Watch out BYD: Cheap new MG small SUV spotted in China as crossover version of MG4 Urban shapes up against BYD Atto 2, Leapmotor B10 and Kia EV3

MG is seemingly plotting an SUV version of its upcoming MG4 Urban hatchback, with a mystery new crossover SUV spotted in China.

The new car appears to take styling cues from the upcoming MG4 Urban, but with a lifted body more akin to that of the S5, which will likely sit above it in MG’s range of electrified options.

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However, a front-wheel drive MG4 Urban-based SUV would make sense as part of MG’s strategy to be more competitive in China, with the SAIC-owned brand experiencing more success in export markets like Australia and Europe than it does at home.

The MG4 Urban, for example, trades the current model’s rear-wheel drive architecture for a front-wheel drive layout, and makes it more cost effective and tech-laden in the cabin, specifically to appeal more to Chinese buyers.

However, the current MG4, which is much more Euro-flavoured, and the new Urban will be sold alongside each other in Australia, at least for a time.

The new hatch is expected to cost closer to $30,000 as a more price-leading alternative to compete better with the likes of the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora. It is larger than the Atto 1.

Right now, the most affordable version of the rear-drive MG4 sold in Australia, the Excite 51 starts from $37,990, before-on road costs. The rear-drive model is also likely to remain the more performance-oriented version, with the MG4 Urban expected to use a 120kW/250Nm electric motor, which is vaguely equivalent to entry models of the current car (125kW/250Nm), although overseas a 109kW version is also available.

Interestingly, this mystery new MG SUV seems to add some additional design elements to the MG4 formula. While it clearly uses similar headlight structures and an overall similar silhouette, it also adds a light bar across the front, plastic cladding pieces over the arches to suit its crossover profile and plastic garnishes on the bottom of the doorline.

Chinese media is expecting further detail on the SUV will be released later in March when manufacturers file their upcoming model data with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Interestingly the MG4 Urban uses a semi-solid-state battery in China. The battery allows faster charging times (10-80 per cent in 21 minutes) and higher capacities, although it is not expected this technology will make it to Australia in the short term. MG executives have cited regulatory and safety certification hurdles which will mean the new hatch will launch without the battery tech locally.

If a new crossover version of the MG4 is built in right-hand drive and exported to Australia, it will enter an emerging price-war segment for ultra-affordable Chinese electric small SUVs.

This segment is occupied by the BYD Atto 2 (from $31,990, before on-roads) and Leapmotor B10 (from $37,888, before on-roads) and will soon also see the addition of the Ora 5 from GWM.