Roewe 550 Unmasked In Official New Shots

These are the latest shots of the new 550 from Roewe, the Chinese firm resurrecting defunct British brand Rover in a surprisingly pleasing but affordable package. With hints of the car's Western counterparts evident in the design, the 550 is a compact sedan model expected to rattle models such as the Focus and Civic in its home market but offer an equally appealing proposition for consumers in European markets.

A fresh new design signals the way forward for the brand, owned by Chinese corporation SAIC Automotive, with 550 styling cues chiefly taken from Volkswagen's Passat, the new C5 and Lexus' GS - albeit in a somewhat more subtle fashion than recent Chinese creations. Premium packaging continues in what these new official photos reveal to be a stylish and assumedly high quality cabin.

An attractive interior space features driver-oriented arched dashboard complete with stylish digital displays and a central tachometer. A sophisticated central console complete with GPS navigation and both chrome and wood inlay finishing show Roewe's commitment to cabin ambience.

Official details are scarce, but a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit has been confirmed for the Chinese market, where the car starts sales next week. European sales are expected to commence later this year with a price tag of between 12,000 and 20,000 euros.