JSW MG Motor India has taken a step towards expanding its SUV portfolio, with a design patent for the Starlight 560 filed in the country. The model, already sold internationally under the Wuling brand, is expected to arrive in India as a three-row SUV and could take on rivals like the Mahindra XUV 7XO in the competitive segment.Patent filings give a clear indication of design direction. The SUV features a bold front with a blacked-out fascia and a rectangular grille. The LED headlamps are positioned high up at the front. The overall look is modern with black cladding around the wheel arches and multi-spoke alloy wheels. Other design elements include blacked-out pillars and roof rails.In terms of size, the Starlight 560 is expected to be a fairly large SUV. Globally, it has a length of more than 4.7 meters and a wheelbase of more than 2.8 meters. This will make it larger than many competitors in its class, while also allowing for a three-row cabin layout.
MG Starlight 560 : Expected powertrain
For India, the SUV is likely to be offered with a plug-in hybrid setup. It combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces around 104 hp and 130 Nm with an electric motor mounted on the front axle. Combined output is 194 hp and 230 Nm. MG claims that the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 9.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 kmph.The hybrid system is supported by a 20.5 kWh battery pack, which is expected to provide a pure electric driving range of around 100 km. A heavily camouflaged test mule, based on the Starlight 560, has already been spotted testing in India. Internally codenamed 520, the SUV is expected to make its debut around October this year. While the final name for the Indian market is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to be among the first new locally produced MG models to be introduced after the Windsor EV.
