Search Car Reviews



See all makes



MG3 baby is taking shape

Supermini spied on test, similar to Zero show car, but will be badged MG3

MG 3 baby is taking shape

By Nick Gibbs

02nd July 2010

The new baby MG has been caught out in the open! First pictures of the car – which is due to be built in Britain alongside the MG6 – have surfaced in China.

The snatched images show how close the production MG3 is to the UK-designed MG Zero concept seen at May’s Beijing Motor Show. The five-door supermini is set to go on sale in China in September, priced from only £5,900. This suggests that when production of the European version moves to Longbridge in the West Midlands in 2012, the new car will undercut major rivals.

As with the MG6, stylists have avoided the usual derivative designs for which Chinese makers have become infamous. Instead, the newcomer has an attractive face with a bold grille whose shape is repeated around the back. Our shot of the interior reveals the layout is a long way from the striking digital theme of the show car, but the flush, chrome-ringed central vents, white detailing on the steering wheel and bold MG3 badge add elements of flair in an otherwise conventional set-up.

The car will be powered by 1.3 and 1.5- litre four-cylinder petrol engines, delivering 67bhp and 107bhp. A turbo version of the 1.5 could follow, offering 150bhp-plus. The latter would exploit what’s expected to be sharp handling, giving the Ford Fiesta some competition. The supermini will slot into a line-up that’s likely to comprise six separate models when Longbridge production is running at full steam.

The MG6 will go on sale at the start of next year. It will initially be powered by a 1.8 turbo, with an MG-developed 1.9-litre diesel set to follow. A smaller car to sit between the MG6 and the MG3 is also on the way, and MG UK has confirmed there will be a replacement for the ageing TF mid-engined roadster, too.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

7 Comments

Too many already

Styling Ok from some angles but that rear looks like they are trying too hard. But overall, yet another 2 cars (MG3 and MG6) to compete in already overcrowded sectors. Unless the prices are very cheap, why would anyone want to buy one of these unless they are real MG, must-have-the-badge fanatics.

By RogerWillis3 on 6 July, 2010, 10:57am

Marque Of Doom...

If SAIC are serious about preserving MGs heritage, then they MUST do it right. Keep the MG badge for your premium products, don't just slap it on a cheap and cheerful hatch, then charge 2 grand over the top because it's an "MG".

By sgtgrash on 6 July, 2010, 12:20pm

If this regenerates interest in the brand, then these hatches are a small price to pay for the real sports cars that WILL follow. They may be Chinese these days, but built in Britain is a bonus in a depresed employment climate...who knos whats around the corner? The Chinese move fast too!

By Lostash on 6 July, 2010, 6:10pm

Is it just me, or is this an old rebadged Fiat Punto?

With slightly fancier headlights? Unless this is about 5k brand new, who is going to buy this? Morons, thats who. Its a good job this is a Chinese car, for if it was british, I'd be very ashamed.

By liveforever on 8 July, 2010, 1:31am

Oh Dear

Every picture I see of the new MGs just depresses me beyond words.
They obviously haven't got a clue what to do with the brand, and it will all end in tears.

By pajbse on 8 July, 2010, 9:24pm

In 2015 you guys will eat your words!!

Look it's not beautiful, but as a first attempt not bad. No worse that an i10, or i20 or the new Picanto. As of next year they will sell 5000+ new MG's, the year after 15000+ and I'm talking in the UK alone By 2015 I would guess 50'000+ again in the UK alone. Add in new diesels, auto's and a line up of 4 or 5 models with more to follow.

This is not a Polo or Fiesta, but then it's more likely going to be £7or £8k not £15 or £17k! Have any of you driven the 6, No? I have, fantastic car and way better build quality than people say and I'm waiting for the Magnette.

By Focus_your_mind on 27 June, 2011, 3:29pm

Though.....

Change the tail lights they are way to Puntoesque!

By Focus_your_mind on 27 June, 2011, 3:52pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

MG 3 baby is taking shape
MG 3 baby is taking shape
MG 3 baby is taking shape

Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -