The MG Rover Group is playing a strong sporting hand with its latest line of X-rated sports saloon cars.

During a glitzy presentation three MG model ranges codenamed X10, X20 and X30, along with an MG special edition were unveiled at the firm's Longbridge plant in Birmingham.

MG Rover's director of product development Rob Oldaker said the cars would be "outrageous driving fun".

He said: "These are uncompromising drivers' cars. They have taut handling and steering. They sit low and ride firmly.

"These cars are for the extrovert, for people who have a zest for life, for people who are switched on by driving a motor car."

The announcement comes just eight months after the Phoenix Consortium, headed by MG Rover chairman John Towers, bought the company for a nominal 10 from German owner BMW, saving Longbridge from the brink of closure.

After a presentation by the company's design chiefs and managers, the cars were unveiled to a backdrop of flashing lights and pop music.

The new MG models go on sale in the UK in August and prices range from less than £10,000 to £30,000. The names of the cars will be announced later.

Heading the saloon range are the X10 models which, the company claims, will bring a "new sporting aura" to the compact executive car sector.

The X20 range is tipped to be the dark horse and will be built in four-door and five-door hatchback forms.

The X30 is described as a small hot hatch and will also come in three-door and five-door forms. The company also unveiled its special edition MGF Trophy, which can accelerate from 0-60 in less than seven seconds.

The launch came after MG Rover said it is to return to the world of competitive motorsport. It plans to race two MG Lola sports cars in the Le Mans 24-hour race in June.

It will also enter cars in the World and British Rally Championships as well as the British touring car championships.