MG3 officially unveiled 12 | 06 | 2013
MG HAS UNVEILED its all-new MG3 — which will go on sale in Scotland this autumn — for the first time today at its Longbridge plant in Birmingham.
With prices set to start at below the £10,000 threshold, and models available for test drive in showrooms from September, the car will initially be available in three trim levels and 10 exterior colours, with names such as 'Hello Yellow' on the colour card.
Bluetooth connectivity, aircon and DAB digital radio will be standard on the top two spec trims, with hill-start an option. MG has promised “hundreds” of different styling and customisation options
Designed and engineered in the UK, the company's new hatchback will also launch with the 'MG3 Collection' offer. This allows buyers to personalise the car's bodywork with various patterns, decals and stripes, including large RAF roundels.
The car, which is shipped to Britain as knocked-down kits before final assembly at Longbridge, is crucial to the company's future. Sales of its larger MG6 have been slow.
MG believes the car is capable of attracting customers who would otherwise buy a Mini or Vauxhall Adam. Significantly, certainly in terms of size — the MG3 is a five-door only — the newcomer is closer to a Ford Fiesta than an Adam.
Only one engine choice will be available, the 104bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual.
“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," Guy Jones, MG Motor UK’s sales & marketing director said.
“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.”
At just four-metres long and with five doors, the MG3 has a distinctive stance and the ‘hockey stick’ daylight running lights help give the MG3 a front ‘face’ unlike any other car.
“The reaction to the MG3 has been extremely positive from both male and female customers," Jones continued, "and it will also mean MG dealers in Britain will soon have a second all-new model in the showrooms.
“This is a car that MG enthusiasts and dealers across Europe have been waiting for, but more significantly it will bring a whole new group of customers to the MG brand for the first time.
“Sitting alongside the MG6 models, it strengthens our range and will give us an even bigger target audience. Nowadays the possibility to stamp your own personal style on a car is widely appealing, and the MG3 offers just that prospect.”
MG will confirm official pricing closer to the car's on-sale date in the autumn.
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Jim McGill