The MG in 2011 shows off New MG3 Sport Hatch

MG6 is only the start! In the same week that the revived British firm’s new family car was driven for the first impression, bosses have revealed plans for a full range of models to be sold here and in Europe.

This includes a hot version of the MG3 supermini and an all-new sports hatch that promises similarly impressive handling agility to the MG ZS.

Also being worked on by British engineers at the Longbridge base in the West Midlands are a crossover, an SUV and, crucially, a new sports car.

The ambitious expansion plan is being driven by Chinese owner SAIC, which is investing heavily in MG and its Rover equivalent, Roewe.

UK sales and marketing director Guy Jones confirmedto us that the attractive MG3 will come to the UK next year, and also revealed plans for a hot version. “Yes we think there should be a halo model and yes we will be making one,” he said. It’s likely to be a turbo, one of a new range of small engines being developed in conjunction with General Motors.

Following that will be the MG5 – a hatchback that sits between the 3 and the 6 to create a smaller Ford Focus rival. It’s based on the Roewe 350, and is likely to start at around £11,000. This will be followed by a range of new cars built around the three platforms. “We’ve got SUV and crossover vehicles in the plans,” added Jones. “We also intend to produce a new sports car.”

Talk of an SUV was backed up by the sight of two SsangYong Korandos – one after a crash test – around the back of the Longbridge Technical Centre when Auto Express was there to drive the MG6.

SAIC was thought to be considering rebadging the Toyota RAV4 rival, having bought the Korean brand in 2004. But this plan is likely to change after the recent sale of SsangYong to Indian 4x4 specialist Mahindra.

Meanwhile the MG6’s 1.8-litre turbo – a version of the old Rover K Series unit – will make way for a new 2.0-litre turbo, with a 1.9-litre diesel due in autumn next year. A new V6 is on the cards, too, while a six-speed box will replace the MG6’s five-ratio manual. The car is available to order now at MG’s 38 UK dealers, from £15,495.