Skip advert
Advertisement
News

MG Icon could be a roadster

Nissan Juke-rivalling MG Icon could eventually spawn a convertible version

MG Icon Beijing

MG's new Icon crossover concept could become the first MG roadster of the modern era, if reaction is strong to the car in China and Europe.

The Icon, designed by Brit Steve Harper working with MG design boss Tony Williams and his teams in Shanghai and Longbridge, features plenty of inspiration from the MGBs of the 70s and 80s.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Harper told Auto Express: "We asked, what would the MGB GT be like today?‚ This could be it."

"It's a thoroughly modern car, and similar in length to the old MGB, which was 4m long – about the same length as a Nissan Juke."

Just like the MGB, Harper told us that there could be a roadster version, too, although MG will wait to see what the reaction to the concept will be in the Chinese home market and in Europe.

Harper took inspiration from classic MGs for the Icon. The oversized, vertical daytime running lights at the front are said to be a modern interpretation of the MGB's overriders on its bumpers, while the grille and headlamps are also reminiscent of those from an MGB.

The exposed hinges on the boot allow for greater rear headroom inside the car, while providing another nod towards the tailgate of the MGB GT. Inside, the twin cowl on the dash is an idea borrowed from the MG TF, which makes left-hand drive and right-hand drive production easier.

However, the rear-hinged doors would be new to MG, although they may not make it to production if the Icon does.

Under the skin of the Icon is MG parent company SAIC's ZP platform that will underpin the new MG3 supermini due on sale next year. A Focus-sized MG5 is due the year after, while the MG6, currently leading the British Touring Car Championship with Jason Plato behind the wheel, should get a timely boost with diesel engines at the end of this year.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-in-chief

Steve Fowler has been editor-in-chief of Auto Express since 2011 and is responsible for all editorial content across the website and magazine. He has previously edited What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New MINI Aceman: details, specs, reveal date and leaked images of MINI’s small EV SUV
MINI Aceman - front
News

New MINI Aceman: details, specs, reveal date and leaked images of MINI’s small EV SUV

The all-new MINI Aceman will make its world debut on 24 April as brand prepares to enter the small electric SUV market’s battle royale
17 Mar 2024
New MINI Aceman EV leaked online: honey they shrunk the Countryman!
MINI Aceman - front
News

New MINI Aceman EV leaked online: honey they shrunk the Countryman!

The first images of the all-electric MINI Aceman have surfaced online, ahead of the official reveal on 24 April
13 Mar 2024
2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed: MG centenary celebration, dates and tickets
MG Cyberster and MGB parked outside Goodwood House - front 3/4 static
News

2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed: MG centenary celebration, dates and tickets

The Goodwood Festival of Speed’s central theme of ‘Horseless to Hybrid’ will celebrate over 130 years of engine tech in 2024, while also looking to th…
12 Mar 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
12 Mar 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024