CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £11,700

MG3 (2013-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Nimble handling	Stiff and uncomfortable ride
Affordably priced	The interior feels cheap
Reasonably practical	Surprisingly expensive servicing

Quick Summary

The MG3 is a budget supermini that offers impressive value for money on paper. Owned by Chinese manufacturer SAIC, it competes directly with the Dacia Sandero and Suzuki Swift rather than premium rivals like the VW Polo. Whilst it isn't a high-performance hot hatch, the MG3 does possess a sporty edge and nimble handling that makes it genuinely fun to drive around corners. Space inside is reasonable, with plenty of headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, plus a decent-sized boot suitable for most supermini buyers.

However, the cost-cutting is evident throughout the interior, with low-rent plastics and a clunky infotainment system that feels dated compared to rivals. The 1.5-litre petrol engine lacks a turbocharger, making it lethargic and noisy, whilst the vague clutch and notchy gearbox make smooth driving difficult in town. The ride is particularly firm and uncomfortable at low speeds, and servicing costs are surprisingly expensive for a budget car. Real-world fuel economy of around 40mpg lags behind competitors, and poor resale values mean you'll lose more cash when selling on than with more established rivals.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking affordable motoring with a sporty edge, those prioritising interior space, and drivers who value nimble handling over comfort.

Not ideal for: Those seeking a comfortable ride, premium interior quality, low servicing costs, or strong resale values, or buyers wanting modern engine technology and fuel efficiency.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MG3 if: You're on a tight budget, seeking affordable motoring with a sporty edge, prioritising interior space, or valuing nimble handling over comfort.

Consider alternatives if: You require a comfortable ride, premium interior quality, low servicing costs, strong resale values, or modern engine technology with better fuel efficiency.

Competitive Position: The MG3 occupies a unique position in the budget supermini market, offering genuine value and fun handling that's often absent at this price point. Whilst its dated engine, uncomfortable ride, and cheap interior feel are significant drawbacks, the MG3's affordability and reasonable practicality appeal to budget-conscious buyers. However, rivals like the Dacia Sandero and Suzuki Swift offer better user ratings and overall value, with the Swift providing superior expert ratings and driving dynamics. Unless you specifically want a new car with warranty protection and can overlook the MG3's shortcomings, used alternatives represent better long-term value.

Read our full MG3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.