Roewe 450 on road at last

Here's the proof that Roewe is going the right way about developing a rival to the new Ford Focus

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Dan Strong

16th July 2007

Our spies caught this prototype of the new Chinese-built 450 testing on public roads in Germany ahead of its anticipated arrival in UK showrooms and forecourts in 2009.

The test model shows exactly how much effort Roewe parent company SAIC is investing in its new, MG Rover-derived brand. While its sister cars - such as the Rover 75-inspired Roewe 750 - are remakes of familiar former Longbridge models, the 450 is setting new standards for the Chinese brand.

Described as a successor to the Rover 45, the newcomer is based on a shortened 75 platform. Engineers have been able to develop it in a relatively short space of time by taking advantage of the preliminary work MG Rover had already done on a replacement for the original 45.

But Roewe hasn't done it alone. British engineering experts have also had a hand in the car's development, especially through a spin-off concern called Ricardo 2010 Consultants Ltd.

This company was created specifically to work with SAIC on developing new models throughout the range. Made up of hand-picked experts, many of whom used to work for MG Rover, the 2010 consultancy will soon be taken over entirely by SAIC - but it's the link with Ricardo which gives us a clue to this prototype's identity. However, while it's clear that the model is a big part of Roewe's future in Europe, exactly what shape that is likely to take is less obvious.

SAIC has already hinted that the Roewe badge may not be considered suitable for use in the UK, because of its association with Rover and the reputation that marque developed. As a result, bosses may turn to another SAIC brand, in this case SsangYong, to provide both an identity and a sales network for the new car.

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