Chinese brand’s plan to beat Mazda and Kia: 2025 MG U9 ute coming to Australia to steal Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux’s thunder
We’e recognized it’s coming for some time, nonetheless MG has at final confirmed it’s bringing a ute to market to rival the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, called the MG U9.
Thing is, the U9 became already coming right here badged as the LDV Terron 9. MG Australia has promised its ute could be right to the logo, nonetheless exactly what this means correct now could perhaps presumably be unclear.
The ute demonstrates MG’s choice to be a top-three model in Australia, which would peek the Chinese language-owned nameplate bounce Kia and Mazda for yearly sales. That can completely be an upset.
“If we’re attempting to be a top-three model on this nation, we need a ute that punches above its weight—and the U9 does exactly that. It’s tricky, succesful, and built for the manner Australians power,” said MG Motor Australia’s CEO Peter Ciao.
“Every person knows the seek files from is there, and we’re racy for it,” Ciao added.
The MG U9 — recognized as the Maxus Interstellar in its residence market — has doable on paper, with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder punching out 164kW and 520Nm.
The diesel is zigzag up to a ZF-sourced eight-velocity automatic transmission, which sends vitality to all four wheels. It’s no longer yet determined whether locking differentials could be equipped as viewed in the GWM Cannon Alpha range.
Also no longer determined is whether or no longer the MG ute could be diesel entirely. It is for now, nonetheless LDV is bringing the electrical model — badged e-Terron 9 — Down Below with up to 325kW and 430km WLTP riding range.
The U9 could be elevated than many key opponents; its Maxus Interstellar relation is 5500mm long, 2005mm wide and rides on a 3300mm wheelbase. A Ford Ranger, as an illustration, is 130mm shorter with 70mm less distance between its axles.
Though no longer confirmed, the MG U9 will almost undoubtedly boast a 3.5-tonne braked towing ability.
As the MG model is more on-avenue focused, query to peek the U9 chasing the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura and Ranger Platinum customers, in preference to Nissan Navara Warrior shoppers.
That can indicate a plush internal fit-out with two 12.3-shuffle screens, a sunroof, rear step, 360-stage digicam, adaptive suspension, and heated front and rear seats. Request MG to present the U9 entirely in elevated tidy variants.
Pricing for the 2025 MG U9 is yet to be introduced. With mark on the core of MG’s choices, we’d be shocked to peek an entry-stage U9 priced above $55,000 when it arrives in Australia in leisurely 2025.
For now, racy parties could be in a local to peek the U9 on MG’s stand at this weekend’s Melbourne Motor Show.
Source credit : chasingcars.com.au