We check out MG’s three new cars at the show
Chinese-made British cars at tempting prices
By Shahzad Sheikh
MG is dead, long live MG. You might have thought you’d seen the last of the famous British marque – Morris Garages (MG) after it apparently met its end when Rover folded. But now it’s back!
And the Dubai show sees the introduction of the MG brand after official dealer AW Rostamani Trading Co LLC opened a new showroom in Dubai earlier this year. And for the show, MG has introduced three new cars: MG 350 1.5-litre four door saloon, MG 6 1.8 Turbo (saloon and fast-back) and the MG 3 1.3 & 1.5 compact hatchbacks.
MG was founded in 1924, and was relaunched by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) for China in 2008. It currently has manufacturing plants in Shanghai, Nanjing and also in its traditional home of Birmingham in the UK. So what of these new cars?
MG 350
The MG 350 comes with a 107bhp 1.5-litre driving the front wheels through a four-speed auto with prices starting from AED49,500 ($13,500). Looking at it and sitting in it, it was the least interesting car, and certainly seemed built down to a low price with a cheap-feeling interior.
MG 6
The MG 6 comes in a ‘fast-back’ style and a four-door saloon with a 1.8-litre Turbo engine producing 158bhp. The 5-speed ‘Tiptronic’ style auto includes F2-style paddle shifters. It includes a CD player, fog lamps and cruise control and prices start at AED71,500 ($19,500). This car feels a bit more upmarket and seems well appointed and equipped.
MG 3
The MG 3 is a funky little mini hatchback available with either a 87bhp 1.3-litre or a 106bhp 1.5-litre engine both mated to a 5-speed auto with paddleshifts. Features include USB and Aux-in audio connectivity and front airbags. Prices start from just AED43,000 ($11,700).
Frankly this is the most inspiring car on the stand, especially the yellow car with the blacked-out pillars – I’m not too keen on the white one with the Union Jack roof which is a bit to faux Mini. Even inside it feels modern and has a sense of fun about it. I do hope it’s fun to drive to match its look, but at the money, it seems an interesting rival to the likes of Chevrolet Sonic and Toyota Yaris.
Let us know what you think of the MGs below
