This new range of MG sports saloons are due for launch in the autumn of 2001. Currently the new MGs are known only by their code names X10, X20 and X30. A wide range of power plants and models will be available ‘entry’, ‘core’ and ‘ultimate’. Final names have not yet been chosen, so if you have any suggestions please send them in and we will award a prize for the best entry and submit it to MG Rover.

3 or 5-door ‘hot hatch’ sports saloon. ‘Core’ model powered by the 160PS, 1.8-litre VVC engine, which should give a top speed of 140mph, expected price range around £14,000. These MG models feature uprated chassis, 17 -inch alloy wheels, a powerful braking system and improved steering. Aerodynamic front and rear spoilers. Body coloured MG grille with bright mesh intakes. Sports exhaust tailpipes. Form-hugging sports front seats, plus the definitive MG interior style cues in trim, instrumentation and controls.

Lower cost X30 ‘Entry’ models, to be made available with 1.4 -litre and 1.8 -litre K series engines or the 2.0 -litre turbo-diesel. These will enable enthusiasts to join the MG fraternity from as little as £10,000 in the UK.

4-door saloon and 5-door hatchback ‘Core’ model has 2.5-litre 177PS KV6 manual transmission, 17-inch wheels, uprated suspension, brakes and steering. Exterior style matches the other MG saloons with body-coloured MG grille, bright mesh air intakes and black or body colour features rather than brightwork. Wind-tunnel work on the X20’s aerodynamics has produced a package of front and rear spoilers, plus side skirts, to minimise drag and lift. A very distinctive high-mounted plane type rear spoiler gives distinct impressions of ‘Impreza’ or ‘Evo’. While the interior features special MG sports front seats, steering wheel, instrumentation and gearshift.

More accessible ‘Entry’ versions of the X20 will combine the MG style and chassis treatment with 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre K Series engines, also a ‘performance’ 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit.

A version of the X20 will be MG’s entry into the British TOCA Tour race series, and the competition design and engineering that is going into this exercise will form the basis of the ‘Ultimate’ road car version of the X20.

X10

Executive ‘Entry’ model 4 door saloon will feature an uprated version of the 2.5-litre KV6 quad cam alloy engine, developing 195 PS with Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox or a 160PS version of the KV6 engine. Uprated chassis, including front springs with rates up by 85 per cent and rears by 26 per cent. Unique MG multi-spoke 18-inch alloys combine with lowered suspension. Extra stopping power from 325mm diameter front brake discs, backed up by uprated hydraulic and ABS systems. Higher-geared steering rack. Body features rear deck spoiler, and new, deep front air-dam. External design cues include a body-colour MG radiator grille, with bright stone-guard mesh matching the large lower air intake and black cappings around all the glass areas. Specially-developed sports front seats and an MG interior trim using a new ‘technical’ finish for the main fascia and console cladding, plus a thick rim sports steering wheel.

‘Core’ model features a 260PS V8 engine and for the ‘Ultimate’ derivative of the of the X10, a radically re-engineered car is being developed, with a potential ‘ground-shaking’ 375 PS.

There is no doubt that MG Rover mean business with these new models and have tailored them to capture a fresh market. These MG saloons will have huge appeal for performance car enthusiasts and those of us who long to hold the steering wheel of a brand new prestige sports saloon with an octagon badge on the boss.