Guangzhou Auto are quickly becoming the one to watch design wise from the Chinese automakers with their futuristic designs that certainly give Honda a run for their money. Their latest offering, a compact SUV, was spotted near the Guangzhou Auto R&D HQ earlier this week and gives us a clue as to what the future Guangzhou line up will look like:

Guangzhou Auto are a relative newcomer to the self developed auto scene, they currently have JV’s with the Japanese giants, Honda and Toyota. Previously they had a JV with Peugeot but this ultimately died a nasty death. The Japanese JV’s seems to have taught Guangzhou a lot about automotive design, and probably also quality. Previously we saw a Guangzhou concept sedan out testing which caused quite the stir in Chinese automotive circles due to its bold design theme, which is quite a strike away from the usual round bubbly cuteness that Chinese manufacturers go for.

Guangzhou also have one more JV with Fiat, which hasn’t seen them produce a car yet, but agreements have been signed. Prior to signing the agreement Fiat sold Guangzhou an outgoing Alfa Romeo platform, which Guangzhou maybe using for this new compact SUV although as Guangzhou are working with Changfeng on this project the platform could be from the Changfeng range, especially something like the Changfeng CS7

Want a Guangzhou Compact SUV? Well you’ll have to wait until 2011 when Guangzhou are expected to put the pretty little SUV into production. As for engines, that is another mystery.