Lots of thrills on three wheels
The Morgan Super 3 arrives as the firm’s latest three-wheeler – so can it combine tradition with modern features? Jack Evans finds out.
Morgan is good at blending modern and traditional. It revitalised its Plus 4 and 6 models, bringing fresh new technology and upgraded engines, while retaining that time-honoured look and handcrafted building process. You could argue it has an even tougher job on its hands with the new Super 3, which uses a three-wheeler layout that dates back an awfully long time. So, can the Super 3 get the blend spot-on again for Morgan?
WHAT’S NEW?
There’s a new engine which now sits inboard rather than slung out of the front. It’s ever-soslightly larger than the car it replaces, but not by much. In fact, the whole car is Morgan’s first ‘clean sheet’ design since 2000, which goes to show that this really has been a fresh start from the ground up. It’s also been created for people who like to get out and adventure in their Morgan. For instance, luggage racks and lashing points mean you can add wakeboards
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
and panniers – among other things – to the sides, while each individual mounting features a threaded barrel to attach action cameras to capture your drive.
UNDER THE BONNET
The Super 3 ditches the 2.0-litre engine made by American motorcycle firm S&S that you’d find on the old 3 Wheeler in
Of course, the Super 3 is exposed to the elements – with no roof and the front screens only provide limited protection from wind. So it’s little wonder why Morgan has made the Super 3’s cabin entirely dust-tight and protected from water – even the electrical USB sockets. Our test car came with chairs trimmed in a similar material to motorcycle seats and though it’s effectively the entry-level trim – as with any Morgan you can pick from high-quality leathers instead – we quite liked its rugged, ‘wash-down’ charm. Though it might appear quite compact from the outside, the Super 3’s cabin is actually pretty roomy. Though this tester is of average height, taller drivers will likely have no issue getting comfortable in the cabin. favour of a 1.5-litre naturallyaspirated three-cylinder Ford unit. Now, you might think that this sounds like an odd choice, but with 118bhp and 150Nm of torque, it’s punchy enough given that the whole thing weighs just under a tonne. Zero to 60mph comes in just under seven seconds, while flat-out the Super 3 will do 130mph
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Naturally, you will need to get acquainted with the unique layout. Those two front wheels tower ahead of you and, of course, you need to take potholes in a whole new way – miss one through the centre of the front wheels and single rear will dive into it. However, once you’re up to speed there’s a well-judged car here. The 1.5-litre engine suits the character of the Super 3 perfectly, the exhaust burbling away just outside your right arm as the three-cylinder provides a surging, brawny kind of acceleration. Then of course you’ve got the fact that you’re fully outside with the wind coming straight at you – it’s a hugely involving experience.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Not many cars can challenge the Super 3 in the looks department. Park it near to even the most flamboyant supercar and I bet that people will gravitate towards the Morgan. Morgan says that its designers took inspiration from the ‘jet age’ and you can definitely see that on the final Super 3. We’d argue that moving the engine in-board has made the Super 3 even cleaner in design than the older 3 Wheeler, too.
THE VERDICT
The Super 3 feels far more than some weekend plaything. Its limitations are obvious, of course – with no roof and two seats. But the Super 3’s strengths lie in just how well executed it is. Every switch and mount has been thought through, tied together with Morgan’s typical attention to craftsmanship. But most importantly, the Super 3 is just as fun to drive as it is to look at. And fun is something very sought-after these days.
Morgan has customisation right at its heart, so with the Super 3 there’s likely to be a specification or trim to suit most. In fact, there are over 200 options and accessories available, while a whole variety of liveries and decals can be used to make your Super 3 look like no other version. But beyond these personalisation options, there are fundamentally good features. The twin screens located in the centre of the cabin are clear and can be toggled to showcase a variety of displays, while all the switches have a robust feel to them. We particularly liked the engine starter button housed underneath a fighter jet-style cover.