Micro promotes small MG utility cars in Sri Lanka
View(s):MG, the famous British car brand now owned by the Chinese, is all set to popularise its new compact semi luxury car with modern specifications in partnership with Micro Cars Pvt Ltd through its subsidiary, Euro Sports Auto Lanka Ltd as the island wide distributor, Micro officials said.
File picture of an old MG racing car.
Previously Unimo Enterprises Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of United Motors Lanka PLC, took Sri Lankans down memory lane with the launch of MG6, designed and engineered in Britain but made in China.
This was the first all-new MG to be launched in Sri Lanka in 16 years in 2014 and also the 21st century incarnation of a 90 year old brand that was once a byword for open topped and carefree speed about British sports cars.
The history of MG has been colourful enough to merit attention since its inception in 1924. Their cars had the speed and power for racing and until now, haven’t lost any of their appeal, a top official of United Motors said.
But the company had to stop the importation of MG6 a couple of years ago due to heavy taxes and the chapter of the return of MG ended abruptly, he added.
Micro has stepped in to re-introduce MG semi luxury cars in the island in partnership with SAIC – Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, the Chinese owner of the MG brand.
The first model to debut in Sri Lanka was not the familiar sports or racing car models but as the new MG ZS Compact SUV with modern specs ideal to suit the needs of local consumers, Micro officials said adding that the first batch of MG SUVs was delivered to the respective customers.
The ZS, directly imported to Sri Lanka is manufactured in China for UK, European and Australian markets and is the “Exclusive” version, which offers the highest spec of its range, one official said.
The new MG compact SUV is powered by a hgh-powered turbocharged engine, with six-speed automatic gearbox, he added. MG was the latest brand to come under the line-up of brands catered by Micro Cars, having already secured luxury car brands such as Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Maserati as well as the mid-market brands such as SsangYong, BAIC and Geely, he disclosed.