Sino-Brit make’s regional boss reckons traydeck sector is a golden ticket.

BIG things have been predicted for MG’S first local foray into the competitive dual cab ute space, but specifics of volume expectation is being kept in house.

The brand’s regional push for the U9 has advanced further in Australia, where it has an office orchestrating how things go in this part of the world.

Here, the major news is announcement ahead of public availability of three editions - the MGU9 Explore, the MGU9 Explore X, and the MGU9 Explore Pro - and pricing, respectively at $60,990, $63,990 and $68,990.

Across the Tasman, the ute has already hit the road, and with that has come a bullish prediction from regional boss Peter Ciao.

He sees U9 as ultimately becoming a sales leader for MG, on grounds it is selling in a ‘ute country’.

That descriptive might apply equally as strongly to New Zealand as across the water, as Ford Ranger often holds top dog placing in the monthly counts, with Toyota Hilux occasionally showing up in No.1.

In most months they and the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton often stand out as top 10 performers, with the BYD Shark 6 having cameoed for a single month.

The Kia Tasman has yet to break into that club, but neither has any ute from China. The consistently best selling of those is often the GWM Cannon Alpha, followed by the Jac 9. Shark 6’s count, on monthly basis, tends to be erratic.

The U9’s pricing puts it above the LDV Terron 9, which represents as a single type, called Elite, for $59,990. Terron 9 has only recently installed, so sales remain low.

The models are almost-twins at design and technical level. They share a common drivetrain and platform, and even some body panels.

The LDV’s 2.5 litre turbodiesel is in a slightly altered state of tune but the main point of difference is that it has leaf spring rear suspension, whereas the MG goes to a more complex, but potentially more compliant, coil spring arrangement.

MG’s New Zealand operation is headed by a country manager, Dean Sheed.

He says the U9 range has been sorted to deliver comfort, capability, and innovation in equal measure.

"Each variant has been designed to deliver a versatile driving experience, whether it’s for daily commercial use, family weekends, or tackling adventures off the beaten track.

"From refined ride comfort and advanced safety features to smart design touches that make life easier, the MGU9 proves that Kiwis no longer have to choose between practicality and innovation when looking for their next ute.”

NZ specification seems highly likely to exact match that offered to Australia, which means that as standard, the U9 has 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, automatic LED headlights, a painted tub liner, side steps, roof rails, an electronically-adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic leather interior, keyless entry, and push-button start. The cabin has a widescreen display encompassing dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Explore X adds 19-inch wheels, rear tub lights, electronically folding side mirrors, cargo bed slide-rail hooks, a heated steering wheel, an electronically-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, in-built satellite navigation, connected services, and a wireless smartphone charger.

The flagship has 64-colour interior ambient lighting, blacked-out exterior trim, a suede headliner, a sunroof, a massaging driver’s seat, genuine leather interior, heated rear outboard seats, a digital rear-view mirror, two additional cupholders, and an eight-speaker JBL sound system.

To encourage early adoption, MG Motor New Zealand is offering a $1000 MG Genuine accessory pack offer for the first 100 customers who pre-order, providing owners an opportunity to option up their ute.

MG, of course, began life as a British brand specialising in small sports cars, but not withstanding that it has brought the electric Cyberster two-seater into the market, that background is barely relevant these days. It mainly now sells passenger crossovers and SUVs.