One of the most logical compact hatches. By Rubin van Niekerk
One glance at your speedometer shows you all the vital statistics that you need to know. The kind of information that top end cars give you and not something easily found in most cars. Average speed, fuel consumption during that time, tyre pressure, temperature and more. No drivers like struggling using distracting centre-mounted consoles.
It is dangerous and can easily cause accidents. It is rare to find one that is not clumsy to operate while driving. I always get the feeling that some tech designers do not drive much and if they do, they most likely drive the same cars all the time.
I love going to the Vintage and Veteran car Club in Atholl Oaklands. We tend to forget how iconic MG has been for over a century. Vintage models are affordable to maintain, and I think makes me look at the new MG brand with different eyes. Car buyers tend to simply see another well priced Chinese car offering excellent value for money. That it certainly is, and time will tell what the resale value will be. My prediction is, no less than what any other brand stepping on heritage brand territory would be. Adapting a heritage car like MG to new technology is clever and makes people like me pay attention. MG now would not be forgiven so easily for quality issues. However, it is a solid well-built car at an excellent price that is a complete replacement for the long-running previous generation. The MG3 forces anybody across the board to re-assess their beliefs about the actual package of this budget new MG3 versus the old MG3 from 10 years ago and what it delivers.
The old MG3 was not well rated, but the new model evolved a world apart from its predecessor. MG paid serious attention to anything that would affect its competitiveness in an aggressive, highly competitive market.
Equipment levels are superb as is the build quality and the suspension that glides over our awful speed bumps, compared to rivals. Spaciousness for a tall person with big feet is often a deal breaker. The large footrest next to the brake pedal accommodated my size 12 feet fitted comfortably. Any tall driver would find the MG very spacious, even at the back. Practical loading capability is average at 772 litres when expanded, as we found when carting Japanese artworks and Kimonos from an exhibition in Parktown North.
A conventional 1.5-litre petrol engine delivers 81 kW and paired with an 8-step CVT transmission. Weighing in at only 1207 kg the MG feels lively and if you don’t drive at maximum acceleration the CVT is quite acceptable. Most people do not realise that CVTs offer lower future maintenance costs and are generally economical. I think that is an important factor to consider, and I found the CVT perfectly comfortable without any excessive whine. Acceleration at 10.8 seconds is reasonable and compares well with competitors. Engaging driving was a pleasant, unexpected surprise on twisty roads where its handling was impressive. Retaining many physical buttons for a wide range of features, from air-con to the window de-mister makes it far easier to live with in an era where simple buttons are rare. Generous specification levels include 16-inch alloy wheels, air-con, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, automatic headlights and adaptive cruise control.
The MG3’s is one of the most dramatic quality turnarounds in the compact car market and competes comfortably with its rivals in terms of value for money.
Pricing at R 310 000 includes a 3-year/45 000 km Service Plan.
www.mgmotor.co.za
