MG confirms details for its U9 dual-cab ute
Chinese brand enters the fray with attractive pricing for its 4x4 ute
By carsales.com.au
MG Motor Australia is driving into the heartland of Australia with its first dual-cab ute.
The Chinese brand has confirmed details for its U9 four-wheel drive pick-up that arrives in local showrooms from October, including price and specifications for its three-tiered lineup.
Available in either Explore, Explore X and Explore Pro, the MG U9 is priced between $52,990 and $60,990 driveaway, which aligns with earlier expectations and provides a potential headache for segment heavyweights like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
All three variants will share the same mechanical configuration, featuring a 2.5-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder that produces 160kW of power and 520Nm of torque to drive a mechanical four-wheel drive transmission with a low-range transfer case and rear differential lock via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
They also utilise a double wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspension set-up and have a maximum braked trailer towing capacity of 3500kg.
MG has included a generous list of standard equipment across the range, with the entry-level Explore featuring twin 12.3-inch digital displays, air conditioning with rear air vents, side steps, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, synthetic leather trim, and a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, DAB+ digital radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The mid-spec Explore X, which costs $55,990 driveaway, adds larger 19-inch alloys, electric folding and heated door mirrors, a slide rail with hooks and 2 LED lights in the tub, heated steering wheel and heated front seats, 360-degree parking display, Amazon music, 12 months of complimentary iSmart connected services, embedded sat nav and wireless charging pad.
At the top of the range, the Explore Pro features a host of unique additions including a front differential lock, 20-inch alloy wheels, black exterior highlights, 64 colour interior ambient lighting, high-definition parking display, electric opening tailgate, suede interior headliner, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function, heated rear seats, genuine leather trim and a premium eight-speaker JBL audio system.
The Explore Pro can also be optioned with a segment-first electronic foldable rear access panel that lowers the rear section to grant access to the cabin from the tub – or vice-versa – or extends the capacity to cater for longer items.
This works in tandem with the MG U9’s unique MultiFold rear seats which can fold flat like a conventional SUV.
The entry-level Explore has the highest payload capacity 870kg, which drops to 835kg in the Explore X and 770kg in the Explore Pro.
And all three claim to deliver the same average fuel consumption figure of 7.9L/100km.
“Many Aussies and Kiwis have been a part of MG Motor’s journey from zero to a top 10 brand,” said MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao.
“The MG success story so far has been based on smaller cars and SUVs that Aussies fell in love with. But from today, the MG U9 is our ‘big’ model step-up.
“This great ute joins our growing family of big models like the award-winning QS seven-seater.
“It marks the start of a big new era for MG in Australia and New Zealand, delivering comfort and rugged capability for local drivers.”
Disclaimer: Images supplied by MG.