The perfect Rs 10 lakh hatchback is here?
Electric cars are slowly finding their feet in the Indian market. Tata is leading the race in the electric segment with cars like the Nexon EV and Tigor EV. The issue is that traditionally, hatchbacks have done well in the market, but we have no mass-market electric hatchbacks in the country as of today. Tata does have plans to change this with the Altroz EV, but MG is looking to outfox Tata with its new compact EV. So what is this new car? It is the newly-unveiled Wuling Air EV which MG is planning to bing to India. Wuling recently took the wraps off the Air in Indonesia. So what all does it offer? And, is it in true sense, a perfect Rs 10 lakh hatchback? In today’s article, let’s find out.
Exterior
The Wuling Air is a two-door compact EV based on the SAIC-GM-Wuling small electric global platform. Coming to the design, the Wuling Air gets a compact but practical design. It gets a sloping windshield, DRLs placed on the bonnet element that runs to the sides and integrates with the ORVMs. The charging socket is placed into the logo at the front. The biggest advantage of this EV is its very compact, boxy size. With such small dimensions, it could really come out as a great city companion for running regular errands as well as commuting within the city. Overall, the design does give this EV a very minimal yet cute look. What do you think about this design? Do let us know in the comments.
MG Air EV – Interior
For a car of this size, the Air EV packs an interior of much more expensive cars. So what’s so special? The first thing to notice are the two 10.25-inch screens positioned side by side with one functioning as the digital instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment system. Below this, we see rectangular AC vents and knob controls for the HVAC. The steering wheel is a two-spoke one with multiple controls. Even the central console has been made to look very futuristic. We get to see a rotary-gear selector, electronic parking brake with auto hold and power window switches. Wuling has used lighter shades across the cabin, making the interior quite airy.
Range options
The Wuling Air comes with two range options, and the MG Air could also get the same. What are the range figures? The standard version has a claimed range of 200km, while the extended models promise a range of 300km. With this range, the Air EV could target regular city commuters.
MG Air EV – Indian launch timeline
MG has already confirmed that it is working on a compact EV for the masses. Recently the car was also spotted testing near MG’s factory in Halol, Gujarat. According to reports, MG could debut its version of the Air EV at the Auto Expo 2023. So we can expect a launch in the first half of 2023. What about the pricing? MG will be sourcing the battery pack locally, so we expect the Air EV to be priced quite competitively. We think MG could price it somewhere around the Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) mark.
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