Shanghai Show 2011 Highlights: MG Concept 5

MG has unveiled one of the early stars of the Shanghai motor show: a new Focus-size hatchback called Concept 5.

The neat five-door is the work of MG’s Longbridge design studio; the show car itself was built in the UK. Styled under the direction of the firm’s design boss Tony Williams-Kenny, it blends ‘new MG’ design cues - particularly around the front end, which resembles the MG Zero concept - with new traits, including Alfa Giulietta-esque tail-lights.

The 5 is being pitched to the Chinese audience as a ‘British design concept’; Union Jacks and footage shot in London featured heavily during the promotional film, and Williams-Kenny himself was brought out for the presentation.

MG hasn’t issued plans for production, but it’s thought that the rapidly expanding Chinese market has more than enough capacity to make it a reality.

It’s hard to believe the firm won’t consider European sales for such a car - although it would appear to conflict with the recently launched 6, which aims to offer a larger-than-usual package in the Focus/Golf class.

MG’s sister firm Roewe used this morning’s conference to unveil its W5 off-roader. It’s a four-wheel drive model designed and built under license from Ssangyong, but it’s unlikely to become an MG. The terms of the agreement between SAIC-Roewe and Ssangyong prevent its sale outside China.

Thanks to: Autocar