One of motoring’s storied marques has been relaunched in South Africa with its first all-new model in 16 years. MG, now run by Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation (SAIC), will be brought in by Combined Motor Holdings Limited (CMH). The MG range will be distributed initially through 15 dealerships nationwide, with four more to follow soon after.

The all-new model, dubbed MG6, is powered by a turbocharged 1,8-litre that delivers 118 kW at 5 500 r/min. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. According to MG South Africa management, the MG6 offers a luxury specification at a competitive price.

MG owners SAIC are the largest motor manufacturers in China – and produces nearly 3,6 million cars annually. The company’s two plants in China are backed up by a third in Birmingham in the UK, where its design studio and engineering facility were established at a cost of more than half a billion rand.

MG has made it clear that it will continue to focus on European and more specifically British styling and design. It will also continue to build on its racing heritage, with a return to the Le Mans 24-hour and the British Touring Car Championship.

Download wallpaper images of the 2011 MG6