MG adopted an unusual method of announcing its pricing strategy for the 3 supermini last August. Manufacturers normally take the price of the cheapest model and make that the headline figure, often leaving you to find out for yourself that the second cheapest costs a lot more, and that the one you're most likely to buy is more expensive still.MG's tactic was quite otherwise. It made the point that the most expensive 3 cost less than £10,000 (only £1 less, but still less). If, until inflation inevitably kicks in, you want to spend a five-figure sum on any 3, you're going to have to start browsing through the list of optional extras.The 3FORM Sport is second from the top in the range, priced at £9549. It has 16" alloy wheels, side skirts and a roof spoiler which the £9299 non-Sport 3FORM doesn't have, and like that car it also has air-conditioning, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity, all for less than you'd pay for a top-spec Dacia Sandero or the cheapest Ford Fiesta.This is all quite encouraging, but it would be only fair to point out that value for money is the MG3's strongest suit by no small distance. Its seats-up luggage capacity of 256 litres is nearly matched by the roomiest city cars, and some way behind that of most other superminis, and the very thick pillars at front and rear mean that visibility is pretty awful. I'd like to have seen MG's designers divert from current fashion by creating a small car you can see out of, but this has not happened.The only engine offered with the 3 is a 105bhp 1.5-litre petrol. It should be good enough for the job, but you have to scream it to make it work at its best, and since you're probably not going to do that you're likely to find that it feels sluggish. Official fuel economy and CO2 figures of 48.7mpg and 136g/km mean that running costs are likely to be relatively high.This won't be too much of an issue if you drive gently and your mileage is limited. If you push on, the 3 is actually quite fun on quiet country roads, but its perky nature has been achieved by making the rear suspension quite stiff, to the extent that the ride is firm even when you're trundling gently around town.The steering is heavier than gentlefolk might wish, though the other major controls are nicely weighted and smooth in operation, so low-speed manoeuvres in tight urban conditions are very easy, and you're unlikely to find yourself kangarooing away from a set of traffic lights.MG can't be faulted for providing enough space for rear passengers. Several cars that are larger overall can not comfortably accommodate four full-sized adults, but the 3 can do this easily.I have to say that if I had a £10,000 budget for a supermini I don't think this is the one I would go for. Be that as it may, it has its good points, and it would not be a ridiculous choice if this is the kind of car you want. Engine 1498cc, 4 cylinders Power 105bhp Transmission 5-speed manual Fuel/CO2 48.7mpg / 136g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.9 seconds Top speed 108mph Price £9549 Details correct at publication date
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