Check out the Thai-spec MG Extender; powerful than the Ranger Raptor

KUALA LUMPUR: MG has come up with its very first pickup truck that is made specifically for the Thai market. Its comes as a little surprise as the brand usually deals in passenger vehicles or light SUV. If it is a light truck or commercial vehicle, we expect it to be from Maxus. However, the SAIC Group subsidiary, MG with the reveal of the Extender pickup has proved its diversity.

The MG Extender is basically a re-badged Maxus T70, though it is relatively new and was introduced last May at the Auto Shanghai.

One of the MG Extender major highlights is its powertrain. It marks the debut of a new breed of 2.0-litre common-rail direct-injection diesel units developed by SAIC. In the base form, this mill comes with a single-turbo setup and generates a maximum power of 161 hp along with a peak torque of 375 Nm. The figure extends to 214 hp and 480 Nm when another turbo is added to the configuration - and this here makes it a Ranger Raptor competitor. The MG Extender can be opted with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox. The four-wheel-drive model comes with a locking differential.

While the Chinses market benefits from electronic steering, the Thai-market has to do away with the conventional hydraulically-assisted rack. The Extender pickup sits on a Full Space Frame or FSF chassis structure that is known for being ultra-rigid. The MG new vehicle runs on 255/60 R 18 wheels and has a turning radius of 6.3 meters. It gets four-wheel disc brakes as standard fitment.

Part of MG Extender feature/safety list is -

• LED headlights with daytime running lights
• Automatic climate control with rear vents
• Push-button engine start/stop
• Leather seating
• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers

• Six airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Hill-start and descent assist
• Tire pressure monitors
• Stability control
• Rear-view camera

The MG Extender would be offered in several trim options in the Thai-market, and knowing the competition in the region, the pickup carries a rather competitive price tag. The double-cab version are priced between 759,000 bath to 1,029,000 bath (RM 103,420 to RM 140,210).

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