2013 MG3 reviewed
MG believes the MG3 has two key selling points value for money and personalisation. The MG3 is actually the size of the Ford Fiesta but costs less than most city cars but is it any good?
Even the most expensive version is less than £10,000. MG also hopes that customers will be attracted by the range of customisation options. You can add on contrast colour door mirrors, and even exterior graphics to the variety of body colours on offer. Sit in the back of the car and you will find that the MG3 has an impressive amount of head and leg room compared to the class leaders. Two 6 footers will have no problem getting comfortable in the back during long journeys, or three children will be just as comfortable as well.
The MGs boot is usefully as big but not quite class leading. This large opening makes it easy to load large items and it’s a good square shape too. The rear seat bench does split and fold down, although you’re left with a step in the load floor. Behind the wheel the M3 offers a good range of adjustment for the driver although the steering wheel only goes up and down and can’t be pulled towards you. Considering the price you pay the dashboard looks smart enough too, although the materials and the switch gear do feel cheap. The entry level gets electric windows and a CD player but you’ll need to pay more to get Bluetooth, air conditioning and even central locking. The most expensive version gets digital radio, alloy wheels, cruise control and parking sensors.
The MG3 is pitched as a car which is fun to drive, but the petrol engine is just not that punchy. You really need to work the notchy manual gearbox hard to make progress and even overtaking another car requires planning. The engine isn’t the only disappointment the steering is vague and is heavy at low speeds, although it does allow you to place the car precisely through bends. There is one element that does live up to the sports’ billing though and that’s the ride. The MG3 has stiff suspension that does a great job of countering body rolls through corners. The down side of such a firm set up is that the MG3 feels unsettled over patchy surfaces. The way the car crashes over larger bumps and ruts also makes it rather uncomfortable.
The MG3 offers significant amount of space and equipment for its asking price, but there’s no hiding the budget build quality and disappointing driving experience. If low price is your only concern then the MG3 is worth your consideration, but just be careful to consider all the costs involved though because it’s likely to lose value quickly. That means it can be more expensive to run overall than pricier cars that are more fun or more practical not least the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Up.
