Kamal Ghorui
JSW MG Motor India has taken a step towards expanding its SUV portfolio, with a design patent for the Starlight 560 filed in the country. The model, which is already sold internationally under the Wuling brand, is expected to arrive in India as a three-row SUV and could take on rivals like the Mahindra XUV 7XO in the competitive segment.The patent filing gives a clear indication of the design direction. The SUV features a bold front with a blacked-out fascia and a rectangular grille. The LED headlamps are placed high on the front. The overall look is modern, with black cladding around the wheel arches and multi-spoke alloy wheels. Other design elements include blacked-out pillars and roof rails.In terms of size, the Starlight 560 is expected to be a fairly large SUV. Globally, it measures over 4.7 metres in length and has a wheelbase of more than 2.8 metres. This would make it larger than several rivals in its class, while also allowing for a spacious three-row cabin layout.
MG Starlight 560 : Expected powertrain
For India, the SUV is likely to be offered with a plug-in hybrid setup. This combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing around 104 hp and 130 Nm with an electric motor mounted on the front axle. The combined output stands at 194 hp and 230 Nm. MG claims the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 9.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 170 kmph.The hybrid system is supported by a 20.5 kWh battery pack, which is expected to deliver around 100 km of pure electric driving range. A heavily camouflaged test mule, believed to be based on the Starlight 560, has already been spotted testing in India. Internally codenamed 520, the SUV is expected to make its debut around October this year. While the final name for the Indian market has not been confirmed yet, it is expected to be among the first new locally manufactured MG models introduced after the Windsor EV.
