2024 MG7 coming for Camry

The Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata could have something to think about when the 2024 MG7 arrives Down Under packing both hybrid and turbo-petrol performance.

MG Motor Australia has confirmed to carsales it’s “close to finalising the specifications” for the new mid-size fastback sedan ahead of its Aussie launch either late this year or in early 2025, and that “both petrol and hybrid” versions are under evaluation for our market.

The hybrid news is especially interesting because an electrified powertrain currently isn’t offered for the MG7 in any market including China, meaning there’s a new petrol-electric powertrain on the way for the model and it’s likely to be revealed in the coming months.

That aside, the model’s confirmation for this market represents a full U-turn by MG, which had previously ruled out the purely petrol-powered MG7 for Australia, instead option to focus on hybrid and electric models.

When asked directly why the company would enter a dying sales sector like the mid-size passenger car segment, MG Motor Australia product and strategy senior manager Akshat Ahuja said every model has a role to play in a marque’s success.

“Every car in every segment has to play a role, including the MG7, and although we are very dedicated to EV and hybrid, we will still offer some fuel-efficient variants in our range for the immediate future,” he said.

The MG7’s established powertrains comprise a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine outputting 138kW/300Nm and a gutsier 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops 192kW/405Nm and is capable of hitting 100km/h in a claimed 6.5 seconds – exactly the same as the 213kW/422Nm Hyundai Sonata N-Line sports sedan.

Both mills power the front wheels, albeit via two different transmissions: a seven-speed dual-clutch for the former and a nine-speed automatic for the latter, which also scores an electronic limited-slip differential.

Adaptive dampers are offered on the high-end version overseas – one-upping the Sonata as well as the upcoming new Camry Hybrid – as are 19-inch alloy wheels, an active rear spoiler, a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system, augmented reality head-up display, leather/suede upholstery and a 33-inch dual-display digital cockpit.

The MG7 measures 4884mm long, 1889mm wide, 1447mm tall and rides on a 2778mm wheelbase, making it marginally shorter than the Sonata but subtly wider and about the same height.

There’s been no indication on pricing so far, but odds are the MG7 will start somewhere around the $30,000 drive-away mark in base turbo-petrol form and stretch well into the $50,000s for the halo performance and hybrid versions.

For reference, the Sonata starts from $55,500 plus on-road costs, while the outgoing Camry Hybrid range opens at $37,917.

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