Driven: MG3 3STYLE Review
Here we have the very latest hatchback from MG, the MG3 3STYLE. It is nicely dressed in black with a sporty red stripe running across the top and slightly off centre, but is it as good as it looks?
What is it about?
The MG3 is MG’s contribution to the hatchback market. It is highly customisable, just like its competitors, with 4 different levels of specification, 10 choices of paint colour, a mixture of different graphics for the roof, bonnet and side panels, various choices of alloy wheels, different colour mirrors, and choices of interior trim. So buying the car straight from the factory there is no doubt that you can buy an MG3 exactly how you would like it.
The MG3 is very affordable starting at £8,399 for the 3TIME base spec model, up to the top spec 3STYLE model, tested here, starting at £9,999. But don’t think because it is affordable you won’t be getting much inside, as the MG3 is also very well equipped for the price.
The design of the MG3 is brilliant, MG have their own look that can’t be confused with the rest of the market. Most people will be particularly fond of the front of this car because of the nice details, like the MG logo in the lights, and lower integrated splitter on the car.
How does it drive?
The MG3 comes with one engine choice, the 106bhp, 1.5 litre petrol engine. The engine doesn’t put this car into thrilling hot hatch territory, but it is still a very capable small engine. The driving experience in the MG3 is very good for the investment. Although lacking a small amount of engine power, the MG3 is still great fun to drive, the handling setup on the car can handle a lot more power than it actually has, meaning you can get the most out of the car in the corners.
The sensation you get from driving the MG is great, the car still feels sporty even though it doesn’t have that straight line performance. The steering is light and direct, the brakes are very adequate, and the suspension is firm. The suspension may get a bit tiring for some over the bumps, but it certainly works out well in the corners.
What’s it like inside?
Inside the MG3, MG have gone for a simple yet practical approach. It’s clear that it has been built to meet a price point, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad interior, everything is functional, easy to use, and relatively attractive.
There are a few particularly nice touches of design inside the MG3 including the leather seats, red stitching on the steering wheel, and red highlights around the feature items on the dash.
The technology in the car is very superior for the price of the car. The MG3 feature a nicely integrated CD player, DAB radio, MP3 streaming, and Bluetooth phone compatibility. Other electric luxuries include cruise control, reverse parking sensors, LED running lights, electric windows – front and back, automatic wipers, and automatic lights.
One of my favourite touches from the interior of the car is the jackknife red key, and the very stylish owner’s manual which would compare to most luxury brands.
The Experience
The experience of owning a MG3 is very different to most hot hatches, the MG3 has an element of being the underdog. MG now only build two cars, and the MG3 being one of these, is brilliant value. For the entire week that I had the car on test drive, I only saw one other MG3, and that was at an MG event. So like it or not, the MG3 is a fairly exclusive car to buy.
The MG3 enables you to have fun driving at low speed because of its nimble and playful handling characteristics. This is a great quality to have in any car that you are going to use on the roads in the UK.
The car looks like nothing else on the road, it is freshly designed and has a great sporty look, which adds to the wide appeal of this car.
Verdict
The MG3 is excellent value for the money, it has a good level of equipment on the inside, looks the part on the outside, and is practical enough to meet the needs of most of us. For those of you that want to defy convention the MG could be the car for you.
Video Highlights
Specification
MG3 3STYLE
- Price: £10,836
- Engine: 1.5-Litre naturally aspired
- Power: 106bhp
- Torque: 101 lb/ft
- Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
- 0-62mph: 10.4 Seconds
- Top speed: 108mph
- Weight: 1,1368kg
- Economy combined: 48.71mpg
- CO2: 136g/km
Author: Paul Hadley
