A new medium-sized model...

A new medium-sized model - codenamed RD60 - had already made prototype stage in the hands of MG Rover. The work started in Longbridge will be continued to form the 45 replacement. Aimed at the Ford Focus and VW Golf, it will blend the styling cues of the three cars pictured on the right, and the result will be an MPV-like hatch that rivals the all-new Honda Civic for visual drama.

We revealed the back of the MG Rover-built 45 replacement in Issue 845 - and the amazing images in this week"s issue prove the story isn"t over yet! The car gets a bold Rover badge in a sporty new mesh grille surrounded by chrome. Enhancing the look are narrow headlamps and aggressive spotlights. As on the 75, a high waistline and chunky pillars, combined with relatively small glass areas, mean a strong profile. Further stylish touches include extended wheelarches and distinctive lights set into a one-piece tailgate.

Shorter than the current 45 but longer than a Focus, the newcomer should have one of the most spacious interiors in class. Headroom will be particularly impressive due to a tall MPV-like roofline that extends to meet the chopped rear window. Build and material quality is tipped to be as good as in premium brands, with generous equipment, a host of airbags and a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

Under the skin, the front-wheel-drive car is set to use a modified 75 platform with suspension tuned to give a sporty, but comfortable, driving experience.

The engine range should comprise the existing car"s 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-litre K Series petrol units, with diesel power potentially from VW or GM - as in the 75. Due on sale in 2007, the new 45 should debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2006. A new MG ZT is likely, too, and both machines could be assembled on the same production line as the current 75 was at Longbridge, to cut costs. "Long-term plans centre on this line," said an insider. "It"s set up to take more than one model as it"s extendable."

Meanwhile, an all-new supermini is expected to replace both the CityRover and 25. The future of the TF cabrio rests on the joint venture"s success - while SAIC owns the rights to build it, there is little demand for sports cars in China.