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MG Motor launches MG RX8 and MG HS in Oman

Building on its existing product line-up and offering customers more variety, MG Motor unveiled two of its eagerly anticipated models: the all-new RX8 and HS at a special ceremony at Muscat City Centre Seeb.

With the new seven-seat RX8, MG is entering a segment in which it has never previously been present. Robust and spacious, with both the largest wheelbase and the largest third- row space in the class, it immediately sets itself apart from the competition. The MG RX8 is equally at home off-road as it is cruising around town or on long-distance journeys, where occupants will fully appreciate the levels of advanced technology and premium comfort on offer.

The MG HS has been designed to put the term ‘sport’ back into an MG SUV. Offering a 231hp 2.0L Turbo engine mated to a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox, Super Sport button, bucket racing seats and red racing calipers, the all-new HS brings MG’s celebrated sporting heritage to a state-of-the-art SUV.

Mohsin Haider Darwaish LLC is the exclusive importer of MG Motors in Oman. Commenting on the launch of the new models, David Aziz, CEO of MHD Automotive Division said,

“The launch of the new RX8 and HS sees a new page being written for MG in

Oman, each offering its unique character and being the most brilliant examples of automotive excellence. It is these very same models that are headlining the MG Brand’s resurgence not just in the sultanate but the world over, and we, as the official dealership of the brand here in the sultanate, are proud to introduce them as part of our new MG model line-up.”

MG RX8

The bold yet simple design of the new RX8 certainly makes it stand out from the crowd. At the front, the dual-slot bonnet, the silver lower lip, the chrome grille and the matrix-style LED fog lamps are sure to impress. The commanding presence and smooth body lines are set off neatly by features such as the twin chrome exhaust, LED tail lights, LED Headlamps, LED DRL and 20” alloys depending on trim. There is a choice of six different exterior colours.

Within the cabin, the MG RX8 reinforces the brand’s reputation for delivering premium finishes at non-premium prices. The use of an array of the finest materials, including wood grain, chrome and soft-touch trim, gives the RX8 a high-class feel. Customers can opt from three attractive interior colour schemes. MG has even linked up with German company Bader, one of the world’s top manufacturers of premium leather for the automotive industry. Additionally, the top of range (LUX) trim is equipped with ventilated seats to ensure passengers experience nothing but the very best in terms of travel comfort.

For space and practicality, the MG

RX8 is head and shoulders above the competition, guaranteeing a relaxed and enjoyable journey for all on-board. Thanks to its impressive exterior dimensions - 4923mm long, 1930mm wide and 1842mm high – the RX8’s wheelbase of 2850mm is the largest in its segment, delivering a spacious and modular interior. MG’s new model features an ingenious ‘theatre-style’ seating design that incorporates a shallow front-to-rear gradient that means that even the third row of passengers benefit from an exceptional view.

The adjustable reach in the second row is 230mm, helping to ensure that passengers in the third row enjoy enhanced access to their seats, as well as an unrivalled 884mm of legroom - the largest third-row space in the class.

A truly capable 4x4, the RX8 offers a real-time 4x4 Torque on Demand (TOD) System, which changes the torque in 0.1 sec. This advanced 4WD system has six different driving modes: Auto for smart selection; 4L for ‘go-anywhere’ low speed, high torque; Off-road for a pure off-roading experience; Snow for lowadhesion, wet surfaces; Sport for a faster throttle response and more aggressive shifting logic; and 2H for fuel efficient high speed cruising in 2WD mode. The entry level (STD) trim comes with a 4x2 rear wheel drive transmission system.

The current line-up of MG models is renowned for offering some of the finest technology around, and the RX8 is no different, with wireless phone charging and smartphone connectivity with Apple Car play and Android Auto enabled to a 10-inch colour touchscreen all standard. All three extremely well-equipped trim levels feature Dual Zone Climate Control with additional climate control in the

rear, cruise control and a rear parking camera. Also standard across the range are keyless entry and push button start, front and rear parking sensors and a panoramic sunroof.

Both mid and top trims build on the impressive standard feature list offered by the entry level (STD) trim, with a 7” Virtual Instrument, Hill Descent Control and a real-time TOD 4x4 system.

Raising the standards of comfort and practicality further, range-topping (LUX) trim includes leather seats with a multiadjustable front passenger seat and front seat ventilation, and a power tailgate for easy access. Eight high-quality speakers and a rain sensor round off the premium nature of the top of range (LUX) trim.

The MG RX8 is equipped with a wide range of standard safety features such as front, side and curtain airbags, front and rear sensors with rear view camera, Active Rollover Protection and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Further Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as a Lane Departure Warning System feature on the LUX trim. In common with the rest of the MG product line-up, the MG RX8 has been awarded a 5 Star C-NCAP safety rating.

MG HS

Featuring the brand’s latest design language, the MG HS takes its styling cues from the acclaimed X-Motion concept car that was unveiled in 2015. The centre piece of the front-end design is an attractive Star grille that incorporates the iconic MG badge. It is complemented by the smart use of chrome to frame the grille, fog lamps and lower air intake, while two-tone headlights embedded with nine crystal LEDs are available.

In terms of technology, the HS offers plenty, including a 12.3-inch Virtual Instrument Cluster Display that is the largest in its segment, and a 10inch infotainment screen with built-in navigation, Apple Car and Android Auto connectivity.

Light played an important role in how MG designed the interiors of the SUV. To that end, the HS is equipped with a panoramic sunroof and interactive ambient lighting. It features a range of different colour options, and interacts with the touchscreen and music.

A comprehensive selection of safety systems also makes the HS a credible choice in the compact SUV segment. ABS, ESP, EBD, front and side airbags, TPMS, hill-start and autohold assist together make for the HS’s safety package. Furthermore, the driver’s seat is a six-way electrically adjustable unit, while the front passenger seat gets fourway adjustments.

All trims of the 2019 MG HS are driven by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine generating 231hp and 360Nm. Mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the motor drives all four wheels of the LUX trim. COM trims are FWD, although paddle shifters are standard on both variants. The powerful engine, fast-shifting transmission, and bucket seats convey the sporty intent of the HS. MG has equipped the SUV with a series of driving assists such as Super Sport function and MG Sport Management Strategy.