MG Motor UK’s bid to take on Land Rover in its own back yard is a step closer to fruition after the firm unveiled its first SUV concept car at the Beijing Auto Show.

The MG Icon was created by the company’s Birmingham-based global design team, headed by British director Anthony Williams-Kenny, and has been inspired by some of MG’s most famous cars including the MGA and MGB GT.

Although only a concept at this stage a production version of the compact SUV is likely to form part of the next generation of vehicles produced at Longbridge.

Mr Williams-Kenny said: “The MG Icon represents our vision of a modern MG and we feel that the small SUV canvas demonstrates MG’s capacity for progressive design with respect for its long heritage.

“We have balanced familiar brand cues, such as the wide and powerful front end graphic interpretation and, as one would expect, with a strong focus on the unique MG octagon.

“The MG Icon clearly demonstrates a progressive and soulful British spirit and has a lithe and powerful stance – its proportion harmonised by feature lines interpreted from MG’s iconic greats.”

The Icon has a four ‘shell’ seat layout and the rear seats can fold down completely into the floor, something which MG Motor UK say will make the compact SUV “versatile and functional”.

Mr Williams-Kenny added: “The MG Icon highlights a global vision for MG’s design and represents a milestone for the brand, particularly this year which marks the 50th anniversary of the MG B.”

The SUV plans emerged as MG Motor UK cranks up production levels following the launch last spring of the MG6, the first all-new MG for 16 years.

The firm is now gearing up for production of a diesel version of the MG6 and the launch of the MG3, a new hatchback model.