- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr Ar
MG 3. British subcompact gentleman
The MG3 Hatchback is a subcompact car produced by SAIC (China) under the British brand MG. It is based on the Rover Streetwise model, which is a redesigned Rover 25 (1999-2005). The MG3 enjoys great popularity in the UK. In 2021, it is available in its historical homeland and in Australia.
The first generation
The MG 3 was first shown as the MG Zero concept car at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. The car was based on a new automobile platform with a wheelbase of 2.5 m, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a twist-beam rear suspension. The model was developed in the UK. Since the spring of 2011, the car has been sold in China, with two 1.3 and 1.5-liter engines and a 5-speed manual gearbox or with an Italian e-shift gearbox. But this was not yet the car we are talking about now.
The MG3 returned to the UK after 2013, when the Chinese restyled the hatchback. The restyled 2013/2014 MG 3 was slightly redesigned at the front and acquired a 1.5-liter engine with 106 hp. The hatchback was produced at the Longbridge plant in Birmingham. The new MG 3 competed in size with the Volkswagen Polo, Dacia Sandero and other subcompact models. In 2015, the car reached Thailand, where it was cheaper than its competitors, but at the same time it was very well equipped: there was a panoramic roof and ESP. Interestingly, the MG 3 Xross SUV was made on the basis of the MG 3.
The MG 3 became one of the ‘Top 10 Best Cars to Own’ according to the research conducted by Auto Express Driver Power
The British MG brand grew sales by 361% during 2014! The MG 3, which joined the model range in September 2013, also contributed significantly to this progress. In 2015, the MG 3 became one of the ‘Top 10 Best Cars to Own’ according to the research conducted by Auto Express Driver Power.
In 2016, the MG 3 was upgraded. Thus, its 1.5-liter engine was brought into compliance with EU 6 standards, and a Stop-Start system was added. The hatchback received two-tone color schemes, and an optional black or white roof became available for the body in red and yellow. At the same time, the engine retained an output of 106 hp and torque of 136 Nm. The car accelerated to 100 km/h in the same 10.5 seconds.
Trophy concept car
MG unveiled the MG3 Trophy Championship concept car at the event at Silverstone in June 2014. The concept car, based on the MG 3 production car platform, demonstrated the technical capabilities and continued the tradition of MG club racing. The sports concept car was designed by a team of engineers from the European Design and Engineering Center SAIC Motor (SMTC) led by Adrian Gail. The car was equipped with a powerful engine producing 204 hp, while the torque grew to 250 Nm versus the previous 136 Nm thanks to turbocharging. The model became lighter but retained its rigidity. The car acquired the front axle limited-slip differential, an anti-roll bar, while its aerodynamics were improved by adjustable elements, including a front splitter and a rear spoiler (in two planes).
2018 restyling
The MG 3 was deeply restyled in 2018. Its exterior and interior have been redesigned. The interior now has room for an 8-inch touchscreen, which comes as standard. The multimedia supports Apple CarPlay. The 1.5-liter engine has undergone minor upgrades, while CO emissions have dropped to 140 g/km.
The new MG 3 has no modern active driver assistants, but it offers classic safety systems: six airbags (versus 2), ABS and emergency braking assistance, electronic stability control, hill start assist. The list of equipment also includes: tire pressure monitoring system, speed-sensing door locks, seat belt warning, alarm and anti-theft immobilizer. The entry-level version features LED daytime running lights and a rear parking aid. The expensive version (basic Excite and the top-end Exclusive) offers a sound system with 6 speakers (instead of the standard 4), navigation, cruise control and a rear-view camera.
