...And '45' Is On Its Way Back Too!

We revealed the back of the MG Rover-built 45 replacement in Issue 845 - and the amazing images in this week's issue prove the story isn't over yet! The car gets a bold Rover badge in a sporty new mesh grille surrounded by chrome. Enhancing the look are narrow headlamps and aggressive spotlights. As on the 75, a high waistline and chunky pillars, combined with relatively small glass areas, mean a strong profile. Further stylish touches include extended wheelarches and distinctive lights set into a one-piece tailgate.

Shorter than the current 45 but longer than a Focus, the newcomer should have one of the most spacious interiors in class. Headroom will be particularly impressive due to a tall MPV-like roofline that extends to meet the chopped rear window. Build and material quality is tipped to be as good as in premium brands, with generous equipment, a host of airbags and a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

Under the skin, the front-wheel-drive car is set to use a modified 75 platform with suspension tuned to give a sporty, but comfortable, driving experience.

The engine range should comprise the existing car's 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-litre K Series petrol units, with diesel power potentially from VW or GM - as in the 75. Due on sale in 2007, the new 45 should debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2006. A new MG ZT is likely, too, and both machines could be assembled on the same production line as the current 75 was at Longbridge, to cut costs. "Long-term plans centre on this line," said an insider. "It's set up to take more than one model as it's extendable."

Meanwhile, an all-new supermini is expected to replace both the CityRover and 25. The future of the TF cabrio rests on the joint venture's success - while SAIC owns the rights to build it, there is little demand for sports cars in China.