The MG brand is best known for producing low-cost British sports cars in the sixties and seventies, and the modern reincarnation of the company is a Chinese company called SAIC. Although it has hung on to a bit of that heritage, the modern vehicles have swung much more towards the mainstream with the likes of the MG3 supermini. MG is one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in Britain as shown by official figures issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Currently, MG Motor has the fastest-growing network of dealers in the UK the simplicity and effective designs at affordable prices are proving successful for MG.
The MG3 is available with only one engine – a Petrol 105bhp 1.5-litre normally aspirated – and there are three trim levels, so that’s about all there is to it. Every model takes 10.4 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph and claims 47.1mpg fuel economy.
The MG3 has a simple model line-up with three versions on offer named Explore, Excite and Exclusive. The Explore is the entry point to the range, and it has a basic spec to help it come in at a price under £10,000. Highlights include electric windows all round, a Bluetooth phone connection, daytime running lights and electric mirror adjustment, but there’s also plastic wheel trims, a 2-speaker stereo and no central locking.
To get alloy wheels a better stereo with DAB and remote central locking, you need to go for an Excite model, which also adds the new 8-inch colour touchscreen, Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, rear parking sensors and air-con. Exclusive models also add cruise control, sports front seats and a rear camera. I drove the Exclusive model priced at £12,795.
The MG3 is a smart looking car on the outside and is surprisingly spacious for its size on the inside. Inside, the MG3 is equally stylish and a little more individual than most conventional supermini cabins. The seats are supportive and comfortable. The addition of the 8-inch touchscreen also adds a touch of upmarket appeal. The interior build quality is good considering that several hard plastics are used, which okay, are not the top quality, but are hard wearing and practical which makes sense in a car of this size. The switches are a little small but easy to get used to and are all in the right places. The driving position is good offering plenty of room and excellent all-around visibility. The Reversing camera is really top quality and it helps especially in the ever shrinking car park spaces we have in our towns and cities.
On the road, the MG3 is enjoyable to drive a well-designed reward chassis handles a twisty road with ease, fun and safety, the steering is well-weighted with plenty of feedback. The five-speed gearbox is light and slick to use and the engine is a little lacklustre at low revs and only comes to life at 4500rpm. The MG3 used for everyday city commuting is quiet, smooth and relatively economical the engine does lack a bit of a punch. I do not doubt that the MG3 will be very successful; it drives well, is spacious and looks sharp. All backed up with a 7year/80,000 mile warranty and priced from £9,495 with attractive finance deals; it’s no wonder there are so many new ones appearing on the road.
