MG CS concept SUV

These dynamic sketches preview the MG CS Concept, which is set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next week.

The CS is described as “a stunning MG urban SUV concept… designed to slot into the compact SUV sector, one of the fastest growing areas of the global automotive market where style and sports utility dominate fashion trends.”

What’s more, the CS will become “MG’s first production urban SUV,” confirming that the Nissan Juke-sized crossover that the concept car previews will hit the road in the near future.

MG has toyed with the idea of adding an SUV to its line-up for some time, having brought us the Icon concept at last year’s Beijing Motor Show.

But while that car featured decidedly retro looks, the CS concept is much more contemporary. The angular headlights, gloss-black A-pillars and aggressive bumpers are much more in keeping with the production version of the UK-designed MG3 supermini, which is also expected to debut in Shanghai.

Penned by a team led by MG's Global Design Director, Anthony Williams-Kenny, the CS concept is intended to "expand the global reach of the MG brand."

When it makes production, the SUV is likely to use the forthcoming MG5’s platform, and its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, in order to maximise the car’s appeal by avoiding extra tax levied on cars with larger engines in China. There’s currently no word on whether the car will be offered in the UK.