MG’s ‘new’ Extender pickup is yet another rebadge

Following a series of teaser images revealed in July, Chinese car manufacturer MG has formally introduced its new pickup truck called the Extender. Pre-orders are already open for what may look like a new model, but isn’t.

Long story short, the Extender is a clone of the Maxus T70 truck – hardly a big surprise, considering that both MG and Maxus are parts of the Chinese SAIC Group. The only distinguishing traits the badge-engineered newcomer has are its new radiator grille and… well, badges. It ships in Double Cab and Crew Cab versions and has the exact same dimensions as the standard T70 (5,365 mm / 17.6 ft. long with a wheelbase spanning 3,155 mm / 10.35 ft.). The only difference is that the T70 is also available in an LWB version that is 5,680 mm / 18.64 ft. long with 3,470 mm / 11.38 ft. of wheelbase. The Extender has no LWB version.

The top trim level packs six airbags, leather cabin finish, climate control, LED DRLs, a reversing camera and a variety of driver aids.

This is not the first time MG clones SAIC products. The MG V80 van is essentially a slightly facelifted Maxus V80, the MG RX5 SUV is identical to the Roewe RX5, and the MG Hector crossover is a Baojun 530 in drag. Another rebadge – a body-on-frame SUV technically identical with the Maxus D90 – is planned for next year.