The Shanghai Auto Show was always going to provide a massive showcase for the new cars emerging out of the fast-growing Eastern empire of China. One such company which has headlined the show is the Chinese-owned British brand, MG, and they’ve unveiled one of their most important cars yet. It is the small and compact supermini, which joins forces with the MG6 saloon and hatchback, the impressive looking MG3.
Based on the MG Zero Concept, the car will launch in production form later this year in the UK, Europe and potentially South Africa as well. MG says the car is designed to appeal to trendy European customers and it does appear to have plenty of cute appeal to win the masses away from their European Peugeots, Citroens and the like. The car boasts cool ‘hockey stick’ LED daytime running lights as the highlight of the design. More than that, it appears it will be a no fuss, fun car to drive as well, because MG ensured it was tested on European roads for good body control.
An MG spokesman had this to say about the MG3, “It will be powered by a healthy 75 kW version of our own VTi-TECH petrol engine, joining the MG6 DTi-TECH and TCi-TECH engines in the European family. The VTi-TECH engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission that makes this little baby perfectly suited to nipping in and out of city traffic or enjoying a great British B-road.”
Featuring a 1.5-litre engine that’s been available in China since 2011, it will feature a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle, while the car is assembled from kits courtesy of Chinese carmaker SAIC Motors. Personalisation options include a wide range of body colours, as well as roof, side and bonnet graphics. The interior trim, vents, wheels and mats can also be personalised.
