OVERVIEW
Chinese-owned British automotive company, Morris Garages (MG) Motors, is planning to introduce its first hatchback model, the MG 3, in Pakistan. The MG 3 is already available in its second generation in international markets.
Javed Afridi, the owner of MG Pakistan, has hinted at the launch of the MG 3 in Pakistan with a price tag of less than 2 million rupees. If the price point is achieved, the MG 3 will become one of the most affordable hatchbacks in the country.
MG Motors Pakistan has recently obtained greenfield status under the Automotive Development Policy 2016-20. Currently, the company sells imported completely built-up (CBU) units of two SUV models, the MG HS and MG ZS.
However, MG Pakistan plans to start local assembly of its cars in the near future. Initially, the MG 3 will also be offered as a CBU unit, similar to its sibling models. The MG 3 has gained popularity globally, particularly due to its affordability. The company has launched the MG 3 in two variants, namely the MG 3 Excite and MG 3 Core.
MG 3 PRICE IN PAKISTAN
Estimated price based on current market trends.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| MG 3 | PKR 3,999,000 |
MG 3 INTERIOR
| Feature | MG 3 Excite | MG 3 Core |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Material | Inexpensive, scratch-prone plastic | Inexpensive, scratch-prone plastic |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Seat Features | Reclining seats, height-adjustable driver’s seat | Reclining seats, height-adjustable driver’s seat |
| Head Restraints | Height-adjustable front, outboard rear | Height-adjustable front, outboard rear |
| Storage | Front door bins with bottle holders | Front door bins with bottle holders |
| Additional Storage | Front cup holder, front seatback map pockets | Front cup holder, front seatback map pockets |
| Steering Wheel | Leather-trimmed with contrast stitching | Leather-trimmed with contrast stitching |
| Gear Knob | Premium trimmed with alloy-look highlight | Premium trimmed with alloy-look highlight |
| Highlights | Satin chrome door handles, air vents, steering wheel | Satin chrome door handles, air vents, steering wheel |
| Instrument Cluster | Speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, trip computer, tire pressure monitoring | Speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, trip computer, tire pressure monitoring |
| Air Conditioning | Electric control system | Electric control system |
| Touchscreen Display | 8-inch multifunction display | 8-inch multifunction display |
| Audio System | 6 speakers, Bluetooth, USB, Yamaha 3D Sound Field (Excite) | 4 speakers, Bluetooth, USB, Yamaha Sound Field (Core) |
| Apple CarPlay Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Android Connectivity | Not supported | Not supported |
| Satellite Navigation | Available (Excite) | Not available |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Available | Available |
| Safety Features | Cruise control, ABS, EBA, ESP, hill launch assist, CBC | Cruise control, ABS, EBA, ESP, hill launch assist, CBC |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Side-Impact Absorbent Door Padding | Yes | Yes |
| Central Locking, Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Electrically Operated Door Mirrors, Rearview Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Boot Space | Satisfactory, expandable with rear seat folding (40/60 split-fold) | Satisfactory, expandable with rear seat folding (40/60 split-fold) |
| Boot Light | Yes | Yes |
DETAILS
The MG 3 boasts an elegant and practical interior design, although it utilizes inexpensive, scratch-prone plastic materials. As a five-seater hatchback, it offers standard features commonly found in other hatchbacks within its price range. These include reclining front seats, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, height-adjustable front head restraints, and outboard rear head restraints.
Both variants of the MG 3 come with standard front door storage bins equipped with bottle holders. Additional storage space is provided by a front cup holder and front seatback map pockets. The car also includes driver and passenger sun visors with vanity mirrors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with contrast stitching and perforation detail, a premium trimmed gear knob with an alloy-look highlight, and satin chrome highlights on the door handles, air vents, and steering wheel.
A 12V accessory power point is conveniently located in the center console. The standard instrument cluster features a speedometer with a digital odometer, a rev counter, water temperature and fuel gauges, a distance to next service indicator, a trip computer displaying fuel consumption and range to empty, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The MG 3 features an electric control air conditioning system that ensures a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle. The dashboard houses an 8-inch multifunction touchscreen display, although it only supports Apple CarPlay connectivity and does not support Android connectivity.
The Core variant comes with a 4-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, USB, and front Yamaha Sound Field technology, while the Excite variant offers a 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, USB, and full vehicle Yamaha 3D Sound Field technology. Satellite navigation is exclusive to the Excite variant, and both variants feature steering wheel audio controls.
In terms of safety and security, both variants of the MG 3 come with standard features such as cruise control, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, emergency Brake Assist (EBA), electronic stability program (ESP), hill launch assist, and Active Cornering Brake Control (CBC). Both variants feature six airbags, and side-impact absorbent door padding is installed in the front doors.
Additional features include remote control central locking, rear parking sensors, electrically operated door mirrors, and a rearview camera for added convenience and safety. The MG 3 offers satisfactory boot space, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats that have a 40/60 split-fold feature. Both variants also include a standard boot light for improved visibility.
MG 3 EXTERIOR
| Feature | MG 3 Excite | MG 3 Core |
|---|---|---|
| Grille | MG ‘Exclusive’ Grille with chrome surround and satin silver inlay highlight | MG ‘Exclusive’ Grille with chrome surround and satin silver inlay highlight |
| Body Style | 5-door hatchback | 5-door hatchback |
| Headlamps | Projector halogen headlamps with manual height adjustment | Projector halogen headlamps with manual height adjustment |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) | LED ‘London Eye’ DRLs | LED ‘London Eye’ DRLs |
| Follow-Me-Home Delayed Headlight Illumination | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Headlight Illumination System | Standard | Standard |
| Warning Alarm with Blinking Lights | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Glass Rear Window with Timed Cut-Off | Standard | Standard |
| Intermittent Rear Wipers | Standard | Standard |
| Intermittent Windscreen Wipers | Standard | Standard |
| Side Sill Extensions | Exclusive to Excite variant | Not available |
| Metallic Paint (Optional) | Optional | Optional |
| Alloy Wheels | 16-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels | 15-inch alloy wheels |
DETAILS
The MG 3 showcases its unique style with the MG ‘Exclusive’ Grille, featuring a chrome surround and satin silver inlay highlight. This 5-door hatchback showcases a beautiful and compact aesthetic in its design. Both variants of the MG 3 feature projector halogen headlamps with manual height adjustment, accompanied by LED ‘London Eye’ daytime running lights (DRLs).
Additionally, both variants include standard features such as follow-me-home delayed headlight illumination and an automatic headlight illumination system. The MG 3 also incorporates several other standard features. These include a warning alarm that blinks the lights, a heated glass rear window with a timed cut-off function, intermittent rear wipers, and intermittent windscreen wipers.
Side sill extensions are exclusively available in the Excite variant, and metallic paint is an optional feature for both variants. The MG 3 Core features 15-inch alloy wheels, while the Excite variant showcases 16-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels.
MG 3 ENGINE
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L naturally aspirated inline petrol engine |
| Displacement | 1498cc |
| Power | 82 kW @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 litres |
| Spare Parts Availability | Easily accessible in the market |
| Maintenance Costs | Expected to be economical and hassle-free |
| Ride Quality | Mixed reviews; criticized for harshness and irritating vibrations |
| Engine Performance | Described as buzzy and uncomfortable during the ride |
| Noise Level | Becomes excessive at high speeds |
| Gearbox | Considered imprecise |
| Clutch Response | Sluggish |
| Suspension | Rigid, resulting in a jerky and jarring ride on rough roads |
| Body Control and Grip | Excels in terms of body control and grip, providing satisfactory performance in those areas |
DETAILS
The MG 3 comes with a single engine option, which is a 1.5L naturally aspirated inline petrol engine. This engine has a displacement of 1498cc and is capable of producing 82 kW of power at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 150 Nm at 4500 rpm.
It is a 4-cylinder engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The fuel capacity of the MG 3 is 45 litres. Easily accessible spare parts will be available in the market for the MG 3, ensuring convenient and cost-effective maintenance.
However, the MG 3 has received mixed reviews regarding its ride and performance. Many reviewers have criticized the ride quality, citing harshness and irritating vibrations. The engine’s buzzy nature creates discomfort during the ride, and high speeds produce excessive noise levels.
Critics condemn the gearbox for its imprecise nature, and the sluggish clutch response exacerbates the poor ride experience. The rigid suspension delivers a jerky and jarring ride on rough roads. Despite these drawbacks, the MG 3 excels in terms of body control and grip, providing a satisfactory level of performance in those areas.
COLORS
| Colors | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch Black | Sleek and sophisticated appearance | Can show scratches and dirt easily |
| Arctic White | Clean and timeless look | Requires regular cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance |
| Ruby Red Black Top | Bold and eye-catching color combination | May require more maintenance to keep the black top looking clean and free from scratches |
| Ruby Red White Top | Unique and stylish color combination | White top may require more cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking vibrant |
| Thames Blue | Cool and calming hue | May show dirt and stains more easily |
| Tudor Yellow | Vibrant and attention-grabbing color | Prone to showing dirt and stains |
| Tudor Yellow White Top | Striking and distinctive color combination | White top may require more cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking vibrant |
MILEAGE
The MG 3 disappoints in terms of mileage, as it achieves an unimpressive fuel efficiency of 10 kilometers per liter in city driving conditions and 18 kilometers per liter on the highway. MG 3 may have higher fuel consumption in urban areas but offers relatively better mileage on long-distance highway journeys.
It’s important to note that actual mileage may vary depending on various factors such as driving habits, traffic conditions, and vehicle maintenance.
COMPETITOR
MG 3 faces tough competition from Suzuki Swift, Kia Picanto, and Toyota Vitz. Swift offers more power and fuel efficiency. Additionally, it is praised for its superior ride handling and overall performance. The Toyota Vitz is a popular choice among Pakistani consumers, and it poses a strong challenge to the MG 3.
The availability of its parts and its smooth ride quality are standout features that attract potential buyers. Kia Picanto is another formidable competitor, known for its impressive fuel efficiency and a wide range of practical driver-assist features.
These factors make it an appealing option for buyers seeking both economical driving and advanced functionality. MG 3 faces tough competition in Pakistan from established rivals with unique strengths catering to different consumer preferences.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre NA 4-cylinder inline petrol |
| Displacement | 1498cc |
| Maximum Power | 82 kW @ 6000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 150 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic transmission |
| Tire Size | Core: 15-inch alloy wheels |
| Excite: 16-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels |
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Outdated Engine |
| Power Packed | Not that comfortable |
| Value for Money |
FAQS
What is the expected price of MG 3 2024 in Pakistan?
What is the expected launch date of MG 3 2024?
What are the expected key specifications of MG 3 2024?
To summarize, the MG 3 will soon be available in Pakistan as an affordable hatchback priced below 2 million rupees. It boasts a compact design and comes equipped with standard features like halogen headlamps, alloy wheels, and a practical interior. Low-quality interior, negative feedback on ride, performance (harshness, vibration, noise).
A 1.5L petrol engine powers the car, and it is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, offering average mileage. In comparison, competitors like the Suzuki Swift, Toyota Vitz, and Kia Picanto offer better performance and fuel efficiency. Nevertheless, the MG 3 could be an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a basic hatchback in Pakistan.
