MG3 (automobile) — BrandWiki

MG3 (automobile)

Overview

Third generation

transmission
manufacturer	SAIC Motor
production	2024–present
assembly	China: Pukou, Nanjing (Nanjing Automobile) Thailand: Laem Chabang (SAIC-CP)
designer	Oleg Son
related	MG ZS (second generation)
engine	Petrol: 1.5 L GM/SAIC L3A I4 Petrol hybrid: 1.5 L L3A Hybrid+ I4
motor	Permanent magnet synchronous (Hybrid+)
powerout	80 kW (1.5 petrol) 75 kW (petrol engine only, Hybrid+) 100 kW (electric motor, Hybrid+) 143 kW (combined system output, Hybrid+)

The MG3 is a supermini car produced by the Chinese automotive company SAIC under the British MG marque. The first generation, marketed as the MG3 SW, is based on the British-made Rover Streetwise, which itself was based on the Rover 25, while since the second generation, introduced in 2011 is marketed simply as the MG3.

First generation (2008)

The first generation MG3 SW is essentially a rebadged version of the Rover Streetwise, which had ceased production in April 2005 after the bankruptcy of predecessor organisation MG Rover. It started production in 2008 at SAIC's Chinese factory in Pukou, Nanjing.[1][2] The MG3 SW was only sold in China, and cannot be exported by SAIC.[3]

drivetrain	Power-split (Hybrid+)

battery	1.83 kWh, 350 V NMC lithium-ion

wheelbase	2570 mm

length	4113 mm

width	1797 mm

height	1502 mm

weight	1285 kg

Second generation (2011)

The second-generation MG3 was shown at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, in the form of the MG Zero concept car. The new model uses an all new automotive platform with a wheelbase of 2.5 m, featuring MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. The development work took place in the United Kingdom, with production initially in China.[5]

The car went on sale in China in the spring of 2011. Engine options at launch consist of a choice of 1.3 (1343 cc) and 1.5 litre (1498 cc), rated at 68 kW and 80 kW respectively, with either a five speed manual transmission, or an Italian AMT transmission called e-shift.[6]

MG 3 Xross

The second generation MG3 is also available in a crossover style variant (similar to the Rover Streetwise and MG3 SW), known as the MG3 Xross.[7] The Xross is only available with the 80 kW 1.5 litre engine.

First facelift (2013)

A restyled version of the MG3, with a revised front design, was announced in the spring of 2013, with sales in the United Kingdom beginning in September 2013, but only with the 1.5 litre 105 hp engine option.[8]

The MG3 was assembled in the Longbridge plant from 2013 until 2016.[9][10]

For 2016, the MG3 received several alterations to improve it: the installation of an EU 6 derivative of the standard 1.5-litre engine, developed by SAIC Motor UK, a stop start was fitted, and two-tone colour schemes, primarily on the red and yellow MG3's which can have either a black or white roof, were offered as options.

Engines

The MG 3 is only available with a 1.5-litre engine, which has received an EU 6 upgrade to reduce emissions, and also the addition of stop start.

Engines

The MG 3 is only available with a 1.5-litre engine, which has received an EU 6 upgrade to reduce emissions, and also the addition of stop start.

MG3 Trophy

MG unveiled the MG3 Trophy Championship concept car at the MG90 event at Silverstone in June 2014.

The MG3 Trophy Championship concept, based on the MG3 production vehicle platform and created to highlight in-house engineering, design and calibration capabilities by SMTC UK at Longbridge, continues the MG tradition of club racing.

The racing concept was created solely by a team of engineers, managed by Vehicle Engineering Specialist Adrian Guyll, and based at SAIC Motor's European Design and Technical Centre (SMTC), located alongside MG Motor UK at the Longbridge site in Birmingham.

Specifications:

204 hp (increased from 106 PS)
Torque 250 Nm (increased from 136 Nm)
Boost 1.0 Bar
1.5 Vti Tech engine
Full body-lightening programme without compromising on stiffness
Limited slip differential
Fully adjustable Macpherson strut front set up
Bespoke anti-roll bar
Adjustable front splitter
Twin plane adjustable rear spoiler

Second facelift (2018)

The MG3 was revised in 2018 with a facelift to the exterior and a new interior. The interior redesign now includes space for an eight-inch touchscreen unit, which is fitted as standard to some models. The 1.5-litre engine received minor modifications to bring it up to EU 6D standards, and now rated at 140g/km for emissions.[11]

Chinese models are available with a slightly more powerful 1.5 litre engine option mated to a four speed automatic gearbox.[12] In Thailand, the MG3 was launched on 21 June 2018. The models were only in 1.5L engine and four speed automatic. Transmission included 1.5 C, 1.5 D, 1.5 X Sunroof and 1.5 V Sunroof. In Brunei, the MG 3 was launched since the middle of 2019. The models were only in 1.5L engine and four speed automatic. Transmission included Core and Excite.

Safety

The MG3 was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2014, receiving a score of 3 out of 5 stars for safety, with a 69% score for adult protection (lower than the 90% result for the Mitsubishi Mirage),[13] which was valid in accordance with Euro NCAP's testing standards until June 2020. According to analysis of the results of multiple crash tests by Euro NCAP, a number of issues were found including the driver's head bottoming out on the steering wheel through the airbag; "The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. The airbags of both the driver and the passenger were not sufficiently inflated to prevent the head 'bottoming out', through the fabric of the airbag, against the steering wheel and dashboard, respectively. [...] However, structures in the dashboard were considered a risk to occupants of different sizes or to those sat in different positions and protection of the knee/femur/pelvis area was rated as marginal".[14] In a rear impact test, the crash test dummy measurements produced marginal results for front seat whiplash protection, and poor protection for rear seat occupants, the lowest score possible.

The facelifted MG3 did not involve a change to the basic architecture underpinning the vehicle, with the design carrying over the same overall shape, and thus the protection afforded by the chassis has not changed throughout the production of the second generation MG3. The rating of 3 out of 5 stars remained unchanged during Euro NCAP's annual review in July 2018, for the facelifted variant.[14]

Third generation (2024)

The third-generation MG 3 was officially revealed on 26 February 2024 at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show.[21] For the first time, it is available with a Hybrid+ hybrid electric powertrain.[22][23]

Markets

Australia

The third-generation MG 3 was launched in Australia on 12 June 2024, with two trim levels: Excite and Essence; it is available with either a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre Hybrid+ petrol hybrid.[24] The entry-level Vibe trim powered by the 1.5-litre petrol was added in May 2025.[25]

Brunei

The third-generation MG 3 was launched in Brunei on 19 January 2026, with two trim levels: Excite and Essence; it is only available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine.[26]

Europe

The third-generation model of the MG 3 marks the first time it is available in other European markets instead of being solely limited to the UK, with European sales commenced in March 2024. For the European market, the MG 3 was initially only offered with the 1.5-litre Hybrid+ petrol hybrid.[21][27] In February 2025, the 1.5-litre petrol engine without hybrid assistance was made available in the European market, as "MG’s commitment to delivering market-leading value."[28]

Mexico

The third-generation MG 3 was launched in Mexico on 23 May 2024, with four trim levels: Cool, Style, Excite and Elegance. It is available with either a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre Hybrid+ petrol hybrid.[29]

Middle East

The third-generation MG 3 was launched in the Middle East on 26 February 2024, including the GCC market, Lebanon and Iraq. It is powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine and it is offered in three trim levels; STD, COM and LUX.[30]

Philippines

The third-generation MG 3 was launched in the Philippines on 4 June 2024, alongside the G50 Plus. For the Philippines market, the MG 3 is available with four trim levels: Standard, Comfort, Luxury and Hybrid; it is available with either a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre Hybrid+ petrol hybrid.[31]

South Africa

The third-generation MG 3 was launched in South Africa on 20 August 2025, with two trim levels: Comfort and Luxury; it is available with either a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre Hybrid+ petrol hybrid.[32][33]

Thailand

The third-generation MG 3 was launched in Thailand on 16 July 2024 with pricing released later on 20 August, with two trim levels: D and X; it is only available with the 1.5-litre Hybrid+ petrol hybrid.[34][35]

Australia

Brunei

The third-generation MG 3 was launched in Brunei on 19 January 2026, with two trim levels: Excite and Essence; it is only available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine.[26]

MG3 (automobile)

First generation (2008)

Engines

Second generation (2011)

MG 3 Xross

First facelift (2013)

Engines

Engines

MG3 Trophy

Second facelift (2018)

Safety

Third generation (2024)

Markets

Australia

Brunei

Europe

Mexico

Middle East

Philippines

South Africa

Thailand

Australia

Brunei

Europe

Mexico

Middle East

Philippines

South Africa

Thailand

Safety

Sales

External links

References

MG3 Trophy