MG Motor Launches MGU9 Dual-Cab Pickup in Australia: Will It Arrive in the UAE?

MG Motor has debuted its MGU9 dual-cab pickup in Australia to rival the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. It is based on LDV Terron 9’s underpinnings and the first MG pickup to drive Down Under, carrying somewhat the same hardware components seen in its sibling, with some distinct elements to set it apart.

The bodywork looks largely similar to Terron 9 with some unique MG-specific styling. It has a massive front grille with more chrome elements and MG badging in the center. Under the umbrella of SAIC, MG has also equipped its pickup with T-shaped LED DRLs stacked with LED headlights on either side of the grille and a redesigned bumper for a more refined look.

MGU9 Pickup Key Feature

The rear end features an electric folding tailgate with an integrated step for the convenience of the buyers, and the whole assembly can double up as a bench with cupholders for when hunger strikes. The MGU9 also gets a smart hatch between the cabin and the tub, but it is limited to higher-spec trims. It opens up the mid gate and drops down the rear window to further increase the cargo space whenever it is required. As per company details, this new cab pickup from MG has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes.

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Inside the cabin, it has a similar interior space to Terron 9, borrowing the steering wheel, dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment and instrument cluster. In the higher spec trims, the automaker has also offered leather upholstery with suede headliners, heated and ventilated seats with massage function, an 8-speaker JBL sound system, and a panoramic glass sunroof. The only major difference inside the cabin of MGU9 is its aircraft-inspired gear shifter.

MGU9 Powrtrain & Performance

Under the hood, the MGU9 packs SAIC’s 2.5-liter turbo-diesel engine that churns out 215 bhp of power output and 520 Nm of peak torque, sending power to all four wheels through the BorgWarner 4x4 system. The engine has been configured with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and makes only 4 bhp less power output compared to the Terron 9.

While the MGU9 is based on the same ladder-frame chassis, it has been specifically developed for Australian terrain conditions. It gets a multi-link independent suspension unit in the rear, which is said to improve the handling and comfort without compromising on its load-bearing capacity. Depending upon the variant, the MGU9 boasts a payload capacity of up to 870 kg.

Currently, the model is launched in the Australian market, and there is no official update or insights from sources that the model will be launched in the UAE too. The MGU9 is specifically developed for the Australian market, and hence, there is a very limited chance it will debut in the Middle East or the UAE.

For the cab pickup customers in the UAE, they already have plenty of options available, including the MG T60, which is available in 2.8-liter turbo diesel and 2.4-liter petrol engine options, and a five-seat configuration. In the UAE, there are also several popular adventure pickups from other brands like Toyota Hilux, Ford F-150 Raptor, RAM 1500 Classic, and Kia Tasman.