'Let Me Entertain You' Says MG Rover's 2002 New Sporty Saloon; just-auto.com Reports

    LONDON, Feb. 1 http://www.just-auto.com -- Bright yellow
and metallic blue prototypes graced Tuesdays international press gathering as
MG Rover's new models -- set to hit markets next year -- were unveiled.
    The report at http://just-auto.com/features_detail.asp?art=432 says that
with the new sporty hatchback and saloon models, to be produced at MG Rover's
Longbridge plant, the MG brand will account for a quarter of the MG Rover
Group output.
    Yet to be publicly named, the new range, which sees mainstream Rovers
turned into desirable 'sporting' MG derivatives, will introduce a range of
V8 rear drive and V6-powered front-drive X10 large saloons, medium-sized
X20 saloons and hatchbacks with four-cylinder or V6 engines and the
entry-level X30-hatchback with 1.4 and 1.8-litre petrol engines as well as a
two-litre turbodiesel.  Each of the models will be available with at least
three levels of performance and sporty looks, with the planned derivatives
currently known as 'base', 'core' and 'ultimate'.
    The planned 'affordable' entry-level X30, based on the Rover 25, will be
built in 3- and 5-door forms and the 'core' version will have the
MGF roadster's 160hp, 1.8-litre VVC engine.  The 'ultimate' version will be
based on the works rally car specification, offering extra power and lower
weight.
    All will be competitively priced -- the turbodiesel costing from just
10,000 pounds sterling ($US14,500).
    For the full report see: http://just-auto.com/features_detail.asp?art=432
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