Ford Mustang gets blocky with Lego
Technically it never really went away, but the iconic British sports car brand MG has been relaunched into the New Zealand market with a far more meaningful presence, thanks to its parent company taking over official distributorship here.
The move also sees that parent company – Chinese car manufacturing giant SAIC Motor – making its first official representation in the New Zealand market.
The company’s MG products were previously being imported by British Motor Distributors. Taupo-based Great Lake Motor Distributors continues to handle its LDV commercial brand locally.
While MG is legendary for its sports cars, SAIC is relaunching it here with a range of two SUVs and a small car. The MG GS SUV has been available locally for a few years and it will shortly be joined by an updated MG3 small hatch and the all-new MG ZS small SUV.
The MG3 kicks off the local range, starting at $17,990, and will be available in Core and Excite models Both are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 82kW of power and 150Nm of torque. For the first time it will be available with an automatic transmission (something the previous model never offered here), although it is only a four-speed unit.
The all-new ZS will start at 10 dealerships, as well as parts and service representation across the country.
SAIC is one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, selling more than 7 million vehicles last year, and its Australian operation has experienced impressive growth since it debuted there late in 2016.
MG now has 29 dealerships in Australia and its January sales were 849 per cent higher than in January 2018. The company has gone from selling fewer than 600 cars in 2017 to notching up more than 3000 last year.
‘‘We see New Zealand as the perfect fit for MG,’’ said Peter Cao, chief executive of SAIC Motor Australia and New Zealand.
‘‘As a global brand, MG has evolved to today stand for great value, impressive design and highquality manufacture and we anticipate it will appeal to New Zealand customers.’’
While the local operation comes under the Australian umbrella, the company has hired Auckland-based Anthony MacLean to the role of Business Manager for New Zealand.
‘‘Anthony brings with him a wealth of experience, and will work to expand our dealer network,’’ Cao said. ‘‘We have a strong focus on building trust, and creating jobs in the local market, engaging experienced, enthusiastic retail partners to represent MG in New Zealand.’’ Ford is no stranger to Lego fans and vice versa.
The car maker has allowed the Danish plastic block maker to create models of its cars , as well as getting into the spirit of things itself from time to time.
But now both have – in our opinion, at least – outdone themselves with their latest effort; a thoroughly awesome model of a 1967 Ford Mustang GT.
Developed in a partnership between Ford and Lego, the new ‘‘Creator Expert: Ford Mustang’’ model is based on a 1967 Fastback and is made up of 1470 pieces.
It comes complete with working steering, dark-blue bodywork, white racing stripes, a bonnet scoop, a printed Mustang grille badge, GT emblems and fivespoke rims. But that is not all.
While Lego is all about the customisation, the new set goes a bit further than that with a collection of ‘‘optional add-ons’’ that allow you to either keep your All-American icon in classic form, or go all on it.
The add-ons include a supercharger, rear ducktail spoiler, side exit exhaust pipes, a front chin spoiler and a nitrous oxide tank for what Lego calls ‘‘an authentic muscle car build experience’’.
The authentic replica model also allows owners to store items in the trunk or lift the hood to reveal a detailed big block 390 cubic inch (6.4-litre) V8 engine with battery, hoses and air filter detailing.
The rear axle of the car can be lifted for
Jamie Berard, design lead on Lego Creator Expert
a bit of extra threatening toughness, and the doors can be opened and the roof panel removed to give access to a detailed interior complete with classic seats, radio, working steering and a mid-console gearshift.
‘‘The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic, symbolic cars in history,’’ said Jamie Berard, design lead on Lego Creator Expert.
‘‘To bring this fan favourite muscle car to life in brick form, with this level of customisation, has been exhilarating and we can’t wait to see our Lego and Ford Mustang fans’ own creations when they get their hands on this new set.’’
The Lego Mustang is available now from Lego stores and Lego’s online shop. It measures more than 10 centimetres high, 34cm long and 14cm wide and has a retail price of NZ$299.99.
Take our money. Now.
‘‘To bring this fan favourite muscle car to life in brick form, with this level of customisation, has been exhilarating.’’