What is it?
MG Motor hopes that its MG 3 hatchback will change the company's fortunes, despite the fact that the formula underpinning its creation is much the same as the MG6’s.
The MG 6 has admittedly missed by a mile, selling in numbers small enough to shock even MG Rover in its dying days, and its price-to-desirability ratio isn’t remotely strong enough to tempt — despite its roomy cabin and sharp handling. Its impact has been so minor that many buyers have no idea that MG is still alive, but the new MG 3 may change that.
The new hatch is a little bigger than average for the segment, however it's as conceptually and mechanically conventional as a 9-5 job. It presents a mildly sporting overlay with its MG badging and a chassis lightly tuned to suit. And many might be surprised to hear that it has been designed and engineered in Britain for MG’s Chinese owner, and is even part-assembled here.
But there’s one big difference, and it’s a change that might just shift MG’s bruised British fortunes - its price. This five-door, five-seat, five-speed, 1.5 litre supermini starts at £8399.
More impressively, it finishes at £9999 for the top-of-the-range MG 3 Style. Even if you order every option, roof-box included, it’s not possible to spend more than £12,000 on this car. And in three out of its four trim levels it comes pretty decently equipped, and with appealing detail features like a coverable dashtop sat-nav mount.
Apart from competing in the market’s biggest segment, MG Motor is hoping that its MG 3 might divert some buyers from doing their Dacia maths to take an inquiring look. MG is also targeting Skoda Fabia owners, and those who like dressing up Citroën DS3s and Fiat 500s. Which may be a taller order.
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Peugeot
So the Peugeot 208 gets three stars as well? If this wore a Peugeot badge you would have given it 1 star
Jimbbobw1977 said....
Ok, after a second look at the piccys it doesn't look too bad, apart from the mats, and for the sake of British jobs I hope it does very well.
I just think it's starting a bit too far back down the grid. The likes of Hyundai and Kia are already well established in this field, with the likes of Honda, Mazda and then Ford with the superb (missus has one) Fiesta not too far away on price.
The motoring public is quite discerning these days and most will recognize poor quality when they see it. I just hope the sharp edges pointed out in the review aren't too sharp for their own good.
Peugeot 205 had that same oversteering tendency!
You'd though need to be driving it near the limit of grip. To call forth that oversteer. Possible though in slippery conditions without substantive speeds. But anyone who knows the correct reaction with the steering wheel, wasn't in any danger of spinning.