MG MG3 Review
Small, smart and sporty, the MG 3 is one of the most affordable superminis on the market, giving rivals such as the Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift and Fiat Panda a run for their money.
Our MG3 review covers:
- Refreshed exterior style with a wide range of personalisation options
- Spacious interior cabin with lots of handy storage
- 285-litre boot with 60/40 split rear seats
- 1.5 VTi Tech four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 105bhp
- Three trim levels available, including the Excite, Exclusive and Exclusive Nav
Refreshed in 2018, the MG 3 is an attractive supermini to look at, putting it on par with the popular Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Polo for style. Featuring a new nose inspired by the MG ZS, intake-ridden bumpers, LED daytime running lights and curved A-pillars, the MG 3 boasts a sporty stance on the road. It also comes with a wide range of personalisation options, including colourful door mirror covers and many wheel choices.
Inside, the cabin is spacious, with lots of handy storage options, including decent-sized door bins and a large glovebox. Head and legroom are generous, with space in the back for six-foot passengers to sit comfortably.
At 285-litres, boot space isn't bad either with enough room for a weekly shop but doesn't quite match the Dacia Sandero's huge 320-litre boot. However, the square shape load bay is practical, with 60/40 split rear seats, which fold down to take longer loads, increasing the luggage capacity to 1,262 litres.
The MG 3's sporty appearance continues on the inside with a funky embossed pattern on the doors and a futuristic 8.0-inch touchscreen which adds upmarket appeal. While the seats are supportive and comfortable, cheap-feeling plastics and flimsy switches and buttons bring down the overall build quality.
Three trim levels are available named the Excite, Exclusive and Exclusive Nav. The entry-level Excite boasts a generous specification as standard, including reverse parking sensors, Bluetooth, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights and 16" diamond cut alloy wheels. The mid-spec Exclusive adds sports seats, reversing camera and cruise control. The top-of-the-range Exclusive Nav adds satellite navigation.
One engine is available – a 1.5 VTi Tech four-cylinder petrol engine with five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Delivering 105bhp, the naturally aspirated unit offers a good blend of power and economy but does feel sluggish at low revs and noisy at high acceleration.
Thankfully, the MG 3 is fun to drive. In terms of grip and body control, it's better than the Sandero, with its well-weighted steering and precise handling, meaning there's minimal body roll. However, its firm suspension does result in a bumpy ride over potholes, and wind and tyre noise can be loud at motorway speeds.
Prices for the new MG3 start from £13,163.50 OTR* or to lease from £174.86 per month.
Whether you're new to leasing or familiar with Contract Hire, car leasing offers many benefits over buying. Unlike buying where you buy the car outright, with leasing, you can spread the cost, meaning you can enjoy all the benefits of driving a brand-new vehicle without worrying about it decreasing in value over time. What's more, road tax, breakdown cover and delivery are also included in the fixed monthly rental, helping you to budget more efficiently.
*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and typically includes one year’s road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Always check with the manufacturer.
