Auto Shanghai 2013: MG3 unveiled in European form

MG unveiled the European version of the MG3 supermini. It's said to be inspired by the MG Zero concept car, although it's little more than a light refresh of the original MG3, which was unveiled at the 2010 Beijing auto show.

Both the original and the latest Euro MG3 are the work of the design and engineering team at the SMTC at the company's Birmingham site in Longbridge, UK. At the front, the headlights have been slightly changed, with the  new hockey stick daytime running lights being a visual departure - as well as a nod to fashion.

MG says the 4015mm (158 in) long hatchback offers enough room for four six foot passengers. On the technical side, the MG3 will be powered by the 1.5-litre four-cylinder VTi-TECH petrol engine producing 105bhp mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Following the MG6, the MG3 will be the second in a new generation of MG vehicles to go through final assembly at the Birmingham factory - and will launch in the UK later this year, probably around August.