2015 HOLDEN TRAX
With a name like 'MG GTS' you'd expect something low-slung, possibly roofless, with plenty of performance and the driven wheels at the back.
What most wouldn't expect is a high-riding small SUV built in China.
But that's precisely what the MG GTS is. Built to satisfy swelling demand for SUVs with foreign badges in the Chinese market, the MG GTS measures 4500mm long and 1855mm wide, putting it roughly between a Honda CR-V and a Kia Sportage in size.
Previewed by the CS Concept shown in 2013, MG parent company Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation says the GTS is built on a new scalable SUV architecture that could underpin larger models for the Chinese-owned British marque.
Initially just one powertrain will be offered, a 161kW/350Nm direct-injected 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. entry-level models will offer front-wheel drive, while an on-demand all-wheel drive driveline will be available further up the range.
All variants will come with a six-speed twin-clutch automatic as standard, and the 2.0 litre is claimed to run from 0-100km/h in eight seconds.
It is, like MG's other products the MG3 light car and MG6 small sedan, built primarily for the Chinese domestic market, and sales of the GTS will begin there in May 2015.
European sales will commence in 2016, when a 110kW/350Nm 1.8 litre turbo diesel and 1.5 litre petrol engine will join the range. An Australian release has yet to be announced.
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