MG is an iconic British brand first revived in 2007 when Nanjing Automobile took over its UK-based production facility. It was at this point that auto giant SAIC Motor acquired Nanjing, subsequently adding MG to its product portfolio, and producing cars wearing the badge in China and in the UK. The MG3 was first introduced to local shores in 2014 and was sales flop along with its stablemates, prompting the brand to leave the country after only a few years back on the local scene. Here are 3 things that you need to know about the MG3, should you find yourself in the market for one.
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1.One powertrain
The MG 3 was only available with one powertrain locally, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox sending 78kW and 138 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Claimed fuel consumption is said to be 5.8 L/100km. The dimensions of the MG3 made it a rival for the then-new Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Ford Figo, measuring 4 018mm long, 1 728mm wide, 1 507mm tall and featuring a wheelbase of 2 520mm.
2.Three trim levels
There were three models offered within the MG3 range at launch, a base model, the so-called Wired model, and the Style, which served as the range-topping variant. The base model was available with power steering, air-conditioning, USB and AUX connectivity, two front speakers with two tweeters, four airbags, ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The Wired and Style variants received niceties such as 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles, a chrome exhaust tip, central locking, Bluetooth connectivity, an additional two speakers at the rear, a multi-function steering wheel wrapped in leather and electric side mirrors, among other features.
3.MG is out of the country
In 2016, local MG distributor Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) announced that it was pulling the plug on the brand from a local perspective, citing the weakness of our local rand as the main issue, making the importation and sale of the products no longer feasible. CMH stated in an interview with Business Report in 2016 that it would continue to offer aftersales services such as parts and maintenance for MG owners locally.
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