SPY PICS: MG working on new, large SUV

Spy photographers have captured a new, mid-size SUV suspected to be a test mule for the production version of the MG X-Motion concept that was revealed at the Beijing motor show in March 2018.

The images, snapped recently in snowy Scandinavia, show a well-proportioned SUV that is reportedly a size up from the current MG ZS – which itself is smaller than a Mazda CX-5 but bigger than a Mazda CX-3 – and is based on the China-only Roewe RX8 produced by the SAIC conglomerate.

Word is that the new MG SUV will be dubbed XS, although it's not yet clear if it will be sold outside China. If it does come to Australia – which we put at better than 50 per cent probability – it's expected to be badged GS, replacing the current, smaller SUV in the local range. The British brand is known to have aspirations to compete in the global market, in the long term becoming a viable competitor for volume brands such as Mazda and Volkswagen.

Mechanicals of the MG XS are expected to comprise a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder taken directly from the Roewe RX8.

On the face of it, the XS SUV would appear a likely contender, particularly considering the fact that the reborn MG company already operates in the global market with its ZS and GS models.

And having its design centre located in the UK, MG appears to be appropriately credentialed to understand the complexities of world markets, particularly Europe.

Look for a reveal of the new mid-size MG SUV some time in late 2019 or early 2020.