GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Future models - MG - MG3

Revealed: MG’s city friendly cruiser

Light contender: Chinese-owned MG is targetting fellow foreign-owned British icon Mini with its latest creation.

MG3 aims to take on Mini and Citroen’s DS line with a customisable city hatchback

Gallery

Click to see larger images

13 Jun 2013

REBORN British/Chinese marque MG has unveiled the latest car in its growing line-up – the five-door MG3 light-sized hatch.

Revealed at Chinese parent company SAIC Motor’s European Design Centre in Birmingham, the latest MG takes a page from the book of both Citroen’s DS-branded cars and Mini, allowing owners to individualise their vehicles via a long list of add-ons and accessories.

Due off MG’s Birmingham assembly line later this year, few details have leaked out about the MG3. However, it was revealed that the car will use a 77kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels – about the same as Volkswagen’s turbocharged 1.2-litre engine that powers the Polo city car.

According to MG, it will use a five-speed manual gearbox.

Looking like a cross between a BMW 1 Series and the Citroen DS3, the MG will have a choice of 10 external paint colours and up to 10 different stick-on decals, including the iconic Mini-inspired British flag, and a smattering of smiley faces.

“Roof, side and bonnet graphics will allow owners to personalise their own MG3,” the car-maker said.

“Interior trims, wheels, vents, surrounds and mats will all be available in a choice of designs, colours and finishes allowing you to make your MG3 truly personal.”

According to MG, the range will start with 16-inch alloy wheels, and include signature “hockey stick” LED daytime running lights set around a black mesh grille, and sportier body plastics.

It includes blacked-out pillars to give the look of a floating roof – another Mini signature.

The car-maker says the front seats are styled to open up rear legroom in the four-metre-long car.

MG’s Australian importer has flagged that the MG3 is a high priority for its showroom, with the car likely to be a starter here early next year.

As for pricing? Citroen’s smart-looking 88kW three-door DS3 range starts from a snip under $28,000, while the cheapest Mini that money can buy is the $25,600 three-door, steel-wheeled Ray fitted with a 72kW 1.6-litre engine.

Expect the five-door MG3 to cut under that price band.

Read more

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

MG models

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here