MG3 anticipated to start at less than £10K

MG unveiled the full range of styles for the UK MG3 at its Birmingham-based European Design Centre.  The new 3 carries forward many of the styling cues first illustrated on the MG ZERO concept car, again designed at SAIC Motor’s European Design Centre.

The UK studio has just undergone an additional investment and is now more than double its original size. It opened just three years ago in what was then a £5 million capital programme. The MG3 is designed to target young buyers, who are attracted by the level of personalisation available on the likes of the Citroen DS3, Fiat 500, MINI and recently launched Vauxhall Adam, but who are looking at more affordable B-segment models such as the Kia Rio, Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Swift.

From launch, MG3 customers will be able to personalise both the exterior and interior. It will be offered with three trim levels, 10 colours and a range of at least 10 graphic packs. No prices were confirmed at the unveiling of the UK-specification model, but entry-level models are mooted to be coming in at less than £10,000.

Depending on the model choice, exterior highlights include 16-inch Diamond cut alloy wheels, unique LED ‘hockey stick’ daytime running lights, sport-design bumper, side sill extensions, rear spoiler, sports-design rear valance, chrome exhaust finishers and MG insert headlamps.

Inside the MG3, again depending on trim level and options, key features will be  an easy to use air conditioning system, six-speaker audio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, DAB radio, USB/Aux input, automatic lights, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors, ‘ZERO’ design fabric seats and part-leather trim.

The MG3 chassis has been honed by British Engineers from hundreds of thousands of miles of testing on European roads. Guy Jones, MG Motor UK’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: ‘This new MG3 is a great package for the increasing number of European customers looking for a stylish small car, that’s affordable and practical to own. 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.’

Full specifications and prices will be announced nearer to the public launch over MG3. Production will start in Longbridge later this year and it is anticipated that dealer demonstrators will be in showrooms by September.