Due 2015 - A new small soft-top SUV will spearhead MG’s revival, and bring back the legendary Roadster name.
The chunky new MG Roadster will be sold alongside a hard-top version and is set to be heavily influenced by the iconic MGB, with classic styling cues like the headlamps, grille and vertical LEDs. But these will combine with bold haunches and an electric folding soft-top for a unique look.
The hard-top car will have MINI-style contrasting roof colours, while keeping the MGB-like profile. Under the skin will be a new platform, with new three and four-cylinder engines developed with General Motors.
Following the success of the Nissan Juke, more and more manufacturers are preparing to cash in on the baby SUV boom.
A few years ago, the off-roader class was under threat due to the cars’ high fuel consumption. But the latest models promise to be as efficient as the small hatches on which they’re based.
Buyers will get the best of both worlds, as raised driving positions make the newcomers feel bigger than they are, yet they’re still easy to thread through traffic due to their small footprints on the road. None of these cars weighs very much, either, so they can be powered by super-efficient, small-capacity turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
As our round-up reveals, traditional 4x4 brands, premium marques and mainstream makers all have compact crossovers waiting in the wings. All are striving to get the blend of style and driveability just right – and emulate the amazing success of the Range Rover Evoque.
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As much as I'd like MG to succeed in the UK, I don't think it will be with this model. It is just too hideous. MG should be concentrating on core models before they go down the SUV/crossover route.
This is exactly what went wrong with MG Rover, by spending millions on a MG Supercar and then having insufficient money to bring out a decent supermini, instead bringing to the UK a rehashed Tata Indica (Rover CityRover).
Will somebody at MG get their head out the clouds before this company disappears from the UK forever.
It's freaking ugly, and if MG is smart, they will not only redesign it, but scrap the soft-top idea, and Auto Express stop being an ass about wanting MG Roadster to be a soft top SUV, its not worth the time and effort (or sales figures) to create something that disgusting that everyone knows will not do well.
Agree with all of Tyler Harden's comments. AE please take in what he says about you!