MG5 model
From: http://auto.hexun.com/2009-03-31/116224393.html
MG expose details of the MG5 which will debut at the Shaghai Auto Show
Following the NAC/SAIC cooperation agreement SAIC have insisted that the Roewe and MG brands will take seperate routes, they have embarked on the product differentiation path with MG positiond more in the sports area. This is particularly the case with the emergence of the MG5 which vividly illustrates the trend.
Earlier rumors suggesed that because of the cooperation agreement with the Nanjing Auomobile Coorporation, the Roewe 550 platform would be shared with the MG5 and suggested the original MG5 project would be stranded. Recently, the news agency Sohu in some news from official sources refuted these allegations, MG5 as an independently developed platform is making steady progress.
The MG5 is based on the Rover 45 and MG ZS and is a four door sedan model, the original price was in the range £9995 to £16,200. These models were based on the Rover 400 with an improvement to the design, the Rover 400 came from technology more familiar in the Honda Civic. Early in 2005, NAC MG had the intention of using these designs but on investigation found that Honda had made available its designs for the manufacture of the Rover 45 and MG ZS including production equipment and design drawings. In mid 2005, Honda removed its own production equipment from the Rover Longbridge factory and burned some of the key drawinmgs, drawings which had a crucial role in the production of the Rover 45 and MG Zs This is an important reason explaining the slow progress in developing the MG5.
Nanjing has carried out further research and development on the 5 series platform and rebuilt the missing sections. According to the relevant personnel, the R&D continued at the Nanjing base after the merger and SAIC will share the basic platform of the MG5 in its Roewe 350 hatchback model and sedan model, there will also be sports and station wagon versions. At present the production lines for these cars are being set up in the Nanjing Pukou Phase II base.
The new MG5 will have a selection of three engines, a 1.5L, 1.5T and a 1.5CVT, the transmissions are devided into a six speed manual and a continuously variable automatic box., it is also possible that it will share the 1.8 and 1.8T powertrain with the Roewe 550.
According to NAC plans, the MG5 will serve as a platform for their A class range of cars which will be first shown in the 2009 Shanghai Auto show where the Roewe 350 and MG6 with have a dual debut. pricing will range from 9 to 120,000 yuan.