The P 450K MG 3 Could Re-Write the Sub-Compact Car Category

Last year, The Covenant Car Company surprised many by offering a subcompact sedan in the form of the MG 5. It was, for all intents and purposes, a compact car in both spec and price, yet offered pricing that slots it squarely in the sub-compact car class.

This year, the MG brand is confirmed to launch its first two commercial vehicle offerings: the MG Extender pickup truck, and a 7-seater SUV based on the Maxus D90. Given that these two segments are the two fastest growing ones in the country, it’s a no brainer for MG to stake a claim here.

Continuing MG’s value-for-money strategy, what if they entered into the sub-B segment hatchback segment as well, but using a B-segment sized offering? Imagine a Honda Jazz-sized hatchback for something the price of a Suzuki Celerio, Toyota Wigo, or Mitsubishi Mirage. Well, that’s possible because there exists a MG 3 and get this, it starts at just 59,800 RMB or less than P 450,000, and tops out at P 93,800 RMB or less than P 700,000.

Like the MG5, size-wise, it’s indeed more along the lines of the Toyota Yaris with an overall length of 4,055 mm, overall width of 1,729 mm, and overall height of 1,516 mm; even its wheelbase is surprisingly generous at 2,520 mm.

Power-wise, there are two powerplants to choose from. The base model gets a 1.3-liter inline-4 making 93 horsepower and 118 Nm of torque, while higher trim models use 1.5-liter inline-4 with 106 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque. The transmission options are a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Oh, and for the curious, the 1.5-liter engine in the MG 3 makes a bit less power than its counterpart in the MG 5.

While the MG 3 is run-of-the-mill in terms of mechanical specifications, MG says what truly sets it apart is that they offer up to a million personalization options including the possibility of adding a contrasting roof option, partial leather seats, automatic climate control, and even a sunroof.

For now, The Covenant Car Company is keeping mum about the possibility of bringing in the MG 3. However, it is quite possible given the MG 3 has proven to be very popular in markets such as the United Kingdom and even Thailand. It seems like a great opportunity for them, especially if they want to take a crack at the entry-level hatchback market.