- For: Cheap, smart-looking, practical
- Against: Only one engine, old safety rating
- Verdict: A surprisingly good – and good value – supermini
The MG3 is a Chinese-built car that offers supermini practicality at city car prices. Even the top-spec version costs well under £15,000.
So what’s the catch?
Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. The low price comes at the expense of choice, so you’re limited to a non-turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that looks seriously dated in an era of efficient 1.0 turbo units.
Work it too hard and you’ll put a dent in the claimed 42.3mpg fuel economy, while the CO2 figure is a relatively high 140g/km.
However, that’s where our major gripes end, because the MG3 is thoroughly likeable. Like MG sports cars of old, it’s great fun to drive, while the interior is far nicer than you’d expect.
Opt for the mid-range Excite and you’re treated to air conditioning, rear parking sensors, an eight-inch touchscreen, DAB radio and Apple CarPlay – it’s the one we’d recommend.
KEY INFO
- Launched: 2013
- Facelifted: 2018
- Due for replacement: TBC
- Warranty: 7 years / 80,000 miles