LHD MG3 testing in Spain

The red MG3 was completely without camouflage and, by the way, I found a model that does not call attention to anything. Al Natural is attractive, but does not stand out against the competition. The unit in blue, with a light camouflage on the rear bumper, is more striking for the sticker that tries to hide its forms than the car itself.

Because it was right next to a Toyota Yaris art can draw some conclusions about the size. The MG3 is somewhat longer and wider, while the Japanese which seems higher but really is not. While trying to talk to the technicians and I peek inside, though no photos-hard I've tried, I can anticipate that quality look and compares favorably with cheaper rivals (an Aveo for example). What I can not say is how will the termination [finish?] and settings as I have not had the opportunity to sit inside. In both units in the [steering] wheel was [on the] left.

Dorset Rocket wrote:The MG3 seems to be going though alot of testing given that it still appears almost identical to the China market version. Presumably alot of changes being made under the skin - anyone know what these are expected to be?

• a different petrol engine - 107bhp is probably too low to be the only engine
  
• a diesel engine - as in the 5500 delivered to the UK
  
• different suspension (also bearing in mind different engine weight) for handling and drivability
  
• shaking down RHD versions (these ones are LHD)
  
• transmission testing, if different
  
• type approval and crash testing?

Windy wrote:The turbo petrol is only just about ready for sale in China, they will want to test it for a bit before UK launch.

Even the standard 1.5 sold in China does not meet current EU emissions so the upgraded version needs testing too.

I also wonder if we are waiting for the new direct injection engines, they wont want to launch it with an engine that will be dropped within a year but I thought they aren't due til next year...

Dorset Rocket wrote:From what I have seen, I think we can expect the 'NSE' 1.5L engine at launch with a turbo version to follow by the end of the year. If the standard version does 107bhp, that is actually not too bad compared to the Mini 1.6 which does 96bhp in basic 'Mini One' form and 118bhp in standard Cooper versions. Reliability, CO2 and mpg will all be important as well of course..