The MG has always been associated with dinky sports convertibles that you could fit in your pocket, with an old-time elegance and a racing pedigree to boot. The MG Icon Concept is no different. The small SUV is something that people want at the moment, safety, practicality, power and all with an eye on the future.

There are no plans to put this car into production but if the positive reviews are any early indication we could yet see the Chinese owners of this company give it the green light. The are many MG signature features in the shape and line, the rear haunches rise up like the MGA and details such as the exposed tailgate hinges and the MG-style grille are proudly displayed, even the wheels are designed as a homage to the old wire wheels.

Maybe taking a leaf from the other iconic British motor to enjoy resurgence the MINI, this could well be a cousin of the pocket-sized Brit. The idea for the concept came when some of the SAIC top management of the Longbridge facility in the West Midlands and on seeing the rich heritage of classics decided to push the MG philosophy into the future.

The concept is about style combining with functionality, it’s a four-seater coupe and the back seats drop flat to the floor to allow for more space in the back. It’s not a pure city dweller and it would be comfortable tearing along country roads with a trunk full of gear at the weekends. Sometimes car design take san unexpected twist and this may not necessarily be the car of the future we imagine 10 or 15 years ago, but it is very much of its time.

By Hugo Mc Cafferty