Introduction

British carmaker MG launched the MG3 supermini back in 2013, a model that has helped it establish itself in the mainstream car market.

Built in the UK, the MG3 competes against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa. However, due to its low entry-price, the Dacia Sandero is probably a more realistic competitor. Although it is priced affordably, the MG3 is still rather stylish, with a chunky front bumper design that appears rather sporty.

Like the Sandero, the MG3 is well known for its utilitarian build and does not offer the same levels of interior comfort as its more mainstream competition. But what it does offer is a surprisingly adept drive. So where does that leave it amongst its competitors?

Performance

Unfortunately, this review starts on a bit of a downer. The MG3 is available with just one engine, a 1.5-litre petrol. This engine is by far the MG3’s weakest asset.

At low speeds the engine emits a loud grumble, which gets much louder at motorway speeds and sounds like it’s struggling when you rev it out. Speaking of revving it out, to hit peak pulling power, which is 137Nm, you will have to bounce the rev counter to 4,750rpm.

Even when you hit the sweet spot, the effort doesn’t feel worth it. Top speed is quoted at 108mph and its zero to 60mph sprint at 10.4 seconds – but both of these figures feel ambitious. The five-speed manual gearbox fitted lacks fluidity as well.

What MG really need is a small engine with a bit of punch, like a three-cylinder turbo, similar to that offered by its Ford and Vauxhall rivals.

Ride and Handling

While the engine disappoints, the MG3 thankfully redeems itself somewhat in the ride and handling department. Its steering is responsive and offers decent levels of feedback, thanks in part to the fact that it is hydraulically-assisted – instead of electrically-assisted. Take it on a winding country road and the weighting will fill you with confidence when going into corners.

The fairly supple suspension means you can travel in comfort, too. Even though the ride is comfortable, the MG3 doesn’t lean too much in the corners. If you hit a few lumps and bumps in a row however, it does feel a little unsettled.

Take it on a winding country road and the weighting will fill you with confidence when going into corners.

Did you know?

Although MG is a British brand – and its cars are built on UK shores – it is actually Chinese-owned.

Interior and Equipment

With such a low price tag, you will have to limit your expectations when it comes to interior quality. The layout and materials used in the MG3 seem a few-generations behind the rest of the competition, with cheap, scratchy plastics aplenty. It is however in-line with its Dacia Sandero competitor.

The range kicks off with the 3Time trim. Kit at this level is more focused on driver assists and safety equipment than on tech and comfort. It includes the likes of hill hold assist, traction control and LED daytime running lights. It does offer a CD player with USB compatibility though.

The second trim up, 3Form, is a bit more tech-savvy as it adds steering-wheel mounted controls, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio and air-con. 3Form Sport is ever so slightly plusher, with 16-inch alloy wheels being the highlight. Flagship 3Style models gain rear parking sensors, auto headlights and cruise control.

Aside to its standard trims, the MG3 offers an array of options, most of which are orientated around making your model bespoke from a style point of view. There are a selection of wheel designs and decals to choose from. For example, you can have a Union Flag plastered on the roof.

When it comes to passenger space, the MG3 impresses, with space for up to five - even the middle passenger in the rear will be comfortable. Also, all models come with five-doors, unlike some superminis that offer three-doors at entry-level. Boot size stands at 285 litres, which is around the same size as the Peugeot 208 and Ford Fiesta. The Dacia Sandero offers over 300 litres.

Cost

You can get your hands on an MG3 for just under £8,500, with 3Style models coming in at almost £10,000. The MG3’s starting price is far cheaper than the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208. The Dacia Sandero, however, undercuts it by almost £2,500.

Although it is competitively priced, fuel economy and efficiency isn’t great for the supermini class. The 1.5-litre petrol claims an average of around 50mpg and it emits 124g/km of CO2.

The MG3’s starting price is far cheaper than the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208.

Our Verdict

The MG3 supermini offers an interesting blend of personality traits. On one hand it is extremely budget, but on the other it offers impressive driving dynamics – for a car of its price point that is.

If the MG3 is to compete on a higher level, then it will need a more comprehensive engine, or at least multiple engine choices. However, if a hard-wearing supermini is what you are after then the MG3 should definitely be on your short list.