MG One coupe-SUV leaked

Images of a sleek coupe-style mid-size SUV that would sit alongside the MG HS have surfaced ahead of the all-new model’s launch in China.

Published on Chinese automotive consumer website autohome.com.cn, the studio-based shots of the MG One, as it’s known in its home market, appear to be official and were reportedly filed with regulatory authorities before being leaked to media.

What’s clear is that the MG One carries design cues that are in line with the fast-growing Chinese brand’s latest models that aren’t sold here yet but are on the agenda, including the HS-based MG Marvel R Electric and the MG5 Electric, both of which are due to hit Europe in the coming months.

We’ve asked MG Motor Australia for comment on the MG One, but there’s no word yet on what remains an unconfirmed future model.

That said, the company has made it clear it’s watching all developments closely and that all opportunities for the Australian market are being considered.

The overseas reports indicate the new MG One measures 4579mm long, 1866mm wide and 1601mm tall, with a 2670mm wheelbase.

This makes it slightly longer, narrower and lower than the current MG HS, but with a wheelbase that is 50mm shorter.

All of that translates to a sportier stance and possibly a compromised cabin layout – especially in the rear compartment – which is par for the course with this style of vehicle.

Power is said to come from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 181hp (135kW), which points to a higher-output version of the current direct-injection four-cylinder unit that in the Australian-market HS produces 119kW/250Nm.

If that all proves correct, the engine is set to be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

For the Australian market, a high level of standard safety, technology and convenience features would be fitted in line with MG’s aggressive positioning in the marketplace, with pricing that would likely start upstream of the HS that opens at $29,990 drive-away.