3 min read
MG recently showcased the Binguo EV at the Pakistan Auto Show, sparking debates about whether it can dethrone the Suzuki Alto in Pakistan’s small car segment. The Binguo EV, originally the Wuling Binguo, is a compact electric hatchback with city focused driving ranges of 203 km, 333 km, and 410 km depending on the battery pack. Higher end variants support fast charging, reaching 30% to 80% in around 35 minutes.
Equipped with dual 10.25” screens, OTA updates, synthetic leather seats, electronic stability control, lane keeping alerts, and automatic emergency braking, the Binguo EV focuses on technology and comfort for urban drivers. Meanwhile, the Suzuki Alto remains a budget-friendly choice with a 658 cc petrol engine, excellent fuel efficiency, and proven reliability.
Specification Comparison: MG Binguo EV vs Suzuki Alto
| Specification | MG / Wuling Binguo EV | Suzuki Alto (VXR / VXR-AGS / VXL-AGS) |
| Powertrain | Electric motor (permanent magnet) | Petrol engine, 658 cc, 3-cylinder |
| Battery / Fuel Capacity | 17.3 kWh / 31.9 kWh / 37.9 kWh (LFP battery) | 27-liter fuel tank |
| Range / Fuel Efficiency | 203 km / 333 km / 410 km (CLTC standard) | 17–18 km/l city, ~22 km/l highway |
| Power / Torque | 40 hp & 85 Nm (base) or 67 hp & 125 Nm (high-end) | 39 hp & 56 Nm |
| Top Speed | Up to ~130 km/h | Up to ~140 km/h |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 3,950 × 1,708 × 1,580 mm | 3,395 × 1,475 × 1,490 mm |
| Suspension / Brakes | MacPherson (front), torsion beam (rear), regenerative braking | MacPherson (front), torsion beam (rear), front disc & rear drum |
| Safety & Tech | ESC, AEB, lane-assist alerts, TPMS, electronic parking brake, dual airbags, OTA updates | Airbags (variant-dependent), ABS on upper trims, basic safety features |
| Interior & Comfort | Dual screens, synthetic leather, rotary gear selector, multiple storage areas | Manual AC, power steering; VXL adds infotainment & power windows |
Expected Pricing in Pakistan
| Model | Estimated Price |
| MG Binguo EV | Rs. 6–6.4 million |
| Suzuki Alto VXR | Rs. 2.99 million |
| Suzuki Alto VXR-AGS | Rs. 3.17 million |
| Suzuki Alto VXL-AGS | Rs. 3.33 million |
Pros and Cons: MG Binguo EV vs Suzuki Alto
| Category | Binguo EV – Pros | Binguo EV – Cons | Suzuki Alto – Pros | Suzuki Alto – Cons |
| Running Cost | Extremely low per-km cost | Requires home charging setup | Widely available petrol stations | Higher fuel cost |
| Maintenance | Fewer moving parts, low servicing needs | EV parts may take time to source | Easy and cheap maintenance | Frequent servicing needed |
| Performance | Smooth, instant torque | Limited top speed compared to petrol | Good for city and highway | Engine noise, vibration |
| Technology | Modern infotainment and safety features | EV tech unfamiliar for many users | Simple and easy to operate | Outdated features |
| Environment | Zero emissions | Battery replacement eventually needed | n/a | High emissions |
| Driving Experience | Silent, comfortable drive | Range anxiety for long trips | Familiar petrol driving | Noisy, less refined |
| Cost of Ownership | Low electricity cost | Higher upfront price | Lower initial price | Higher lifetime cost (fuel + maintenance) |
| Usage Suitability | Ideal for daily urban commute | Not ideal without charging access | Works anywhere | Poor fuel economy in traffic |
| Reliability | EV motors generally long-lasting | New model, long-term durability unknown | Proven long-term reliability | Parts wear faster |
| Resale Value | EV market growing, improving resale | Market still developing | Strong resale | Depreciates due to age of platform |
Despite its modern features and environmental benefits, the MG Binguo EV’s high import based price means it is not yet a direct competitor to the Alto in terms of affordability. Experts say local assembly could make the Binguo EV a viable alternative for Pakistan’s urban EV market in the future.
