MG 3 review

Remember MG? That once great British manufacturer known for making fun yet low-cost sports cars in the 1960s and 1970s? Well, guess what? It’s still around.

Now, we don’t blame you if MG’s recent resurgence has passed you by. Ever since the marque was taken over by China's SAIC Motor a decade or so ago, each new model (of which there have been six so far) has struggled to make a big impact. However, there has been a much-needed increase in sales in recent years, with the keenly priced ZS and HS SUVs largely responsible.

But it's the MG 3 that remains the brand's cheapest offering. Indeed, this Ford Fiesta-sized hatchback is one of the most affordable new cars on the market, undercutting the likes of the Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Swift. In fact, unless you want to go even smaller (think Fiat Panda), only the Dacia Sandero is cheaper.

On paper at least, the MG 3 looks competitive in other respects, being well-equipped and coming with a relatively powerful engine. There are even some personalisation options to help your MG 3 stand out from others. But, of course, with dozens of options in the small car market, the 3 will have its work cut out if it wants to steal buyers away from established brands.

Over the next few pages of this MG 3 review, we’ll tell you how it stacks up against its closest rivals. And if you decide you want to buy one, head over to the New Car Buying section of our website for great deals on the MG 3 and most other small cars.