Automatic-only MG3 facelift
MG Motor Australia’s facelifted MG3 light hatchback has ushered in a manual gearboxreplacing automatic transmission and a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with higher prices and more specification.
The flagship Essence grade has been axed, leaving the entry-level Core and next-up Excite in the revised range.
The Core is $2000 dearer, at $15,990 driveaway, while the Excite has jumped $2500, to $17,490.
However, buyers are compensated with a longer list of standard equipment, including the new four-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission sourced from Aisin.
The seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty has been carried over from MG’S ZS and GS SUV siblings, and is coupled with seven years of roadside assistance.
This means the MG6 Plus mid-size liftback is the only product in MG Motor Australia’s line-up to solider on with a six-year term, although this is likely to change if its facelifted model is offered locally.
The MG3 is motivated by an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre NSE Major naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 82kw of power at 6000rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4500rpm, up 4kw and 13Nm.
Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, while carbon dioxide emissions are 159 grams per kilometre.
The MG3’S new front end is punctuated by MG Motor’s now-signature London Eye LED daytime running lights and chrome-trimmed Exclusive grille with a satin-silver inlay, while the rear boasts LED tail-lights.
Standard equipment in the Core includes 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 185-65 tyres, dusk-sensing halogen headlights, rear foglights, poweroperated windows and side mirrors, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring.
Inside, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple Carplay support, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a 12V power outlet, a leather-trimmed flat-bottom steering wheel and gear selector, Tartan fabric upholstery with contrasting stitching, satin-chrome and carbon-look trim, and manual airconditioning feature.
The Excite adds two-tone 16-inch rims shod with 195-55 rubber, bodycolour side mirrors with integrated indicators, a rear spoiler, side sill extensions, a chrome-accented lower bumper, synthetic leather upholstery, front-row vanity mirrors and map pockets, and climate control. It also swaps the Core’s four-speaker sound system for a six-speaker Yamaha 3D set-up.
Five paintwork options are able.
Safety features extend to six airbags, avail- anti-skid brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, active cornering brake control, electronic stability and traction control, plus hill-start assist.
According to MG Motor Australia marketing and communications director Danny Lenartic, the release of the facelifted MG3 is the next step in the relaunch of the British-turned-chinese brand.
“We are focused on our goal of reinvigorating this historic, trusted badge by producing quality vehicles that are affordable, fun and packed with a range of exciting features,” he said.
“Our continued growth is a testament to our rapidly-expanding customer base, and we’re delighted to provide a segment-leading sevenyear/unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance on the new product range.”
Sales of the MG3 have significantly grown this year, with 72 examples sold to the end of July – a 148.3 percent increase over the 29 deliveries made during the same period last year.
Nonetheless, the MG3 is last in the sub-$25,000 light-car segment, trailing the Hyundai Accent with 9485 units, Mazda2, 6614, Toyota Yaris, 5652, Suzuki Swift, 4950 and Honda Jazz, 4523, among others.