Owner reviews for the MG MG3
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 3.5/5The MG3 stands out among the sea of small hatchbacks for its roomy cabin and honest, value-for-money approach. Drivers looking for an affordable yet practical runabout with a hint of sporty spirit will find plenty to like.
London
AA finance available
Croydon
AA finance available
Croydon
London
London
Bromley
AA finance available
Croydon
AA finance available
Croydon
Bromley
Bromley
Bromley
Bromley
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 3.5/5AA finance available
MG MG3 Hybrid 1.5 Hybrid SE 5dr Auto
Croydon (8 miles)
AA finance available
MG MG3 Hybrid 1.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
Croydon (8 miles)
MG MG3 1.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
Bromley (9 miles)
Since arriving in 2013, the MG3 has been MG’s answer to everyday motoring for the budget-conscious. Sold as a fun and spacious hatchback, it attracted attention with its low price and lively colours. Over the years, it received a significant facelift in 2018, with newer models boasting more tech and sharper styling. The MG3 mainly undercuts rivals like the Dacia Sandero and Vauxhall Corsa on cost and space, while offering a single, no-nonsense petrol engine. Key features like generous rear legroom and good kit on higher trims define the MG3 today, alongside its playful driving character and friendly price tag.
All MG3s come equipped with front, side and curtain airbags, stability control and ISOFIX mounting points as standard. Facelifted models offer additional features such as rear parking sensors and, on top trims, a reversing camera. It’s worth noting that the MG3 missed out on some advanced driver aids found in newer rivals.
The MG3 is powered by a single 1.5-litre petrol engine delivering 105-106hp and paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. There’s no automatic option. Pre- and post-facelift models share essentially the same engine, though efficiency improved slightly from 2016 onwards and mild performance tweaks were made.
Earlier (pre-2018) MG3s offer a basic radio with small buttons, Bluetooth and DAB (on most trims). The 2018 facelift introduced an 8-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay on mid-range and above, rear parking sensors and, in top models, a reversing camera and upgraded speakers. Android Auto is not supported.
Depending on the model year, official MPG figures range from 47 to 51mpg. Facelifted, WLTP-rated versions claim 47.1mpg combined. Earlier models may manage closer to 48–51mpg, though real-world performance can be lower, especially if driven briskly. CO2 emissions range from 124 to 140g/km.
Check for signs of interior wear, especially on the plastics, and make sure door seals are dry as some early models had issues with water ingress. On older MG3s, the timing chain should have been replaced or upgraded. Also, test parking sensors and clutch function, as both have known faults. For peace of mind, consider an inspection via The AA Vehicle Inspection.
Owners report strong mechanical reliability, with only isolated cases of major faults. Minor electrical gremlins can crop up – mainly sensors or dashboard issues – but dealer service is generally well regarded. MG3s are cheap to run and solidly built for the price, though MG’s brand reliability ranked below average in recent surveys.