News Source: topspeed.com

The MG3 nameplate was introduced in 2011, when SIAC, the current owner of the MG Motor  brand, launched the five-door hatchback  in China. The first-generation MG3, also known as the MG3 SW, replaced the Rover Streetwise and it can’t be purchased anywhere else but in China. Although the first-gen car is still in production, MG developed a second iteration to be sold in the United Kingdom as a low-cost vehicle. Previewed by the MG Zero Concept  , the MG3 actually shares most of its design cues with the study shown at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show.

Available only as a five-door hatchback with a front-mounted engine, front-wheel-drive configuration, the Euro-spec MG3 is aimed at successful vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta  , Renault Clio  , and the Volkswagen Polo. The British-built supermini is cheaper than most of its rivals, and although its affordable sticker brings many shortages along with it, the MG3 has a few tricks up its sleeve. Check out our review below to learn more about the pros and cons surrounding the MG3.

Measuring 158.2 inches in length and 68.1 inches in width, the MG3 is about the size of a 2014 Ford Fiesta. A tad boxier than most its competitors, the British hatch is distinguished by a modern and somewhat sporty front end. A narrow grille lies between the short hood and bumper, while a large, trapezoidal air intake occupies most of the lower apron. The lower grille is flanked by DRL units shaped to blend with the bumper’s muscular design.

Around back, a rounded bumper embraces the small hatch that leads into the trunk, with a pair of vertical taillights mounted on the sides. Down below, a huge, diffuser-like piece with a single exhaust pipe eats into the apron. When viewed from the side, the MG3 stands out through its almost straight beltline and the V-shaped crease sculpted right above the side sills.

Although the MG3 is pretty much simple by design, the British automaker is trying to sweeten up the deal by offering a highly customizable vehicle. Customers can choose from numerous exterior colors, body graphics, wheels, and interior color packs when building their MG3, with thousands of combinations available. The feat is rather unique when it comes to a factory-built vehicle and aims at young drivers looking to purchase an affordable compact.

The MG3’s cabin is surprisingly spacious given its 99-inch wheelbase. The supermini features a "rolled and raised" dashboard design that increases both front space and legroom, while the tall cabin provides class-leading headroom in the rear compartment.

Design-wise, the cabin is pretty simple, and lacks all the bells and whistles found in more expensive vehicles. There’s no such thing as an infotainment system or a color touchscreen, and leather is available only for the steering wheel and part of the front seats on the more expensive trim levels.

Acres of plastic cover anything from the dashboard to the door panels, but the contrast stitching and the brightly-colored inserts help attenuate the cabin’s low-cost feel. A CD player with MP3 compatibility comes standard even with the entry-level model, while steering wheel audio controls, a leather steering wheel and cruise control can be had as you move up the trim ladder. Only one engine is available in the MG3, no matter the trim. MG’s unit of choice is a tiny, 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 104 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox (there’s no automatic option), the gasoline engine enables the supermini to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 108 mph. Although these figures are far from impressive, the MG3 is nippy enough for a vehicle that returns 47.8 mpg on the British combined cycle (39.8 mpg U.S.).

Pricing for the MG3 starts at £8,399 ($14,410 as of 07/01/2014). For that amount, customers will get the base 3TIME trim, which comes with standard LED lights, sports seats, six airbags, hill hold assist, CD player, and iPod connectivity. For £9,299 ($15,957), the mid-range 3FORM trim adds air conditioning, Bluetooth, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. A further upgrade to the 3FORM Sport, which retails from £9,549 ($16,383), includes a sports body styling pack and 16-inch Carousel alloy wheels. Lastly, the range-topping 3STYLE model can be had for at least £9,999 ($17,155) and comes with everything available on the 3FROM Sport plus cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, and reverse parking sensors.

The MG3 is only available in the United Kingdom and there’s no info as to if and when MG is planning to sell it overseas.