NZ timing still under wraps, but potential buyers now have an idea of the price and presentation.

UP to three versions of MG’s U9 utility might be availed to New Zealand.

Though exact arrival timing and pricing remains under wraps, and MG’s New Zealand office has yet to share thoughts, MG dealers here seem to believe the big tray deck could be a starter here quite soon.

Latest information out of Australia - where the brand has its regional headquarters (to which the Auckland operation responsible for our national activity reports) - will only strengthen that expectation.

The Sydney office yesterday said Australians can expect a three-grade line-up, all within a pricing bracket of $A55,000 to $A65,000.

On today’s exchange rate, that works out to $61,000 to $72,000.

If carried across, the U9 would site above the LDV Terron 9 with which it shares a platform, drivetrains and some exterior styling, but not the rear suspension.

For now, LDV here has determined to present its version in a single $59,990 Elite trim with the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with eight speed automatic going into the U9.

Explore, Explore X and Explore Pro variant names are also locked in. The specifics of what each will come with as standard are yet to be confirmed.

MG has claimed the U9’s engine makes 164kW, which is 1kW more than the Terron 9’s cited output. In LDV installation torque is 520Nm. MG has yet to share its figure.

Both have a common 4WD system and each make cites ability to town 3500kg braked.

MG has equipped U9 with a multi-link suspension setup as opposed to the leaf springs most utes have - including the Terron 9. The change in approach might make the MG more comfortable on the road, yet could also compromise its payload.

U9 seems set to ape the exterior dimensions of its sister ship, meaning it will stand out. At 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall, on a 3300mm wheelbase, the Terron 9 is one of the largest utes in the one-tonne arena.

For instance, it is 130mm longer overall, 79mm wider and 30mm longer in wheelbase than NZ’s best-selling ute, the Ford Ranger, albeit 26mm lower.

MG says the U9 will come with plenty of kit, including synthetic leather upholstery, rear seats that can be folded “completely flat”, a retractable rear window, aircraft-inspired gear selector, a horizontal design theme for the driver’s display and dashboard and plenty of storage spaces.