MG has returned to Australia with the MG6 Plus and MG3 hatchback. Instead of British sports convertibles and sedans, we have value-focused Chinese-built cars, under SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation).
The MG 3 is available in three variants: Core, Soul and Essence, at $13,990, $14,990 and $15,990 respectively. It is touted as a sporty Mazda2 rival with a 1.5-litre, 78kW and 137Nm engine only available with a five-speed manual gearbox – automatic is not an option at this stage.
Every MG 3 has a safety package of six airbags, ISOFIX child restraints, automatic door locking, and electronic stability program. Fun personalised paint options are available for the more expressive among us.
The MG 6 Plus, meanwhile, has the same model grades as its little brother, ranging between $21,990 and $25,990. Its draw-card is having one of the most spacious interiors and powerful engines for the $20,000 price range, with a 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 118kW and 215Nm. It is connected to a dual-clutch gearbox and returns an average of 7.8L/100km with a stop/start system as standard.
Meanwhile, SAIC’s other company, van makers LDV, have announced a turbo-diesel version of the G10, which will be powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. Power outputs are undisclosed but presently the G10 has had to make do with a powerful but thirsty 165kW/330Nm 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. It starts from $29,990.
