MG3 heading for South Africa

Affordable luxury brand MG is back … in force!

IT has been nearly two years since the return of the iconic British brand MG to South African shores. Its initial offering comprised mainly of the MG6 fastback and sedan models, but the range is set to expand significantly in the near future.

While MG is owned by the Chinese automotive giant SAIC (Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation), its South African activities are known as Mandarin Motors, and fall under Combined Motor Holdings (CMH). Mandarin Motors encompasses both Maxus, on the commercial side, and MG on the passenger side. Despite its Chinese ownership, MG is still very much a British company, especially in terms of design and engineering; and some production is still carried out in Britain. Locally, the company is headquartered in Northriding, Randburg.

During the previous two years, MG has built a comprehensive dealer network, which currently stands at 15 dealers spread across South Africa. East London, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Umhlanga, Nelspruit, Rustenburg, Kimberley, Upington and Cape Town all already host MG dealers, and there are plans in place to further expand the network.

As the dealer network has expanded, so too has the management at MGSA. Craig Lanham-Love has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of Mandarin Motors, which incorporates both MG and Maxus. Mandarin Motors is CMH’s motor vehicle and importation distribution division, with Derrick Bishop taking charge as General Manager. Lanham-Love comes with a wealth of experience in the importation and distribution business, primarily in the leisure industry incorporating Husqvarna, Sea-doo, Can-am and Evinrude to name a few of the many brands under the CMH Marine and Leisure stable. Having joined the navy, his professional career started in Durban, before he relocated to Johannesburg to head up Waterworld. When CMH acquired Waterworld from Sorza in 20XX, Lanham-Love was appointed as the CEO of the newly form CMH Marine and Leisure, with Mandarin Motors joining the stable in 2011.

Derrick Bishop is well-known in the motor industry, having held senior management positions at  Nissan South Africa for approximately 18 years. Husband and wife team Alan and Terry Horseman, both also well-known in the industry, are Executive Directors of Mandarin Motors, while another motor industry stalwart, Lionel Hillary, heads up the Dealer Development.

With the company poised to launch its next generation of vehicles in South Africa, MG has taken the decision to appoint Outlook Africa to handle its Public and Media relations for both the Maxus and MG brands. South Africans can look forward to the arrival of the MG3 later this year, with at least two new products joining the line-up in 2014.

The MG3 is MG’s brand new  challenger. The first of the new vehicles will be rolling off MG’s plant shortly, with a local launch planned for the last quarter of 2013. The new vehicle will initially only be available with a four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. More models will be added to the range in due course.

Until the arrival of the MG3, MGSA is focussing on its established MG6, which is available in both fastback and sedan versions. With prices starting at only R239,900 for the 1.8T Comfort model, the MG6 represents true value in a luxury package. Included in the price is a 1 year AA Roadside Assistance plan, a service plan for 3 years/90,000 km. The vehicle comes with a 3 year/100,000 km warranty. An impressive service interval of 24,000 km applies to all MG6 models.

The big news on the MG stand will be the arrival of the new MG3 supermini. The MG3 is due to be launched in South Africa shortly and boasts compact styling, LED daytime running lights and four models all of which have sporty looks and a 1.5 litre engine.

MG South Africa’s current model range is a rather limited affair comprising just two models; the MG6 Fastback and the MG6 Saloon. But that is about to change with the introduction of the MG3 supermini at JIMS, a compact hatch that should see local interest grow in the brand.

We previously highlighted some of the car’s details, but now we can also confirm that the MG3 will be offered with an automatic “e-Shift” transmission and promises a combined fuel consumption of 6,6 litres per 100 km. MG also claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 11,5 seconds.

Safety features will include ABS brakes with EBD, brake assist and cornering brake control. Buyers will also have access to a USB/Aux multimedia audio system and a sunroof. The styling is distinctive and draws some parallels with such segment neighbours as the Mini and Citroën DS3, especially as the car can be individualised with a host of options, including a contrasting finish for the roof.

The range will consists of four models starting with the top-specification MG3 3 Style, the 3Form, the 3Form Sport and the entry-level 3Time.

MG South Africa has confirmed to CAR magazine that the MG3 will arrive early next year with full details of the local line up will emerging closer to the official launch date.

Pricing will start at R160 000.

The brand new MG3: A British styled supermini, a British supermini from a marque adored by royalty, a British supermini with an 80 year history; a British supermini subject to 80 years of constant innovation and reformation.

A British supermini treasured by David Beckham, Kate Moss and other fashion pioneers. A British supermini dreamed of by several generations. The brand new MG3, a British supermini from an 80 year old legend, is unveiled at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS).

South African MG Chief Operating Officer Craig Lanham-Love says the new MG3 offers buyers something really new. “It is a stylish, highly practical car that is huge fun to drive and fun to own.”

Four models will be available to choose from, with a full range of options and accessories. The four models are the flagship MG3 3STYLE, the mid-range MG3 3FORM and MG3 3FORM SPORT, as well as the entry model MG3 3TIME. Details of the local line-up for the South African market will be announced closer to launch.

MG South Africa General Manager Derrick Bishop describes the MG3 as a modern MG that allows a new generation of people to have fun with their MG. “And don’t be fooled by the compact dimensions on the outside – the new MG3 boast one of the largest interiors in the supermini class,” says Bishop.

Perfect maneuverability means a pleasant driving experience
•78 kW ultra-high efficient 1.5 litre VTi multi-angle continuous variable timing engine.
•Ultra-smooth high-performance e-Shift gearbox.
•Combined fuel consumption/100 km: 6.6 L (1.5 L VTi engine).
•0-100 km/h acceleration time: 11.5 seconds
•High-precision suspension design (McPherson strut up front/H-shaped twist-beam at the rear).
•Intelligent speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system
•185/65 R15 low-rolling resistance tyres

Safety ensures free and easy driving experience
•High-tensile steel USD body structure.
•Laser welded ultra-high strength front impact bar.
•ABS+EBD high-stability braking system.
•CBC Cornering Brake Control System.
•BA emergency braking assist system.
•Pre-tensioning load-limiting active seat belt.
•The fourth generation Euro-TC1 anti-theft system.

Leading manufacturing process ensures quality and reliability
•Advanced and sophisticated manufacturing system.
•0.7 mm state-of-the-art assembly technology.
•Passed the 3 000 000 km rigorous on-road durability validation test.
•Lifetime maintenance-free durable timing chain.
•Eco-friendly ultra-gloss water-based paint.
•Highest static car body stiffness of 19,300 N.M/d and dynamic stiffness of 43 HZ.
•25°C thermostatic precision manufacturing plant.
•DSA digital signal monitoring system for all production lines.

Inspiring design with dazzling style dedicated to ultra-chic
•My Way individualized black car roof.
•i-Style simple interior design.
•Multifunctional real-time information display screen.
•Hawk-eye style cool headlamps.

Generous space for all
•2 520 mm extra-long wheelbase.
•3 999 mm crossover car length offers extra-large body space.
•MAXPLUS 938-litre extra-large luggage capacity (rear seats down).
•No fewer than 21 diversified handy storage spaces.

Advanced technology for better enjoyment
•NVH ultra-quiet comfortable space.
•USB\AUX-in extended multimedia audio-visual entertainment system.
•Cinema-style hi-fi stereo system.
•One-touch automatic open/close anti-trapping sunroof.
•Lazy Locking window auto-close system.
•Intelligent speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system.
•185/65 R15 muted low-rolling resistance wide-base tire.

Judging by my brief tyre-kicking experience at the show, the MG3's interior appears to be solidly built and the neatly-styled dashboard conveys an impression of quality.

Like its MG6 counterpart, the MG3 was designed and engineered at the MG Birmingham facility in the UK and while the bulk of the car is put together in China, final assembly takes place at the Birmingham plant.


Currently there are 15 MG dealerships in South Africa and MG South Africa's General Manager Derrick Bishop expects that tally to rise to 30 by the tail end of 2014.