MG3 leads Chinese Challenge
Half a century ago car enthusiasts would pull up their noses at anything Japanese. Fifty years later, Chinese vehicles are subject to our prejudices. Remember and take note of September 2014 as the date when a truly competitive Chinese-made car reached our shores.
After trying bravely for 90 years (yes, the first MG went on sale in 1924) to stay afloat, this iconic British brand now has a Chinese Big Daddy. MG is now being owned by the giant SAIC Motor Corporation, the first Chinese manufacturer to build more than 5-million cars in a single year. More recently, SAIC still had enough confidence in the MG name to produce 230,000 units of this modern and stylish newcomer.
The MG3 is a compact, 4-door hatch with a 78 kW 4-cylinder petrol-fuelled engine that’s linked to a five-speed manual gearbox which shifts smoothly and competently.
At Highveld altitudes, where loss of power is stated as being 17%, the MG3 felt somewhat underpowered, and the occasional use of gear changes was called for. At an indicated 120 km/h in 5th gear, the smooth engine registered 3,500 rpm – which is pretty much the norm for modern engines of this size.
Roadholding was as good as that offered by the competition, and the 16 inch alloy wheels served as further enhancement of the car’s stylish appearance. Do not search for a spare wheel, though, it’s been replaced by a repair kit - a feature that the importers, the CMH Group, will have to address in the near future.
Despite exposing their top-of-the-range model, the R179,900 Style, to a group of journalists within days of the vehicles arriving in the country, the launch fleet performed well, without a hint of rattle or any signs of dodgy build quality.
Body panels fitted well with tolerances rights up there with the best German/Japanese products, while the leather-covered seats were supportive and kept both drivers and passengers firmly in their place.
The manufacturers, obviously, have decided to launch the MG3 range with a comprehensive list of luxury and safety items, and it was quite an eye-opener to find full electrically operated windows (front and rear), cruise control, reverse parking sensors and a stylish steering wheel with audio control as part of the package. The door mirrors are heated.
Safety features are equally comprehensive with four airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, as well as CBC (corner brake control), electronic brake assist (EBA) and electronic stability control (ESC). This list of safety features is usually found in vehicles retailing in the R300,000 zone.
In terms of styling, the MG3 comes across as modern and muscular. It has a certain presence on the road – a consequence of having been designed at MG’s historic home in Longbridge, Birmingham. This continues the MG tradition of building iconic, small, desirable and affordable cars and, although Chinese-owned, the MG3 remains a distinctive ‘British’ car with a look and feel to match – proving that ownership is merely academic. Amusingly, the designers have taken Kia’s Tiger Face design, inverted it to come up with a Tiger moustache. However, what really counts is design and the integrity of construction and, in this sense, the MG3 will certainly have an impact on the market.
Last word
For the first time, for Chinese vehicles, the MG3 has managed to move out of the derogatory shadow of being described as Chinese junk. Keeping the confidence-inspiring MG name was also a sound marketing decision, and the MG3 should find a place, not only in the individual retail market, but also as a sound option for rental companies.
Still not convinced? Then take a look at your iPhone or the superb optics on your Nikon or Canon camera – and perceive the Made in China inscription.
