BY OLUSEGUN CHARLES
Stallion Motors has unveiled four brands of Morris Garages (MG) vehicles in Nigeria, including a bi-fuel car, with plans to further expand the company’s product in the country.
Some of the brands showcased to automobile journalists in Lagos earlier in the week included the MG RX9, a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), the MG RX5 SUV, the sedan MG5, a bi-fuel vehicle that runs on gasoline and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and the MG T60, a pickup van. While the MG brand is of British origin, its vehicles are now produced and manufactured by SAIC Motor Corp.
Speaking at the unveiling of the brands, the General Sales Manager for the Stallion MG brand in Nigeria, Josephine Nwosu, said that the products come loaded with safety and state-of-the-art features.
She explained that the company rolled out the new brands to satisfy the yearnings of Nigerian auto enthusiasts who desired beauty with intelligence and at affordable rates.
Nwosu said the products target private and public organisations, oil companies, banks, farmers and many others.
For the MGRX9 SUV, Nwosu said that the 2.0-litre turbo engine brand is designed to meet the needs of the modern family, combining elegance, high performance, and affordable pricing, adding that it also offers spacious interiors, advanced features, and impressive capabilities to cater to various driving needs.
The spacious seven-seater SUV stands out with its innovative technologies, exceptional safety features, and versatile design, distinguishing it from competitors in the SUV and family car segments.
According to her, the MGRX9 delivers an exceptional driving experience, blending luxury with power, offering versatility, top-tier comfort, and cutting-edge technology.
She added: “It is the ideal car for families seeking both luxury and practicality. It is one of its most luxurious and largest models to date. The flagship model features a more aggressive and luxurious design than any other in the lineup.”
Also, for the all-new MG RX5, she emphasised that the MG RX5 strengthens MG’s popular model portfolio in Nigeria, offering customers unparalleled style, advanced technology, and superior comfort—all at an exceptional value.
MG RX5 delivers 171hp and a maximum torque of 275 N · m, which is higher than other brands in its category with its 1.5T high-pressure direct injection turbocharged unit with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission for smoother, more efficient gear changes and enhanced reliability.
The front of the vehicle features a striking, wide, three-dimensional geometric grille flanked by sleek, full crystal LED headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights. The rear design echoes the front with a solid, stable stance.
The MG RX5’s cabin also offers a natural and comfortable space that is padded with soft materials to ensure total comfort for occupants, while the central control panel features a stylish 14.1” HD vertical touchscreen that seamlessly integrates into the redesigned dashboard.
Standard features include cruise control, push-button ignition, keyless entry, and a rear-view camera, with a 360-degree parking view camera on full-option models.
The MG5 sedan remains the only bi-fuel – gasoline and CNG of the four brands unveiled by Stallion, which switches automatically in case the driver runs out of a particular fuel in the tank.
Also, Head Sales and Marketing, Stallion Motors, Gaurav Vashisht told the media that the MG5 is designed for drivers who crave unfiltered power, effortless acceleration and zero compromises with a 1.5 litre engine, attracting interior and exterior and high safety rating.
The MG T60 pickup truck comes with a 2.4-litre engine. The pickup truck is a rugged off-roader and a daily commuting truck in the same vein and specifically made for Nigerian roads.
The cabin is plush with a lot of headroom, legroom, spacious cargo and gasoline. The van targets oil & gas companies, farmers and suppliers, among others.
Meanwhile, Vashisht said that Stallion was also looking forward to expanding the MG brands in Nigeria, including hybrids, while also looking forward to local assemblage of all the brands.
“We also have after-sales services specifically for MG brands here in Lagos and others. We are also looking at bringing other MG brands to Nigeria’s market. However, the current brands in our fleet are all fuel-efficient,” he added.