Nationalism is never far below the surface in China. But will it help Shanghai Automotive (SAIC), China’s largest locally-owned carmaker, sell its sporty, stylish home-grown car, the Roewe 550?

The model, star of the Beijing car show, was launched to great fanfare last month as SAIC’s highest profile “made in China” vehicle. Chinese carmakers have a reputation for imitating foreign brands, and selling barely-disguised copies as home-grown cars.