7 Sep 2018
By
MG Motor Australia introduced the facelifted MG3 light hatchback in August 2018.
The flagship Essence grade was been axed, leaving the entry-level Core and next-up Excite in the revised range.
Buyers were compensated with a longer list of standard equipment, including a four-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission sourced from Aisin that replaced the pre-facelift model’s manual gearbox.
The 1170kg (tare mass) MG3 was motivated by an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre NSE Major naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 82kW of power at 6000rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4500rpm.
Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test was 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, while carbon dioxide emissions were 159 grams per kilometre.
The MG3’s front end was punctuated by MG Motor’s signature London Eye LED daytime running lights and chrome-trimmed Exclusive grille with a satin-silver inlay, while the rear end was upgraded with LED tail-lights.
At 4055mm long, 1729mm wide and 1504mm tall with a 2520mm wheelbase, the MG3 provided 307 litres of cargo capacity, but this could expand to 1081L when the 60/40 split-fold second row was stowed.
The MG3’s suspension consisted of MacPherson-strut front and torsion-beam rear axles with helical springs and hydraulic dampers, while its speed-sensitive power steering was hydraulic.
Standard equipment included a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay support, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
