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2008 MG 7 Launches in China Review

October 2007
Filed under: MG Car News | MG Headlines
Nanjing MG has officially launched the MG 7 series in China. The new saloon, built at a state of the art production facility in Nanjing, retains the character of the former British-built MG ZT in terms of both design and quality.

The models introduced to the Chinese market include three 1.8-litre variants of the MG 7, and a flagship version, named the MG7L.

The MG7 is equipped with a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine generating 160 bhp, and 215 Nm of torque between 2,100 and 4,000 rpm. The unit has been upgraded with the support of Lotus Engineering to conform to Euro 4 emission legislation.

The top of the range MG7L features a 2.5-litre V6 177 bhp powerplant, producing 240 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm. The car is 200 mm longer than the standard MG7, features a higher level of specification, therefore offering a greater level of comfort and increased legroom for passengers.

Commenting on the introduction of the MG 7, Nanjing MG’s sales director Yang Junhu said: “We are bringing British automotive culture to our country. Until now no other car from a British marque has been manufactured and sold in China. Today customers are becoming more demanding in terms of their requirements which we will be able to satisfy thanks to the different variants of the MG7.”

In China, the equivalent price of the MG7 ranges from £12,600 to £22,260. Prices for other markets will be announced in due course.

Chinese media rings praise for new MG 7

An extensive series of road tests of the MG7 range have been conducted by the specialist motoring media in China, and the following is a only a few of the encouraging comments which the model has received so far:

These quotes are direct translations of original Chinese media reports

Auto Trend:

Title: MG7: A Classic Starting Point

“In China, there is no other vehicle manufacturer like NAC MG which can boast a classic brand and products.

“Being familiar with American, German and Japanese cars, the British style of the MG7 will never go un-noticed.”

“I give the manufacturing quality at least 90 marks out of 100.”

Auto World:

Title: NAC MG7: A Taste of Cigars

“As we test the MG7, the automotive culture inherited from the marque’s long history makes the car irresistible. Driving the car is like enjoying life in a relaxed manner.”

“If somebody says that the MG7 is ‘a mini British art gallery’, I very much agree.”

“Car enthusiasts are fond of the rich heritage of British cars, but have never been available in China. Therefore it has been relatively difficult to own a vehicle with a truly British DNA. The China-made MG7 is therefore a turning point.”

Auto Time:

Title: Non-Mainstream Key Player: Experiencing the MG7

“As the most accessible model amongst British brands, MG has produced a car which successfully communicates its British roots, that has already infiltrated the Chinese automotive market. In other words, it is among some of the most familiar British brands. Whilst different from other marques such as Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and Lotus etc, MG might be the car which would best satisfy your requirements.”

Motor Trend:

Title:Gentlemen’s Sports Meeting

“The MG7 might not be the strongest in terms of handling compared to equivalent models, yet it has the best balance between handling and comfort.”

Car Market Guide

Title:MG7:British Genre

“…our biggest impression of MG is: it will become a dark horse in the medium and high-end sectors of the automotive market. Maybe it will not become as popular as the Toyota Camry or VW Magotan, however the quality and culture advocated by MG will be gradually recognised and loved by Chinese consumers – just like our approach to the British culture: from unfamiliarity to acquaintance and then to fondness. Probably, one will only then slowly understand the real charisma of the car with ownership.”

Orient Auto

Title: NAC MG7 1.8T: Parachuted British Rose

“If you open the Encyclopaedia Britannica and search for the definition of ‘sports car’, you will find that it uses MG for its explanation and illustration.”

“MG7 is very much different from MG7L in external design, largely following MG’s original style. Though they have different styles, the MG7 and MG7L are based on the same platform. Nevertheless, compared to the MG7L, the MG7 is rejuvenated, and living its second childhood.”

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