MG's first SUV spotted testing with minimal disguise

MG is hoping to capitalise on the UK's crossover boom with a new Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV, called the GS, coming in 2016. And Auto Express reader Paul McCann has spied it testing on UK roads with the least disguise we've seen so far. 

The Chinese-owned but British-based carmaker might only have a tiny slice of the market at the moment with the MG 3 hatch and newly-revised 6 saloon, but it's aiming big. Alongside the forthcoming GS there are plans for a smaller, Nissan Juke-style crossover soon after.

These images are the best yet for making out the overall design of the new crossover. Previewed back in 2013 by the CS concept, but toned down a bit for production, the GS shares brand design cues with the rest of MG's range including the single-bar front grille design and sharp side creases.

The wraparound front window design seen on the concept and MG 3 is gone, but the angled roofline and rear window, rugged stance and curved bootlid remain intact. Paul didn't manage to get a shot of the interior, but we can expect it to get the same seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system as the new 6.

A look at the car's details via the number plate reveals this prototype sports a 1.5-litre petrol engine, likely turbocharged to produce at least 150bhp. Alongside this will slot MG's now familiar 1.9 DTI diesel engine with a similar output. The GS features a brand-new scaleable platform produced by parent company SAIC.

The production GS is expected to be unveiled fully at next year's Geneva Motor Show in March, and will go on sale soon after that priced from around £14,000. The smaller Juke rival, unnamed as yet, won't be seen until 2017.