8, 2019
    MG's First Pickup Truck is More Powerful Than the Ranger Raptor"

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    1. This one makes 214 horsepower, Ranger Raptor makes 213.

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    2. Yep up by 1 HP and down by 20NM torque yes it is more "powerful" LOL

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  6. I already consider the Chinese Mobile Phones, they already evolve, but when it comes to automobile, I don't trust their craft for now... Better Luck after 20yrs. Of engineering

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  7. Never to buy this FAKE "MG" pretending european car that is made in China.

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    1. That's what I like to call Taong Tabon mindset

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  8. gonna buy that =) hope they have 4x4

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  9. 4x4 would be good for this British designed and managed, China owned vehicle

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  10. in the long run China will win,

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  11. China is really offering quality and affordable cars. I am seriously considering buying one.

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  12. Hmmmmm..... let me see this one. Been a ford user for years power, comfort, driving experience and safety are the perks of having a ford. Im willing to try MG if it surpass those miles

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  13. 6 Speed Transmission vs a Raptor's 10 Speed Transmission. Even if it can produce 214 HP vs Raptor's 213 HP, it will still lose against the Raptor even in a straight line due to Acceleration

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