MG to live on
It's not exactly a sporting two-seater, but a new MG will revive the storied nameOne of Britain's long-revered sports car brands appears due to live on internationally -- and we have China to thank for it.
The new MG6 sedan launched by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) at the Guangzhou Car Show is reportedly set for an international career, following its initial introduction to the Chinese market.
Based on SAIC's Roewe 550 -- itself a development of the British-built and BMW-designed Rover 75 -- but showing no visible signs of its heritage, the fastback four-door is said to be about the same size as a Volkswagen Golf.
The MG6's style is something of a surprise, as it reportedly hails from SAIC's technical centre in the UK. While the look appears to be derived from many influences, it bears a clean, sleek upmarket functionality that should blend in well with the MG badge to attract British and Euro customers.
Word is that the MG6 is likely to use two versions of the familiar Rover 1.8-litre engine -- one normally aspirated and one turbocharged -- and further speculation suggests that the transmission will be a five-speed automatic.
Reputed to be in line for UK introduction some time in 2010 -- the possibility of actual production in the UK has been bandied around as well -- the MG6 could also end up being imported into Australia.
The MG6 is the result of SAIC acquiring the Chinese Nanjing Automobile Corporation's (NAC) interests in MG Rover in 2007 and the new car was first seen in the flesh as a "concept" car at Auto Shanghai in April.
The advent of the MG6 and its Chinese background should come as no surprise, given some of the strange associations that have borne fruit in recent times; Indian Jaguars and German Bentleys for two.
As for whether the MG will reach Australia, who knows? SAIC sells its Korean Ssangyong product through Peugeot distributor Sime Darby, so there's a local point of contact already established and one thing is certain, the MG6 will be built in right-hand drive.
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