MG 3 light hatch debuts; coming to Oz late-2013

Based on the MG ZERO concept, the MG 3 was designed and engineered in the UK, but it will be built in China.

The four-metre-long MG 3 seats four, and after “hundreds of thousands of miles of testing on European roads” is claimed to deliver “impressive levels of body control, sharpness and a willingness to corner to engage keen drivers”.

Powered by a 77kW 1.6-litre single-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine, dubbed VTI-TECH, the MG 3 is linked to a five-speed manual transmission.

It uses a front MacPherson strut, rear twist beam suspension design, with a 2520mm wheelbase.

MG cites the “hockey stick” LED daytime lights, black A-pillar and mesh grille, dual colour side skirts and a rear valance “inspired by generations of MG racing cars” as styling highlights for the five-door Yaris-sized offering.

The MG brand re-launched in Australia last week with a single offering, the MG 6 small sedan and hatchback. It promised that the MG 3 would arrive late this year, with the MG CS compact SUV model to follow in 2014.

Expect sub-$15,000 pricing for the MG 3.