MG will start assembly of its MG6 fastback and saloon at its Longbridge factory on April 13.

On sale in May and July respectively, the fastback and saloon are expected to achieve 2,000 registrations in the first full year and twice that number from 2012 once a 1.9-litre turbodiesel power unit joins the 1.8-litre petrol line up.

Eighty per cent assembled after they are shipped from Chinese parent company SAIC, the MG6 models will be completed by a 40-strong workforce capable of building 5,000 cars per year.

The introduction of the new model to the UK will increase the brand’s dealer network representation from 39 to 60 this year. MG hopes to grow its network to 85 with the arrival of a compact hatchback at the end of 2012.

Guy Jones, MG sales and marketing director, told AM the dealer network could support 115 outlets by 2015 when an SUV will also be introduced to its model line-up.

Prices of the cars are not yet fixed, but the entry fastback is expected to cost under £15,000.