Nanjing will offer 3...

Nanjing will offer 3, 5 and 7-Series models based on the previous ZR, ZS and ZT ranges respectively, as well as a version of the sporty TF roadster.

According to sources within the company, the entry-level 3-Series will feature raised suspension and plastic body cladding to give it a butch off-road look - as our picture shows. The move has been prompted by the Japч­anese market, where the sales charts suggest that customers prefer chunky exterior design such as this.

However, the model that will be offered in UK showrooms won"t necessarily follow suit, and could go along more conventional, ZR-style lines. The original Streetwise was sold here betч­ween 2003 and 2005. And although it had its critics, the hatchback"s blend of a rugged, off-road design without the running costs associated with a genuine mud-plugger meant it was quite well received at the time.

Meanwhile, mystery surrounds the middle car in the new Nanjing line-up. The 5-Series is the only model in the range which has yet to be seen, and this has led to speculation that it could take the form of an all-new design, rather than sit on the old MG ZS underpinnings to which the manuч­facturer owns the rights.

The company has already started to build its version of the TF in China, but production of UK cars is expected to commence at MG Rover"s old Longч­bridge factory in the West Midlands at the beginning of June.