First official photo of new MG5 12 | 03 | 2012

THIS IS THE first official photo of the new MG5. While the car will go on sale in China within the next few weeks, the five-door hatchback won't reach Scottish showrooms for another 14-18 months.

What's immediately noticeable is the MG5 boasts angular headlights and pronounced creases along the bonnet and front wings.

European models will be powered by a range of engines, including at least one diesel. The range is likely to include a number of downsized petrol engines with capacities between 1.0 and 1.5-litres, with power outputs ranging from 115bhp to 162bhp.

In China, the only engine available will be a 105bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine.

It will also come as no surprise to learn the car, when it does arrive in Europe, will come with substantially different trim and suspension settings from Chinese market models.

Due to be launched in Scotland early next year, the MG5 will be available only as a five-door hatch and will be positioned in size between the MG6 and MG3.

Plato leads MG return to BTCC

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Jim McGill