A “halo model” is a showcase vehicle, typically intended to show how far an automotive brand could push the envelope in terms of technology, styling, and performance.
It is a “drool-worthy” vehicle — often pricey and with only a few units released in the market — that a manufacturer develops to draw traffic to showrooms so buyers could dream of owning it even if they eventually end up buying a less expensive, more practical equivalent.
Think of American automobile giant Chevrolet’s Camaro; the iconic Audi R8 supercar of Germany; and Nissan’s GT-R and Toyota’s GR Supra, both legendary race cars of Japan.
For SAIC Motor Philippines Inc., the official local importer and distributor of the Morris Garages brand of vehicles, this was all evident when company president Felix Jiang unveiled two of its upcoming models during the company’s “Christmas Revel Ball”, a thanksgiving lunch for the motoring media held at the Makati Shangri-La.
During the event, a stunning red soft-top, two-seater convertible with supercar-like scissor doors and a 77-kWh battery pack, caught everyone’s attention.
Called the MG Cyberster roadster, Jiang said that being able to put the all-electric car into production isn’t only a way of honoring MG’s 100-year history. It also shows that it is a brand to reckon with when it comes to technological development. The last time MG had a soft-top roadster in its lineup was 12 years ago, when it launched the MG TF. It’s but fitting to welcome an electric roadster in the MG roster, soon.
MG gave its Cyberster all-electric roadster ‘scissor’ doors that dramatically open upward.
Early 2024 arrival
The MG Cyberster is set to arrive in the first half of 2024 and is expected to carry a price tag of around P4 million.
While no technical details were revealed, two variants of the MG Cyberster have already been introduced in other markets. Sitting at the base of the range is a rear-wheel drive roadster that produces 335 hp and could reach 100 kilometers per hour from a standstill in 4.6 seconds.
The top-of-the-range is the all-wheel drive version that combines its 335-hp rear electric motor with an electric motor at the front that delivers an extra 201 hp. The result is a combined 536 hp that would enable this variant to reach 100 km/h from full stop in around 3 seconds.
The MG Cyberster’s luxurious interior design is punctuated by a generous amount of Nappa leather and a suede-like material on the heavily bolstered seats. Also hard not to notice is its four digital screens facing the driver (three just behind the flat-bottom steering wheel and another beside the gear selector).
The excitement on the MG Cyberster’s unveiling had yet to subside when Jiang led everyone to the right side of the stage and showed the MG One, which is the brand’s next crossover offering in the country and expected to further boost its sales next year.
WITH a separate cockpit for the driver, MG Cyberster’s ‘digital fiber’ interior design theme adopts a driver-centric layout.
P1.3 million to P1.4 million price tag
Positioned after the slightly bigger MG HS compact crossover and with a price tag estimated to be somewhere in the P1.3 million to P1.4 million range, the all-new MG One is set to compete with the likes of Ford Territory, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and GAC Emkoo.
The MG One’s new three-dimensional front grille — with a design that’s shifting downwards — flanked by sharp-looking headlights that are paired with unique three-bar LED daytime running lamps, give it a sporty look.
The vehicle also has a coupé-like silhouette because of its sloping roofline and low and wide stance. At the back are impressive split, protruding rear lights and a distinctive sport spoiler with cutouts.
Specifications are yet to be revealed, but in other markets it has been reported that the MG One is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine that generates 181 hp.
With the introduction of the MG One and MG Cyberster, SAIC Motor Philippines’ upcoming offerings for the first half of 2024 are nearly complete. In July, the company also previewed three new EV models: The MG 4 full-electric hatchback, MG ZS EV full-electric mid-sized SUV, and MG Marvel R full electric compact crossover. Indeed, things look good and electrifying at MG.
