[wheelguy]

MG’s parent company SAIC has developed a new diesel powertrain for the full-size D90 SUV. In-house-developed engine could replace the Hector’s FCA-sourced diesel later.

The company already has the FCA-sourced, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (Multijet II) mill in its portfolio that powers the Hector in our market. But the 170hp/350Nm unit wouldn’t pass muster in a full-size SUV that weighs almost 2.4 tonnes. Consequently, SAIC has developed its own 2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged diesel motor that puts out 218hp and 480Nm of torque. This said engine was showcased at the Guangzhou motor show in China recently. We can confirm that the in-house-developed powertrain, said to be derived from the FCA Multijet II, will make it to the India-bound D90 in 2020-21, after it makes its debut in the international-spec SUV in the coming months.

Interestingly, our sources also reveal that the SAIC Group’s new 2.0-litre diesel engine will likely be introduced on the MG Hector in our market in 2022, just in time for the RDE emission norms that'll come into effect the year after. This will give the Hector, which already enjoys a size advantage in its segment, a definite step up over its rivals in terms of performance too.

Rumors are in the air that Tata is planning to upgrade its current 2.2litre diesel to meet BS-VI or find an alternate to Fiat's 2litre engine as soon as possible, and now MG coming up with an in-house developed diesel engine makes Fiat's future in India further bleaker.

Source: ACI

[don_carmaster]

This look like the perfect move!

With a product that is hugely successful in the Indian Market - Hector. Adding a full size SUV with a home grown diesel engine will be making the deal sweeter both for the consumer and the company.

This engine would sure be better optimised for their offerings plus will give much higher margins.

A Hector with a 220 Hp would be a hoot to drive. Awaiting what MG has to unfold.

[Nithesh_M]

I am not sure people will trust a Chinese developed ICE as openly as they do the much more experienced Fiat engines here. ICE engineering is a lot more complex than chassis engineering. Unless this engine is being built with Chevy partnership, its a big gamble even if MG has built a steady base in the country by then. A slew of engine reliability issues might do the brands image more harm than good.

[Storm2.0]

Originally Posted by don_carmaster

A Hector with a 220 Hp would be a hoot to drive. Awaiting what MG has to unfold.

From the reviews of experts I believe that Hector is not a very good handler. They should fine tune those aspects also!

[GTO]

Not going to hold my breath on this one. Fiat's 2.0L diesel is a jewel of a motor and this new supposed diesel will be among MG's first in-house developed diesels. I didn't like MG's DCT gearbox or petrol engine in the Hector, so will be a little skeptical of how good their diesel is going to be.

We can confirm that the in-house-developed powertrain, said to be derived from the FCA Multijet II

LOL! I wonder how FCA feels about this.

[jetsetgo08]

Well, that could make it a 'first copy' of the multijet 2.0.

Still, it is difficult to penetrate the Indian market as the fiat engines have a lot of loyalty.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by GTO

LOL! I wonder how FCA feels about this.

Screwed!!!

and this is why!

[ram87pune]

I had said this same thing regarding Fiat's arm twisting tactics in the Harrier thread long back. This overcharging, delay in development and overall lethargic attitude etc is what is causing a lot of trouble to Tata with the Omega platform especially with BS6 development.

That's the reason that they are working on fitting the Varicor engine in the Harrier duo. Their deal is for 70000 engines and they are like sitting ducks till that number is achieved or else they will outright payoff Fiat and that would be the last resort for Tata.