MG Motor Australia says safety is a priority

When MG launched the MG 6 locally in 2013 there were some challenges, which ultimately contributed to the SAIC Motor-owned brand retreating from Australia.

The MG 6 initially didn’t fully comply with Australian Design Rules, and it scored a four-star ANCAP safety rating when tested in 2013.

But the brand has regrouped and last week launched another assault on Aussie new car buyers with the local release of the MG 6 Plus fastback and MG 3 hatch.

At the launch in Sydney last week, local bosses were quick to assure potential buyers that safety is a priority and will be a key focus point as the major Chinese carmaker develops the vehicle into the future.

Business development senior manager for MG Australia, Andrew Huenerbein, said the brand has learned from its mistakes with the MG 6.

“It was tested and it was a four-star, so that’s on the record. In regards to the previous compliance, all of those cars are actually now fully compliant today and are in market under the proper regulations. SAIC Motor worldwide is not a fly-by-night company. It takes its commitment to the community very seriously and we made sure those cars were right,” Huenerbein said.

“There’s no issue whatsoever. It’ll all behind us. One of the first thing we did in the re-launch, was make sure those thing were right,” he said.

MG Motor Australia said it is unlikely the new MG 6 Plus will be retested with ANCAP, so the four-star ANCAP safety rating will stand for now.

In regards to whether or not promoting safety or the ‘fun and sporty’ factor is the bigger priority, Huenerbein said it’s both – and SAIC is committed to constant improvement.

“These cars have a full suite of safety features in them right now and that just goes with the intent. If they weren’t serious about that, they wouldn’t be putting that in there and we’re very confident with the way SAIC is approaching that.”

Marketing and communication senior manager for MG Motor Australia, Danny Lenartic, said safety is an ongoing area of attention for the business.

“The fact that we’re working hard with ANCAP and our safety technicians are working very hard with ANCAP to move forward – that demonstrates our eagerness to learn and comply,” Lenartic said.

The MG 3 and MG 6 Plus are both available in three trim levels, Core, Soul and Essence.

The MG 3 range has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC), electronic stability control (ESC), driver and passenger airbags, frontal side airbags, curtain airbags, driver and passenger seatbelt reminders, rear parking sensors (except Core variant), ISOFIX anchor points and energy absorbing steering column. No rear-view camera though.

The MG 6 Plus range scores ABS, EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), electronic brake assist (EBA), hill hold, indirect tyre pressure measurement system, driver and passenger airbags, frontal side airbags, curtain airbags, driver and passenger seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX anchor points, emergency stop signaling, rear parking sensors. Additionally, front parking sensors and a rear-view camera are only available on the top-of-the-range Essence.

More: MG says thee-star safety is ‘no issue’ for MG3

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