SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: MG3 for Oz

MG has revealed the model with which it will enter Australia’s light-car fray later this year, the MG3.

Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show over the weekend, the MG3 was designed and engineered in Birmingham, where UK and European versions will be built, but will be built for Australia in China by MG’s parent company Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC).

The MG brand was relaunched Down Under last week, when the small MG6 hatch and sedan was released with an ambitious $22,990 starting price.

However, the Mazda2-sized MG3 -- which was previewed by the MG ZERO concept and measures 4015mm long, 1728mm wide, 1520mm high and rides on a 2520mm wheelbase -- is expected to open the MG line-up here from less than $15,000.

As with the MG6, the MG3’s Australian appeal will be limited by the lack of an automatic transmission, with a five-speed manual gearbox matched exclusively to a relatively old-tech 77kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

The MG3’s naturally aspirated 16-valve HOHC “VTI-TECH” engine incorporates just one camshaft and multi-point fuel-injection, yet runs on 95 RON premium unleaded.

Underneath the MG3, which employs electric power steering, resides MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension, yet MG promises it will be “fun, entertaining and easy to live with” by combining “style and enjoyment with practical spaciousness”.

“Designed with the core value of being fun to drive, the MG3 chassis has been honed from hundreds of thousands of miles of testing on European roads,” says MG.

“Intended to deliver impressive levels of body control, sharpness and a willingness to corner to engage keen drivers, MG’s world class team of chassis engineers have also delivered sure footed handling and impressive ride comfort.”

The five-door/four-seat MG3 is also claimed to deliver interior packaging that “rivals or surpasses anything in its class”, including class-leading rear headroom and the ability to easily accommodate four six-foot-tall passengers.

A “rolled and raised” dashboard design and sculpted front seatbacks are said to increase front and rear legroom respectively, and MG will offer a range of roof, side and bonnet graphics will allow customers to customise their vehicle.

Similarly, at least in other markets, the MG3’s interior trims, wheels, vents, surrounds and mats will be available in a choice of designs, colours and finishes.

Design features include a wrap-around “visor” style windscreen, “hockey stick” LED running lights, blacked-out A- and B-pillars, diamond-cut two-tone wheels, rear roof spoiler, a “superelliptic” chromed exhaust outlet and an MG race car-inspired rear diffuser and side skirts.

MG expects its second all-new model to bring a younger new audience to the Chinese-owned, British-based car-maker.

“This is a car that that MG enthusiasts and dealers across Europe have been waiting for, but more significantly it will bring a whole new group of customers to the MG brand for the first time,” said MG Motor UK Sales & Marketing Director, Guy Jones.

“It’s got a distinctive cheeky style and will be fun to buy, own and drive, yet still affordable for a wide range of people. It’s the modern interpretation of a small fun MG and shows how we will take the essence of this iconic brand into the future.”

See more photos of the Shanghai motor show at motoring.com.au

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