Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Even when they're not blatantly using the carbon-copy method, it seems like the Chinese designers can't help but get inspired a little more than they should by various German models.
Have a look at the Roewe 360 sedan's rear end, for example. Does that seem familiar? Well, that may be because it's essentially a less expensive version of the Audi A3 Sedan. As for the Roewe 560 we have here, all that camouflage can't hide the fact it will resemble the smaller model more than a bit.
But I feel I'm babbling on here about the car's design, and all this time you have a burning question to ask: "what the hell is a Roewe?" Simply put, it is a Chinese premium brand that will also expand into western territories. "With that name? Good luck," you're probably saying to yourself, and you'd be right. Only it won't sell under the Roewe monicker, but one that carries slightly more weight in the Old Continent: MG. Admittedly, it's also easier to pronounce.
In fact, there's a cute story behind the Roewe name and, if you have the time for it, I'd be glad to share it. The parent company, SAIC, acquired technology belonging to British carmaker, MG Rover, after things went south for it, but BMW refused to also sell it the actual "Rover" name. Unhappy with the decision, SAIC came up with Roewe, which is a transliteration of Rover. So, if you own a Discovery or a Defender, next time somebody asks, you can tell them you drive a Land Roewe, just to sound fancy.
Back to the Roewe 560 sedan caught by our spy photographers and we're afraid the information surrounding it is pretty scarce. What it's plain to see, though, is that it has a very German interior (the electronic handbrake and the buttons around it just scream Volkswagen) with leather inserts and contrasting stitches.
The prototypes were testing in the Austrian mountains by well-known supplier Magna Steyr. The pictures show we're dealing with two different models, one of which is considerably more upscale. It features LED taillights and alloy wheels, as well as heavier camouflage on the front, making it harder to read. However, it appears to sport the same halogen headlamps as the other car.
Word on the street is that the Roewe/MG 560 will debut sometime in 2018. No details are available, but the logo on the steering wheel is clearly that of an MG, which means it will surely sell outside of China.
But I feel I'm babbling on here about the car's design, and all this time you have a burning question to ask: "what the hell is a Roewe?" Simply put, it is a Chinese premium brand that will also expand into western territories. "With that name? Good luck," you're probably saying to yourself, and you'd be right. Only it won't sell under the Roewe monicker, but one that carries slightly more weight in the Old Continent: MG. Admittedly, it's also easier to pronounce.
In fact, there's a cute story behind the Roewe name and, if you have the time for it, I'd be glad to share it. The parent company, SAIC, acquired technology belonging to British carmaker, MG Rover, after things went south for it, but BMW refused to also sell it the actual "Rover" name. Unhappy with the decision, SAIC came up with Roewe, which is a transliteration of Rover. So, if you own a Discovery or a Defender, next time somebody asks, you can tell them you drive a Land Roewe, just to sound fancy.
Back to the Roewe 560 sedan caught by our spy photographers and we're afraid the information surrounding it is pretty scarce. What it's plain to see, though, is that it has a very German interior (the electronic handbrake and the buttons around it just scream Volkswagen) with leather inserts and contrasting stitches.
The prototypes were testing in the Austrian mountains by well-known supplier Magna Steyr. The pictures show we're dealing with two different models, one of which is considerably more upscale. It features LED taillights and alloy wheels, as well as heavier camouflage on the front, making it harder to read. However, it appears to sport the same halogen headlamps as the other car.
Word on the street is that the Roewe/MG 560 will debut sometime in 2018. No details are available, but the logo on the steering wheel is clearly that of an MG, which means it will surely sell outside of China.
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