SAIC has long taken a pick-and-mix approach with its branding and its models for overseas markets, with MG usually on the receiving end of models, which in China are usually from various other brands in the SAIC stable. Generally, however these have been brands which are also part of the passenger vehicle division of SAIC but in the case of the latest MG in India the Windsor it is actually from the Wuling joint venture and is known in China as the Baojun Cloud.
The MG makeover goes slightly beyond just changing the badges. There are now black wheel arches, side scuff strips, and roof racks. Running from one light cluster through to the other is a black strip emblazoned with Morris Garages.
The MG Windsor’s starting price is 999,000 Indian Rupees (11,900 USD), and it was launched on September 11. It is offered in three Trim levels: Excite, Exclusive, and Essence. All versions have 6 airbags, mobile phone connectivity, electronic stability control, and an electronic parking brake as standard.
Mid-level spec cars add a 15.6-inch infotainment system. This supports connections with Apple Carplay and Android Auto and has India-specific apps integrated, such as JioSaavn. There is also a 360-degree camera view. Top-spec models add a 9-speaker audio system, panoramic roof, front seat ventilation, and PM2.5 air purification system.
Powering the MG Windsor is the same 100 kW electric motor as on the Baojun Cloud (see specs), delivering up to 200 Nm of torque to the front wheels. In the Chinese market, the Baojun comes with two different battery capacities, the smaller of which is 37.9 kWh and the larger 50.6 kWh. In India it seems that only the smaller capacity will be available. Indian ranges are being quoted as 331 km (ARAI) whereas in China it is said to be 360 km (CLTC). The car has four driving modes: Eco+, Eco, Normal, and Sport
One crucial difference, though, between how the car is being sold In India compared to China is the battery. For the Indian market, buyers do not actually purchase the battery as part of the car, but rather, it is offered as BaaS, with buyers having to pay Rs 3.5 (0.04 USD) per km for usage. It should be noted that in China the list prices for the Baojun Cloud equipped with the 38 kWh battery 95,800 to 103,800 (13,500 – 14,650 USD) and that these prices include the battery. The car supports 45 kW DC fast charging.
The MG Windsor will be available for orders on October 3, and test drives will be available from October 13. MG in India has not yet announced the full price list or when deliveries will commence.
The MG Windsor is not the first time that the Baojun Cloud has changed its name for an overseas market, with it being known in Indonesia as the Wuling Cloud.
Sources: Fast Technology, Financial Express, Times of India
