SAIC
MG Icon
Shanghai
Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) owned MG Motor has uncovered the MG Icon
SUV concept at the Beijing motor show.
The
compact SUV, codenamed AS21 is said to preview an upcoming production model to
be introduced to the Chinese market in 2014.
Taking
styling cues from the original MGB GT built between 1965 and 1980, the Icon is
based on the same underpinnings as the Chinese market Roewe 350 and MG 5. The
five-door Icon is similar in size to the Nissan Juke.
Power
for MG’s first SUV is expected to come from an SAIC engineered and produced
turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The engine, which produces
135 bhp and 148 lb-ft, is also tipped to be offered on the MG 5 and the Roewe
350, the 5’s sister car.
Inside,
the concept provides seating for four on individual bucket seats. The two rear
seats can be folded into the floor to increase the load bay. No conventional
B-pillars feature and the rear doors are conceptually similar to those on the
Mazda RX8.
