CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £35,700

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-focused supermini that offers reasonable practicality with plenty of headroom and legroom in both front and rear seats, plus a decent-sized boot. However, the interior quality is noticeably compromised, featuring low-rent plastics and a creaky infotainment system, though the 2018 facelift brought some improvements. The single 1.5-litre petrol engine feels dated and lethargic without turbocharging, producing considerable noise and vibration. The vague clutch and notchy five-speed gearbox make smooth driving difficult, particularly in town, whilst the firm ride jostles passengers over urban roads and motorway stretches alike.

Despite these shortcomings, the MG3 offers nimble handling with responsive steering and good grip, making it surprisingly fun to drive around corners. Real-world fuel economy sits around 40mpg, though this lags behind rivals with more modern engines. Servicing costs are surprisingly expensive for a budget car, though the metal timing chain should last the vehicle's lifetime. The 2018 facelift introduced an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, whilst the Exclusive Nav trim adds cruise control and satellite navigation. As a new purchase, the MG3 represents questionable value; used examples offer better proposition, though resale values remain low due to modest second-hand demand.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum space and warranty coverage, and those who value nimble handling over ride comfort.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising interior quality, fuel economy, low servicing costs, or a comfortable ride experience, or those seeking strong resale value.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the MG3 if: You're seeking maximum space and warranty coverage on a tight budget, and you prioritise nimble handling over ride comfort.

Consider alternatives if: You value interior quality, fuel economy, low servicing costs, a comfortable ride, or strong resale value.

Competitive Position: The MG3 occupies a challenging position in the budget supermini market. Whilst it offers reasonable practicality and engaging handling, its dated engine, uncomfortable ride, cheap interior, and surprisingly expensive servicing undermine its appeal. The Suzuki Swift outperforms it across most metrics with a superior expert rating and overall CarGurus score. The Dacia Sandero and Kia Rio both offer better value propositions, with higher percentages of good and great deals available. Unless you specifically need maximum space and a long warranty at the lowest possible price, rivals offer better overall ownership experiences and stronger resale prospects.

Read our full MG3 Review

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