MG CS crossover concept (2013) first official pictures

These official sketches show MG's new British-designed concept car: the CS crossover. It's MG's second go at a SUV design, following the retro-styled Icon concept unveiled in 2012. This new car has an altogether more modern look, and is aimed squarely at young car buyers instead of MG enthusiasts. MG hopes the car will appeal to a youth market looking for a trendier crossover than the Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Yeti.

Meanwhile, CAR has learned MG also plans to show its next all-new model – the MG3 supermini – in full European market production trim at the 2013 Shanghai show.

MG's official material talks of the CS concept potentially 'creating a sensation among young, fashion conscious people' and having 'a distinctive, sporty style and youthful appearance'. The five-door concept's rising beltline and blacked-out A-pillars certainly call to mind Range Rover's wildly successful Evoque, while the grille and headlight treatment is related to the current MG6 family hatchback.

Despite speculation that the CS concept is merely a rebodied version of the 2012 Icon concept, MG confirmed to CAR that this new design is an entirely separate project, though it remained tight-lipped on the car's powertrain details. Should it go into production, it's likely the CS would be offered with the 158bhp 1.8-litre petrol and 146bhp 1.9-litre diesel four-cylinder engines used in the MG6 range.

Further details on the MG SUV will be announced when the car makes its debut at the Shangai motor show on 20 April 2013. We'll also bring you full details on the Ford Fiesta-fighting MG3 on CAR Online in the coming days.

Are a trendy SUV concept and a new supermini enough to make buyers take MG seriously? Or is the born-again brand doomed to also-ran status in Europe? Click 'Add your comment' to enter the discussion

By Ollie Kew