New MG3 supermini: price, specs and release date

New cut-priced MG3 will rival the Corsa, 208 and Clio in the supermini class

MG might be making lots of noise with its new-age electric cars and even a sporty open-top flagship in the shape of the Cyberster, but the reborn British brand isn’t losing sight of the value-driven models that have formed the bedrock of its contemporary comeback. MG’s next generation MG3 supermini is about to be revealed, joining the line up to, in all likelihood, become one of the UK’s cheapest new cars on sale. 

The new Vauxhall Corsa-sized model won’t feature an all-electric powertrain as in the new MG4, instead retaining a combustion powertrain that’s expected to feature some level of mild-hybrid tech.

Designed principally to be efficient and low-cost, the new model – which has previously been leaked in a set of patent images – features a new design taking inspiration directly from the Cybester Roadster. We can see similarly shaped swept-back headlights, flowing bodywork and a large low-mounted grille opening. 

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Unlike the electrically-powered Roadster, the grille will feed air to a powertrain that we expect to be close to the existing MG3’s in terms of specification. Expect a small four-cylinder petrol engine with around 100bhp, paired to a manual gearbox or possibly a new automatic transmission. 

Expect useful gains in interior space and refinement compared to the current MG3, plus a brand new interior that features MG’s latest digital interfaces, including potentially the same 10.25-inch touchscreen as found in the MG4. 

As it stands, the current MG3 is one of the UK’s most affordable new cars, starting at just £13,820 for the entry-level Excite model. We expect the new model’s price to grow, especially if any significant hybridisation elements are fitted, but it will still probably undercut rivals like the Corsa, Clio or 208 significantly –  acting as a direct rival to true budget models like the Dacia Sandero which is currently priced from £13,795. 

We expect the new MG3 to make an official debut in the next few months, helping MG continue its momentum in the sales charts as its market share continues to grow.

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