Autoblog UK

Anyone wanting to purchase a Rover nowadays has to visit their local second-hand car dealer or emigrate to China. The once illustrious badge and sister marque MG, both steeped in British tradition, now roll off the assembly lines of Chinese carmaker SAIC. Because the Rover trade name passed to Ford, the Asian company has had to settle for calling its models Roewe. It sounds similar and in translation means something like 'royal power'. Not a bad choice of name, considering the origins of the brand. Roewe N1 and MG6 are the designations for the twin compact saloons that made their debut at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show.

In early 2010, the MG6 is due for its market launch with the Roewe N1 following one year later. European design and technology is still too expensive for the Chinese home market, so SAIC have hit on the strategy of reintroducing the brand to the UK where the sale price will be considered more affordable. The MG TF roadster is still assembled at Longbridge in Birmingham, but from components made in China.

Chinese car constructor Shanghai Automotive (SAIC) presented its second model at the auto show there: one that is based upon an old Rover. This is the smaller brother of the 750, goes back to the W2 concept car and has been christened 'Roewe 550'. The original basis for the new model is a shortened variation of the erstwhile Rover 75 and is now on offer as the Roewe 750. With its length of 4.62 metres, the 550 saloon is around 25cm shorter than its larger stablemate. The engine is however the same with 1.8 litres delivering 150bhp. The visual design elements bear a marked resemblance to those of European competitors. The driving compartment has an unmistakable flavour of Munich to it, while the lines of a Volkswagen can be seen in the body.

Range Rover has presented its latest models at the New York Auto Show. Visually, the new model has been given stylish external modifications on the headlights, grille and bumpers. The vehicle has also been fitted with a new leather interior. This luxury SUV is fitted with a new 5.0 litre V8 with supercharger which is known from the Jaguar XKR and XFR and the manufacturer claims a fuel consumption of 22.8mpg for this engine. It is a considerable improvement on the old 4.2 litre V8 which guzzled 18mpg, and also provides over 100bhp more in power. The diesel version is still powered by the 272bhp 3.6 V8. The price of this new Range Rover is yet to be confirmed.