2013 MG CS Concept

The first images of the MG CS concept car bound for this month’s 2013 Shanghai auto show have been leaked. While the name is not yet confirmed, the concept – believed to be based on the MG5 hatch – is expected to wear MG CS badges when it is unveiled next week. The images reveal a four-door compact crossover-style SUV with a more aggressive version of MG’s current family face highlighted by sharp lines, a heavily sculptured bonnet, LED headlights and a deep centre air dam flanked by large side intakes. Highly stylised red-accented side skirts and roof racks frame clean doors and a coupe-style canopy. A rear bumper that mirrors the front end’s gaping intake theme joins LED tail-lights and a centrally-mounted dual-exit exhaust. Large red-trimmed alloy wheels and a roof-mounted rear spoiler complete the package. Speculation is for a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to find its way under the compact SUV’s bonnet but official details are still yet to be released. The hard-edged, futuristic styling of the MG CS concept is also far removed from the retro-inspired look of the MG Icon concept seen at the 2012 Beijing motor show. The British marque is set to make its official re-launch in Australia in the coming weeks – now under the ownership of China’s Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) – with the 118kW/215Nm MG6 to be the sole model available from launch, offered in both sedan and hatch body styles, and the smaller MG3 due to follow later in the year. The MG6 is 191mm longer and 72mm wider than a Mazda 3. The Shanghai auto show is due to begin on April 20. (caradvice)