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MG's most affordable model is this car, the MG3 SE petrol. The base petrol engine in use here isn't particularly efficient, but the rest of the package is quite appealing for the money.
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Background
So how are things at the most affordable end of the market? Not so 'affordable' actually these days, given that the UK's cheapest car, the Dacia Sandero, now costs around £14,000 - or £15,000-£16,000 with a sensible level of trim. If you're shopping in this segment at that latter price level, you might be interested in the fact that there are two recently launched Chinese alternatives available, the Leapmotor T03 and the subject of this review, the MG3 SE petrol.
The MG3 SE petrol is the un-electrified version of the MG3 Hybrid+ model launched here in Spring 2024. The SE petrol uses a pretty old-tech engine, but you'd expect that this price point. And it'll save you around £2,000 on the Hybrid model.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 16495 | 16495 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 137 | 137 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 106 | 106 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 4113 | 4113 |
| Width (mm) | 1797 | 1797 |
| Height (mm) | 1502 | 1502 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 293 | 293 |
Driving experience
This base MG3 gets the same four cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine as is found in the entry-level version of its ZS SE petrol small SUV showroom stablemate. It's a de-tuned 115PS version of the 169PS unit used by the larger HS and is not a very advanced unit, defiantly un-electrified and offering 109Nm of torque and a rest to 62mph figure of 10.8s (nearly 3s slower than the Hybrid) en route to 106mph. You also have to have it with a manual gearbox; if you want an auto in your MG3, you'll have to find the extra cash for the Hybrid version.
On the move, there's a gruff engine note under acceleration, but things settle down at cruising speeds. Don't expect handling or steering feel to be particularly feelsome but a similarly-priced base Dacia Sandero wouldn't feel much more involving than this. Still, with this MK2 MG3, MG has clearly worked on body stability through the bends and the drive dynamics will probably now be quite satisfactory for most potential customers.
Of more interest will be the reasonably settled ride. Plus there's also the fact that, despite the affordable sticker price, this car comes complete with adaptive and intelligent cruise control and a very complete suite of driver assistance features, including a number that you'd have to pay extra for with rivals. Refinement's OK - at town speeds anyway, unless you count the rather noisy climate fan, but you'll notice more road noise on the highway.
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Design and build
Unlike MG's Cyberster sportscar, there's nothing particularly show-stopping about the looks of this second generation MG3, but it's a neat piece of design that for real supermini status needed to be a bit larger and wider than its predecessor - and is. Flowing bodywork sweeps into a fairly generic rear section. So the bits you'll notice here are all at the front with its swept-back LED headlights. Pronounced bonnet lines ease down into a sharp nose with a large chrome MG badge above an enormous grille flanked by large air intakes.
The minimalist interior borrows its architecture and design cues from the successful MG4 EV and is a big step forward from this MG3 model's cheap-feeling predecessor. There's a couple of 'floating' twin monitors, a 7-inch instrument display and a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen. The software is responsive and the graphics are quite sharp. In terms of overall cabin ambience though, superminis like Peugeot's 208 have shown that it's possible to make the interior of a car in this class look more appealing than this.
Cramped rear seat space was a failing of the original MG3. But a 50mm increase in wheelbase length (to 2,570mm) has improved things a bit. And helped boot space too. At 293-litres, the car now has one of the larger trunks in the segment.
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Market and model
Pricing starts at £16,495 and you can only have the MG3 with this base petrol engine in this 'SE' level of trim. As with all MG models, it's supported by a 7-year/80,000-mile manufacturer's warranty and a network of over 160 dealers.
Equipment levels are very reasonable for the money, with full-LED lighting front and rear, a 10.25-inch infotainment display with navigation, plus 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. You also get a 7-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry.
Across the range, options are few but bear in mind that unless you choose your ZS in the only standard colour (solid 'Arctic White'), you'll be paying MG more for your chosen paint shade.
On to safety and drive assist features. The brand includes as standard its very comprehensive 'MG Pilot' package, which includes active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, plus there's forward collision warning, lane keep assist and lane departure warning. The Traffic Sign Recognition set-up drives an Intelligent Speed Limit Assist feature and there's also Driver Attention Alert, along with a traffic jam assist system which will virtually drive your ZS for you in urban queues. As you'd expect, there are also twin front, side and curtain airbags, all linked to an eCall system.
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Cost of ownership
If you've opted for this base SE petrol MG3, obviously, here is where you'll lose out big time in your decision not to find the £2,000 more than MG wants for the Hybrid version. Instead of the frugal stats of that petrol/electric model (64.2mpg on the combined cycle and 100g/km of CO2), this conventional version returns 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and 137g/km of CO2. For reference, a base Dacia Sandero TCe 90 manages 53.3mpg and 119g/km, which gives you some idea of how far this MG is away from the class norm.
What about other running cost issues? Well, like all MGs, this one comes with an impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty as standard - which is better than most rival brands can offer. You might be aware that rival Kia offers a seven-year 100,000 mile package, but MG still reckons its deal is preferable because it's backed by full factory support throughout, whereas direct manufacturer support for rival warranties declines the longer they go on. In many cases they don't go on too long. Many competitors still limit you to a three year back-up package; a few offer five years. MG does better: this is the brand putting its money where its mouth is.
The warranty is fully transferrable to future owners. Additionally, there's a six year factory warranty against rust, while a year's breakdown cover is also part of the deal. The MG dealer network is growing all the time - the brand has 160 outlets in the UK. At those outlets, a full digital service record of checks and maintenance provides the customer with complete transparency and full access to the service history of their vehicle. You'll be offered a range of MG servicing plans to spread the cost of maintenance for up to seven years.
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Summary
Simple runabout motoring probably doesn't come much better than this. The Dacia Sandero is slightly cheaper and a little more spacious but cruder to drive. The Leapmotor T03 is better, but weirder to look at and from an unfamiliar brand. It's disappointing that MG hasn't done a little more to make this SE petrol model's ageing petrol unit a little more efficient, but if you don't do many miles, that might not much matter.
Ideally, we'd counsel you to stretch to the Hybrid version if you really want an MG3. But if that's not possible and your budget is tight in your search for a new car, there might be something for you here.
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