MG3 Style
What is it?
You probably already know that MG is back.
But the car that marked its return – the MG6 – wasn’t exactly a big seller. (Click here for our review of the MG6.)
So here’s attempt number two – the Fiesta-sized MG3. With it, the reborn British brand is hoping for a supermini success thanks to the 3’s customisation options, its rock-bottom price-tag (this top-spec MG3 Style car costs £9999!) and supposedly fun handling.
Thanks to MG’s Chinese ownership, the MG3 is already sold in China and has been for some time, but British-based engineers have worked hard on the chassis to tune it for UK roads.
What’s hot?
- We like the MG3’s funky looks, with hockey-stick shaped LED running lights and simple lines it’s clean and stylish. You can also add funky alloys, stripes and decals if you want to jazz it up a bit.
- That price is hard to ignore. Go for top-spec MG3 Form Sport and you’ll get 16-inch alloys, cruise control, DAB radio, air-con and Bluetooth all thrown in for £10,000. A Fiesta with that level of kit would cost more like £13,000.
- As well as the cheap price-tag, the MG3 also sits in insurance group 4E so it’ll be really cheap to insure.
- The MG3 has some spacious back seats, with plenty of kneeroom and headroom for tall adults. The 285-litre boot is pretty generous, too, so you can pack in a few large bags if you need to.
- The handling is actually pretty good; there’s a lot of grip and a feeling of agility. Unfortunately, the steering is a little inconsistent and heavy so it never feels as nippy or engaging as a Fiesta.
What’s not
- The only engine currently on offer is a 1.5-litre petrol with 105bhp. It feels slow and noisy without the turbocharged hit of most small capacity engines.
- It also emits 136g/km of CO2, compared with 99g/km for the Fiesta EcoBoost. That means standard rate taxpayers will shell out £27 per month in company car tax for a £14,495 Fiesta Zetec Ecoboost and £36 on a £9999 MG3. MG3 buyers will have to put up with the 48.7mpg fuel economy, too, where Fiesta buyers get 65.7mpg.
- Cabin quality could be better, with a fair amount of hard scratchy plastic throughout. The buttons on the steering wheel look and feel old so if it’s premium you’re after, you’ll be best off looking elsewhere.