It’s already gone down a storm in the Far East – now MG’s stunning new supermini concept looks set to repeat the feat in its native West Midlands.

The Zero went on show last night at the MPH Prestige and Performance Motor Show in Birmingham – a few miles from where it was created by MG’s British-based design team.

And while there were plenty of exotic cars on show as MPH began its four-day run, arguably the most important is the Zero.

For if MG is to crack the vital European market it needs a good supermini – and the Zero certainly looks to have made a positive first impression.

The car on show at NEC has cost a million pounds to develop and I was able to try it for size as it was unveiled for the first time in the Midlands.

Motoring editor Peter Carroll sits in the MG Zero

In concept form at least, the Zero is a real head-turner and could have the potential to become a serious rival to Mini – provided MG retains its bold styling and backs it up with lively roadholding and decent build quality.

The concept is the same length as a Fiesta but looks more muscular. Its modern-style LED lights at the front and back look impressive and there are a number of octagonal design motifs, such as the grille pattern and exhaust shape, which reflect the shape of the famous MG badge.

The interior also impresses, with a distinctive ‘floating’ centre console, squared-off steering wheel and clever use of lighting.

The car’s designer Tony Williams-Kenny, the man responsible for the enduring MG TF design, said the Zero had been given a “confident, sporty character”.

“The body side has a strong shoulder and flared arches to give a wide stance and strong road presence.”

MG dealer John Newey, who runs Summit Garage in Dudley, was there to see the unveiling of the car and said he was “very impressed”.

“There will probably be a lot of changes before we get the final version but I love it.

“If we can have a car like this we can go great guns and sell as many as we can get.”

MG also last night revealed a production-ready version of the MG6, the family sized ‘fastback’ which will be the first new car from the firm in 15 years.

It will be launched in the spring, with prices expected to start at around £16,000.

MG’s Chinese owners, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), have already pumped £5 million into re-developing the historic Longbridge site where the MG6 will be assembled with a new design centre and engine testing unit.

The MG6 promises a blend of space, comfort and good handling and looks good value, though some will prefer to wait until new diesel engines arrive in a year’s time.

But it’s the Zero that looks to have the ability to really put MG back on the automotive map – and an announcement regarding the start of production in China is expected in a few weeks’ time.

By Peter Carroll