New Models
New Models

2021 MG Extender dual-cab and extra-cab utes unveiled in right-hand-drive

A new ute from MG has been unveiled, and could provide a glimpse into a future Australian model.


The 2021 MG Extender ute has been fully revealed this week, in both extra-cab and dual-cab bodies.

Based on the Maxus T90, the MG Extender is built in right-hand-drive form for Thailand's market, making it a prime candidate for Australian buyers.

Parent-company SAIC sells the ute as a Maxus in China, though it's likely the MG model would be badged as an LDV if offered Down Under.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine producing 119kW and 375Nm, the MG Extender is available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, with low-range four-wheel drive.

However, as the MG is based on the recently-unveiled Maxus T90, it's possible a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel could be made available to our local market if it ever came here – the powertrain found in the model in other markets.

The twin-turbo mill offers 160kW and 500Nm together with an eight-speed ZF automatic, making it more suited to compete against the likes of segment leaders such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

While the MG version gets stability control, lane-keep alert, hill-start and descent, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system, it misses out on adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, auto high-beam, and autonomous emergency braking found on the Maxus.

Inside, occupants get a 10.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, 360-degree cameras, and basic voice control for Bluetooth phone calls, satellite navigation, audio control, and climate control, while the Maxus version gets a 12.0-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The flagship 'Grand X' variant of the Extender gets two-tone brown and black leather, while the rest of the range is upholstered in fabric.

The MG can also be connected to your smartphone via the 'i-Smart' app, allowing you to lock or unlock the car, locate the vehicle via GPS, turn on headlights and tail-lights, or activate the horn. The app also notifies you if there's a problem with the alarm system, as well as diagnosing any problems with the engine, tyres, or airbags.

Owners can also set an 'electronic fence' for the car, which will alert them via the app when the vehicle enters or exits an area set between 500m and 10km.

The i-Smart app can also be used to locate MG dealers, make appointments, and record maintenance for the car.

MG offers a 'Smart Connect' system for the Extender, which features real-time traffic updates, music streaming, news and weather, and a food and travel guide, as well as vehicle software updates 'over the air'.

Speaking to CarAdvice last week, a spokesperson for MG Australia said: "There’s no doubt that the MG Extender pick-up attracts a lot of interest from ute-mad Australians, but at this stage, there are no plans to introduce the Extender to Australia."

If the ute were to be offered locally, it would likely be marketed as an LDV and would join the T60 ute in the commercial range – almost certainly badged as the T90.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice on Facebook and Instagram for the very latest.


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Ben Zachariah

Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.

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