HERE was something really new for London Motor Show visitors: an all-new MG – the Qashqai-rivalling MG GS SUV.

Expecting to cost from under £15,000 to about £18,500, the new MG SUV is built on an all-new scaleable platform that will allow MG to expand its SUV offerings, both larger and smaller.

The design and engineering of the MG GS took place at MG’s Longbridge plant in the Midlands, although the first cars will be built in China, where the car was first revealed at the Shanghai Motorshow in April 2015.

According to Richard Batho, vehicle chief engineer UK programmes at SAIC Motor, MG’s owner, “There will be the capability to build the new MG GS at Longbridge in the future.”

Richard added: “We’ve produced a good looking, edgy design that keeps the MG brand relevant.”

Few details were revealed, except that initial cars will be powered by a 1.5 turbo petrol engine, although diesel and possibly a hybrid will be available later. The show car was front-wheel drive, although four-wheel drive is likely to be added later. No details yet on CO2 emissions or company car tax banding for the new MG GS.

Transmissions are six-speed manual and six-speed auto.

The MG GS enters the SUV market at a time when the market for these 4×4-style cars is really booming. According to market analysts Jato, European demand for SUVs grew by 25% in quarter 1.

“The first quarter results reveal a clear trend of European consumers shifting their interest from supermini and compact cars, and from MPVs to small and compact SUVs,” said Felipe Munoz, global automotive analyst at JATO Dynamics.

Read our guide to all the latest SUVs

If you are interested by the new MG GS SUV, or wondering which SUV you should choose, read our special Guide to the SUV market by brand.