Spy Shots: 2008 MG3

MG under the guidance of China’s Nanjing has developed a new hatchback model based on the original Rover 25 that was sold up until 2005. When MG and Rover were split, Nanjing Auto managed to scoop up the tooling for the car and as evidenced by these latest spy shots a new MG3 has already begun production.

Set for launch next year, the new MG3 is likely to be manufactured in China as there are no plans to expand the Longbridge site in the UK yet. According to some reports the car could also revive the original Austin label, which will be used to market a range of affordable models from Nanjing.

Powering the car will be a series of four-cylinder petrol engines ranging in displacement from 1.1 to 1.8L. A 2.0L diesel engine was also offered with the original Rover hatch but there’s no world on whether Nanjing will pick up the oil-burner.

Via: China Car Forums