The rover, nicknamed Bridget, will contain high-tech equipment that will gather and test rock and other samples from beneath the planet's surface to determine whether life ever existed on Mars, still does or could in the future.

Bridget -- the "autonomous robotic scientist" as she is more formally called -- is vying for approval in the European Space Agency's (ESA) 700-million-euro (910-million-dollar) ExoMars mission, scheduled for launch in 2011.

Mike Healy, whose company is designing the six-wheel rover, told reporters the technology would build on that of the admired but ill-fated Beagle 2, a lander that disappeared after separating from ESA's Mars Express in late 2003.

"The Beagle was really advanced in comparison to most of the stuff NASA is doing. This will be more advanced. This will be the most advanced thing to land on Mars," said the scientist, from space manufacturer EADS Astrium.

The three-metre by 1.8-metre (9.8-feet by 5.9-feet) craft, which is expected to cost about 150 million euros (189 million dollars), will also cover more ground that NASA's Spirit and Opportunity exploration rovers, he added.

Spirit and Opportunity have been slowly scouting Mars since landing in early 2004. "They have done maybe 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) in total," Healy said. "The rover here (Bridget) will have done that within four to six months at the most. It's got to go to 10 sites that are up to one kilometre (0.6 miles) apart. "It won't be commanded on the ground. It will get there quicker and spend more time searching using its sophisticated technology... It will bring back more information."

In addition, a "smart" sensor system has been designed to avoid the assumed pitfalls that befell Beagle 2, when scientists were unable to gauge where it landed after separation. Beagle 2's tiny payload meant it could not be fitted with this and other backup equipment.

The sensors will allow adjustments to be made depending on Mars' hostile atmosphere, enabling parachutes and airbags to be deployed to allow a gentle touchdown.

A model of the solar-powered rover was put on display at a central London news conference to announce 1.7 million pounds (2.5 million euros, 3.1 million dollars) of investment for British research and development for ExoMars.

The machine has already been put through its paces in Spain. Designers have been testing its capabilities on the barren flanks of Mount Teide volcano in Tenerife, said to have similarities to the Martian landscape.

"It's got a tighter turning circle than Peter Crouch but we haven't got it to dance yet," joked Healy, a reference to the England football team's leggy striker, who has taken to dancing like a robot when he scores.

Bridget is expected to weigh 150 kilos (330 pounds) with its equipment, including a unique drilling system that can bore up to two metres (6.5 feet) below Mars' surface.

Other technology that could be contained in its payload include a "life marker chip", which hunts out molecules that can indicate signs of life using procedures similar to pregnancy home-testing kits.

Another is a micro seismometer to test for "Mars quakes", underground earthquakes that might give indications of the presence of liquid water.

ExoMars is part of the ESA's Aurora Programme, set up in 2001 to explore the Solar System using innovative new technology.

The mission includes an orbiter and a descent module that will land the rover on the Martian surface. The orbiter will operate as a data relay satellite between the Earth and the vehicle on the Martian surface.

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