MG tweaks make stylish brand even more appealing

After just a few years, MG has enjoyed quite a bit of success in the Thai market with high-volume models like the ZS and the MG3.

The British marque, which is owned by SAIC Motors of China, isn’t competing against fellow European brands, but rather Japanese and Korean brands that make up the majority of the Thai automobile market.

While the first MG models were far from perfect, coming with minor flaws here and there, huge improvements have been made in more recent models. Take the MG3 for instance.

When it was first launched several years ago, the MG3 gained a notorious reputation for its jerky AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) gearbox, and MG did had a tough time in handling the problem. Thai customers weren’t used to the outdated AMT transmission, and instead of trying to improve what it already had, MG decided to switch over to a fully-automatic gearbox in the minor-change model.

The 2018 MG3 gets a four-speed automatic transmission (with manual mode) that is much smoother in operation that the previous gearbox, and customers are now happy.

The strong point of MG is the value-for-money and the MG3 doesn’t disappoint. Apart from the dramatic facelift (that front grille makes you think of the Mazda or Mercedes-Benz), the MG3 now comes with Internet connectivity as well as all-round safety that together represents a highly exciting package.

At the top of the range is the MG3 1.5 V, which is the model that I drove for a week, and had little to complain about. It’s priced at Bt629,000 compared to Bt519,000 for the entry-level C model.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre twin-cam 16-valve engine with 112hp and 150Nm (compatible up to E85) that, despite its coarseness, works well with the new four-speed auto gearbox to deliver better performance than you think. The hatchback takes off with good initial acceleration, while the midrange and the top end performance is just mediocre.

The front strut suspension comes with a stabiliser that helps with cornering precision while the steering has the right weight and accuracy for nice cornering, although there’s that unnatural feel to it.

Driving the MG3 under 100km/h is fun, but when cruising (or accelerating) at high speeds, you’ll feel that fidgety body and that takes much off the confidence of the driver. Sure, you can go fast in the MG3 and have control, but it’s more tiring than you think.

What I liked about the MG3 is the interior that has been nicely designed (although the doors close with a ghastly clunk and the thick A-pillars do block a good amount of view when cornering). You don’t feel that this is a cheap car, but one with good design and reasonable craftsmanship. The seats (fabric-urethane) are really sporty for a car in this range, with great lateral support that keeps you in place during hard cornering (The V and X trims get a powered sunroof too). The steering wheel has a flat-bottomed design that again makes you think Mazda or Mercedes-Benz (it’s almost identical) and the round air vents on each side contribute to the overall elegance. Controls knobs, particularly for the air-conditioning, have that nice, soft feel when you turn them.

For the modern generation, the highlight in the car is the famous i-SMART infotainment system that works in Thai language and comes with many interesting features, such as WONGNAI and AGODA functions to search for restaurants and hotels.

You can also live stream music from the Internet, while the system informs you of various information through smartphones (fuel, battery, brakes, engine or theft).

In terms of safety, there are just two front airbags (more should be available), but you still get stability control system and brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and Curve Brake Control and 3-point seatbelts for five people.

MG has been making its point strongly in the Thai market, and the MG3 looks like it’s going to continue recruiting more customers into this brand. As mentioned, there are areas in which the original MG3 can be improved, and MG has showed that it is able to carry out many of them with the 2018 minor-change version.

MG3 Hatchback 1.5 V specs

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve

Displacement: 1,498cc

Bore and stroke: 75.0x84.8mm

Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Max power: 112ps/6,000rpm

Max torque: 150Nm/4,500rpm

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Ratios: 2.875/1.568/1.000/0.697

Final drive ratio: 4.375

Average fuel economy: 15.6km/litre

Average CO2: 150g/km

Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut, stabiliser/torsion beam

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 10.8 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/drum

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,055

Width: 1,729

Height: 1,516

Wheelbase: 2,520

Track (f/r): 1,496/1,483

Weight: approx. kgs

Wheels: 16-in alloy

Tyres: 195/55 R 16

Fuel tank capacity: 45 litres

Price: Bt629,000

Distributor: MG Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd