Fifteen years ago, the MG 7 began a new phase in the life of the former British brand, which passed into Chinese ownership. And although the MG 7 sedan was only a variation of the Rover 75 model, developed back in the nineties under the patronage of BMW, for Chinese buyers it was a bright and desirable novelty of European origin. The production of that “seven” was completed back in 2013, and only now it has a direct successor – the second-generation MG 7 liftback.
This is not only the brand’s new flagship, but also the first MG model to feature black logos. Such a color label was introduced in the company to designate the most temperamental cars with a sporty character. Moreover, contrary to the general trend towards electrification, “black” MGs will have internal combustion engines.
However, there is no question of the classic layout and rear-wheel drive. MG 7 is built on a front-wheel drive platform with a transverse engine. In size, the Chinese debutant is close to the Skoda Superb liftback: length – 4884 mm, width – 1889 mm, height – 1447 mm. And between the axles it has 2778 mm once morest 2841 mm for the Superba. But the body style and proportions are completely different.
The MG 7 has athletic body lines, recessed door handles (optional) and large exhaust pipes. It has frameless doors, and a retractable spoiler is built into the fifth door, which rises at speeds of over 100 km / h. Wheels can have a diameter of 18 to 20 inches, among the options – a panoramic roof with a sliding section. A spring suspension – with adaptive dampers.
The interior is without revelations. On the front panel, under a single glass, there is an instrument display (10.25 inches) and a media system touchscreen (12.3 inches). Multimedia itself – with the function of remote updating “over the air”. There is an augmented reality head-up display and a fourteen-speaker Bose audio system. The engine start button is located on the central tunnel, and the Sport mode activation button is attached to the steering wheel.
It was foolish to wait for a V6 engine in a Chinese passenger car: the local tax system does not contribute to this. Therefore, a new two-liter direct-injection turbofour has been developed for the MG 7, the main feature of which is a turbocharger with variable guide vane geometry. Until now, only Porsche and Volkswagen have massively used this technology on gasoline engines, although it has long become familiar to diesel engines. However, there is nothing to be surprised: the appearance of such a turbine on a Chinese engine happened immediately following Volkswagen localized the production of 1.5 TSI evo engines with this technology in China. MG engine output – 261 hp and 405 Nm.
Also, the MG 7 was the first in the range to get a nine-speed automatic transmission. An electronically controlled differential lock is also announced. Acceleration to 100 km/h is 6.5 seconds, top speed is 230 km/h, and average fuel consumption is 6.94 l/100 km on the WLTC cycle. However, a simpler version with a 1.5 turbo engine (188 hp) and a maximum speed of 210 km / h will appear later, but there is no other data regarding it yet.
The new MG 7 will enter the Chinese market in autumn. According to preliminary information, the top version of the Trophy will cost regarding 30 thousand dollars.
