Baojun RS-3 mid-SUV launched in China; may spawn a Kia Seltos rival under MG brand

- Sits below the Baojun 530 in China

- Gets a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine

- May spawn a Kia Seltos rival in India

SAIC-owned Chinese carmaker Baojun has launched the RS-3 compact SUV in China. The Baojun RS-3 inherits the company's new young, intelligent, technological, and connected DNA. It is available in four variants and is priced between RMB 71,800 (INR 7.21 lakhs) and RMB 89,800 (INR 9 lakhs). The RS-3 is positioned below the Baojun 530 in China.

The RS-3 is equipped with Baojun's smart connectivity features, with integrated mobile internet connectivity. It also comes loaded with Bosch's advanced Level-2 ADAS driver assistance systems. It also gets the adaptive cruise control system that can be activated at speeds of up to 130kmph.

The Baojun RS-3 measures 4,305mm in length, 1,748mm in width and 1,597mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,550mm. Under the hood, it is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, and comes paired to a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT (continuously variable transmission). This is the same petrol unit as the one found on the Hector, albeit without a turbocharger.

In the Indian context, SAIC could launch an MG-badged version of the Baojun RS-3 in India. After all, the MG Hector is a rebadged Baojun 530. If launched in India, the Baojun RS-3 will rival against the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Renault Duster.