MG plans six-car UK line-up following GS and ZS launches

MG is planning to grow its UK line-up to six cars following the launch of its ZS compact SUV towards the end of this year.

Speaking to Autocar at an exclusive driving event at the Guangde Proving Ground in China, a spokesman said an all-new version of the MG 6 would then be launched in 2018.

The 6 will be built on parent company SAIC Motor’s IP32 structure, which is also used on the China-only Roewe i6 model – a saloon that’s about as long as the BMW 5 Series.

The structure is compatible with petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, meaning it’s highly likely both will be offered with the 6 when it comes to Britain.

A product planning officer for the brand also revealed that MG intends to launch a larger SUV to rival the Nissan X-Trail, as well as a smaller one that could serve as a lower-cost offering in the compact crossover class.

SAIC considers these models to be MG’s best hope of cracking the UK market, where it has experienced relatively sluggish sales growth. The new models will also expand the brand’s line-up in Britain to six cars, when the existing MG 3 and MG GS models are included.

MG expects to sell around half a million cars this year in China, where its cars are produced. This means it has substantial financial backing to mount a charge on Europe and other new markets.

MG plans to increase its presence in South America, and product planning boss Zhang Liang said North America was also part of the firm’s long-term ambitions.

Additionally, the brand will produce a halo product inspired by the E-Motion electric sports car concept that’ll be revealed at the Shanghai motor show this week.

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