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2021 MG Pilot debuted at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show

That turbo engine is no joke.

Autodeal on Sep 30, 2020

It was just last August when MG released teaser photos of its upcoming compact SUV, leaving it unnamed and somewhat mysterious. A few days passed and there were already exterior and interior images of the vehicle circulating online, making it revealed ahead of its proper launch. Back then, it was commonly known by the Chinese term ‘Linghang’ during its pre-debut period. Now, this latest compact SUV from the brand made its debut at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show, and it is now known as the MG Pilot, wherein its current name serves as the direct translation of its Chinese native title.

Related: The all-new 2021 MG 5 sedan debuts ahead of schedule in China

Exterior wise, the 2021 MG Pilot does look kind of different among the rest of the MG lineup, perhaps, except for the 2021 MG 5 which also features a number of identical design cues. It’s because both vehicles now carry the brand’s latest design language. It flaunts sleek yet functional LED headlights and its wide 'digital flame' grille that comes with an intricate mesh pattern. One quirky design feature is the claw-like LED tail lights which surely look distinctive and attractive during nighttime. Lately, the MG Pilot is then finished with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, which are standard in this range-topping Trophy variant.

2021 MG Pilot interior Bose sound system

2021 MG Pilot interior panoramic sunroof

As synonymous with the exterior, its cabin also brags a bit of a sporty attitude that’s infused with a bit of calmness and elegance, plus, this compact SUV is offered with a generous amount of features. To start it all off, it gets two large screens, including a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system. Seats are also upholstered in leather, plus, it gets the addition of a panoramic sunroof and an 8-speaker Bose sound system. Though it is worth noting that some features may be exclusive for the Trophy variant, as it is currently the one being showcased in the following photos.

Safety has also been prioritized for this vehicle, with it featuring a wide range of advanced driver-assist systems called MG Pilot 2.0, which consists of a full-speed adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, and many more. The system works with the accompaniment of 11 radar sensors and 5 cameras.

Lastly, there are two powertrain options. Buyers could either go for a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 173 hp and 275 Nm of torque. The top of the line variant, on the other hand benefits from a larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which renders a mightier 231 hp and 370 Nm of torque. Notably, it's also all-wheel drive, and both powertrains can only be paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

For the Chinese market, the MG Pilot or Linghang is set to go on sale later this year. While it does seem like a very promising product, we do hope that MG Philippines will consider bringing this in, perhaps, next year? If the odds are in favor.