Shanghai show: MG sketches showroom SUV

MG HAS released sketches of a heavily sculpted concept car set to become the brand’s first-ever soft-roader.

Due to be unveiled at the Shanghai motor show next weekend and designed in Britain under the watch of MG global design director Anthony Williams-Kenny, the CS concept is described as “the latest result of a massive investment” by MG’s Chinese owner, SAIC.

In production form, the CS will help the iconic British brand establish itself with a high-volume global model in the growing compact SUV segment.

MG says the CS will “expand the global reach of the MG brand” and is expected to “create a sensation among young, fashion-conscious people”.

Apart from vents behind the front wheel arches and the shape of the wrap-around glasshouse, the CS concept has little resemblance to the retro-styled Icon concept unveiled at last year’s Beijing motor show.

MG describes the styling of the CS as distinctive, sporty and youthful with shard-like headlights.

“Creative design, style and charisma dominate the look of this latest MG,” says the company.

The heavily sculpted panels and the mix of sharp angles and voluptuous curves lend the car a muscular presence, with the front-end featuring a menacing lower air intake with vertical slats.

A racy look is achieved with flashes of red on the outer wheel rims, lower door trims, roof rails and large front air intakes – which are complemented by corresponding vents on the rear bumper.

From top: MG 6 and MG Icon Concept

The red contrasts with the black grille, dark glass areas, two-tone black and silver alloys, the tyres and a black rear bumper insert.

In Australia, MG vehicles are set to go on sale any day now from a showroom on Parramatta Road in Sydney – and a production version of the CS could prove popular in this SUV-addicted country.

Apart from a presence at the MG Car Club’s national meeting in Queensland over the Easter long weekend (March 29 to April 2), there has still been no official publicity from exclusive Australian MG importer Longwell Motor.

The Holden Cruze-sized MG6 sedan and fastback range will go on sale here first, joined by the MG3 light car by the end of this year, while other models including the VW Golf-sized MG5 hatch are in the pipeline.

Longwell Motor is yet to respond to GoAuto’s request for information.