After four year of work SAIC introduces small MG3 model on the market. The car which comes from the concept of model 'Zero' has been presented at several auto shows, but just now it went into journalist’s hands. Producer is proud, that MG6 is sixth element of the MG’s urban models evolution which has stared in 1924, when Austin Seven was introduced. After it were Morris Minor 1000, MG 1300 and more modern MG ZR and still produced MG SW.

The British development office of SAIC is responsible for a project of the new car. As we mentioned, works on the project extend four years and the result is urban vehicle ready to compete in one of the most important segments on the global market. The car has typical size - 3999x1728x1517 mm, wheelbase 2520 mm. The boot has 256 liters and has possibility to increase to 938 liters. Chinese journalist showed, that after reclined of rear seats the surface isn’t flat. The producer will offer possibility of personalizing of the car as the option, including British flag on the roof. Details in the cabin have ‘Apple design’ which is a nod to younger customers of MG brand.

The iPod compatibility is one of the most interesting elements of car’s equipment, because MG3 doesn’t have any advanced technology in cabin. Power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, sunroof, CD MP3 or parking sensors are typical equipment available in each segment. 15-inch alloy wheels enhance attractiveness of the vehicle. It is not know if the MG3 is safety because C-NCAP hasn’t crashed car so far. Versions offered in China include only ABS, two airbags and drum breaks on the rear wheels.

The car can by powered two petrol engines - 1.3l (88KM, 117 Nm) or 1.5l (109 KM, 135 Nm). Smallest engine consumes 6,5 l/100 km, the bigger 6,7 l/100 km. Producer ensures that car with 1.5l unit accelerates from 0-100 km in 11,5 seconds and can reach 180 km/h. The basic version of car has 5-speed manual transmission, but customers can also order 5-speed automat gearbox with sequential shift gear function.

MG is reputed as a premium brand in China, which reflects price list of MG3. Below the current prices in China:
- 1.3l MT - 69,700 yuan,
- 1.3l AT - 76,700 yuan,
- 1.5l MT - 83,700 yuan,
- 1.5l AT - 89,700 yuan,
- 1.5l XCross MT - 91,700 yuan,
- 1.5l XCross AT - 103,700 yuan.

The XCross version looks like small SUV, similarly like the MG SW.

According to earlier announcements, MG3 will appear in Europe later next year and then we will know the prices and model specification destined for Europe. Probably the prices will be much higher because producer will add better safety equipments, like side airbags or ESP. The best chance of MG3 may be 'hot hatch' version with 1.5T petrol engine supposed by fans of MG’s sport cars.

Source: MG
Source: autohome.com.cn

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