MG tweaks make stylish brand even more appealing

[rooster59]

MG tweaks make stylish brand even more appealing

By Kingsley Wijayasinha 
Nation Weekend

 

 

Fix some flaws, throw in a facelift and you have the MG3 – still with value for money

 

After just a few years, MG has enjoyed quite a bit of success in the Thai market with high-volume models like the ZS and the MG3.

 

The British marque, which is owned by SAIC Motors of China, isn’t competing against fellow European brands, but rather Japanese and Korean brands that make up the majority of the Thai automobile market.

 

While the first MG models were far from perfect, coming with minor flaws here and there, huge improvements have been made in more recent models. Take the MG3 for instance.

 

When it was first launched several years ago, the MG3 gained a notorious reputation for its jerky AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) gearbox, and MG did had a tough time in handling the problem. Thai customers weren’t used to the outdated AMT transmission, and instead of trying to improve what it already had, MG decided to switch over to a fully-automatic gearbox in the minor-change model.

 

The 2018 MG3 gets a four-speed automatic transmission (with manual mode) that is much smoother in operation that the previous gearbox, and customers are now happy.

 

The strong point of MG is the value-for-money and the MG3 doesn’t disappoint. Apart from the dramatic facelift (that front grille makes you think of the Mazda or Mercedes-Benz), the MG3 now comes with Internet connectivity as well as all-round safety that together represents a highly exciting package.

 

At the top of the range is the MG3 1.5 V, which is the model that I drove for a week, and had little to complain about. It’s priced at Bt629,000 compared to Bt519,000 for the entry-level C model.

 

Power comes from a 1.5-litre twin-cam 16-valve engine with 112hp and 150Nm (compatible up to E85) that, despite its coarseness, works well with the new four-speed auto gearbox to deliver better performance than you think. The hatchback takes off with good initial acceleration, while the midrange and the top end performance is just mediocre.

 

The front strut suspension comes with a stabiliser that helps with cornering precision while the steering has the right weight and accuracy for nice cornering, although there’s that unnatural feel to it.

 

Driving the MG3 under 100km/h is fun, but when cruising (or accelerating) at high speeds, you’ll feel that fidgety body and that takes much off the confidence of the driver. Sure, you can go fast in the MG3 and have control, but it’s more tiring than you think.

 

What I liked about the MG3 is the interior that has been nicely designed (although the doors close with a ghastly clunk and the thick A-pillars do block a good amount of view when cornering). You don’t feel that this is a cheap car, but one with good design and reasonable craftsmanship. The seats (fabric-urethane) are really sporty for a car in this range, with great lateral support that keeps you in place during hard cornering (The V and X trims get a powered sunroof too). The steering wheel has a flat-bottomed design that again makes you think Mazda or Mercedes-Benz (it’s almost identical) and the round air vents on each side contribute to the overall elegance. Controls knobs, particularly for the air-conditioning, have that nice, soft feel when you turn them.

 

For the modern generation, the highlight in the car is the famous i-SMART infotainment system that works in Thai language and comes with many interesting features, such as WONGNAI and AGODA functions to search for restaurants and hotels.

 

You can also live stream music from the Internet, while the system informs you of various information through smartphones (fuel, battery, brakes, engine or theft).

 

In terms of safety, there are just two front airbags (more should be available), but you still get stability control system and brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and Curve Brake Control and 3-point seatbelts for five people.

 

MG has been making its point strongly in the Thai market, and the MG3 looks like it’s going to continue recruiting more customers into this brand. As mentioned, there are areas in which the original MG3 can be improved, and MG has showed that it is able to carry out many of them with the 2018 minor-change version.

 

MG3 Hatchback 1.5 V specs

 

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve

 

Displacement: 1,498cc

 

Bore and stroke: 75.0x84.8mm

 

Compression ratio: 11.5:1

 

Max power: 112ps/6,000rpm

 

Max torque: 150Nm/4,500rpm

 

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

 

Ratios: 2.875/1.568/1.000/0.697

 

Final drive ratio: 4.375

 

Average fuel economy: 15.6km/litre

 

Average CO2: 150g/km

 

Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut, stabiliser/torsion beam

 

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

 

Turning circle: 10.8 metres

 

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/drum

 

Dimensions (mm)

 

Length: 4,055

 

Width: 1,729

 

Height: 1,516

 

Wheelbase: 2,520

 

Track (f/r): 1,496/1,483

 

Weight: approx. kgs

 

Wheels: 16-in alloy

 

Tyres: 195/55 R 16

 

Fuel tank capacity: 45 litres

 

Price: Bt629,000

 

Distributor: MG Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Auto_ADO/30357315

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-10-27

[BigBadGeordie]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

MG tweaks make stylish brand even more appealing

No actually, it is still a pile of excrement.

You cannot post the word shit on this forum, as it is auto-deleted.

Well bugger me "shit" is not auto-deleted.

Edited October 27, 2018 by BigBadGeordie

[geriatrickid]

Until local automobile manufacturers and distributors are held accountable for the quality of their products and their safety, Asians will continue to die in ways that are now a rarity in North America, Australia, Japan, the EU et al.

 

In terms of safety, there are just two front airbags (more should be available), but you still get stability control system and brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and Curve Brake Control and 3-point seatbelts for five people.

 

Sad to say, but safety is more than that. It is the strong steel frame that protects the vehicle passengers common in BMW to even basic Toyota and Hyundai sold in the non asian market. It is the reinforcement around the fuel tank so that occupants are not burnt alive after a crash, etc.

 

 If change is to come, then the  safety characteristics of vehicles must be emphasized and rewarded, while those vehicles with shortcomings are held accountable. 2 front Airbags in a small vehicle are all but useless as death comes from the sides and from rollovers in Thailand.

Edited October 27, 2018 by geriatrickid

[BigBadGeordie]

47 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

Until local automobile manufacturers and distributors are held accountable for the quality of their products and their safety, Asians will continue to die in ways that are now a rarity in North America, Australia, Japan, the EU et al.

 

In terms of safety, there are just two front airbags (more should be available), but you still get stability control system and brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and Curve Brake Control and 3-point seatbelts for five people.

 

Sad to say, but safety is more than that. It is the strong steel frame that protects the vehicle passengers common in BMW to even basic Toyota and Hyundai sold in the non asian market. It is the reinforcement around the fuel tank so that occupants are not burnt alive after a crash, etc.

 

 If change is to come, then the  safety characteristics of vehicles must be emphasized and rewarded, while those vehicles with shortcomings are held accountable. 2 front Airbags in a small vehicle are all but useless as death comes from the sides and from rollovers in Thailand.

The biggest problem is the nut behind the steering wheel.

[Kadilo]

Great looking car, excellent price which will attract even more buyers. MG going the right way.


Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect

[transam]

My friend just bought an MG, paper thin panels...????

[phutoie2]

decent write up too, and not afraid to criticize either. Some bods are buying these, there's a transporter with a full load going thru our town every week.

[phutoie2]

3 minutes ago, transam said:

My friend just bought an MG, paper thin panels...????

must mention that to my Thai friends, I am sure it will be at the top of their concerns when buying one.????????????

[Esso49]

9 hours ago, geriatrickid said:

Until local automobile manufacturers and distributors are held accountable for the quality of their products and their safety, Asians will continue to die in ways that are now a rarity in North America, Australia, Japan, the EU et al.

 

In terms of safety, there are just two front airbags (more should be available), but you still get stability control system and brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and Curve Brake Control and 3-point seatbelts for five people.

 

Sad to say, but safety is more than that. It is the strong steel frame that protects the vehicle passengers common in BMW to even basic Toyota and Hyundai sold in the non asian market. It is the reinforcement around the fuel tank so that occupants are not burnt alive after a crash, etc.

 

 If change is to come, then the  safety characteristics of vehicles must be emphasized and rewarded, while those vehicles with shortcomings are held accountable. 2 front Airbags in a small vehicle are all but useless as death comes from the sides and from rollovers in Thailand.

For your information the MG3, when launched, won a European design award in 2014. You do understand that the European crash testing, NCAP, is some of the most onerous in the world do you ? Mass produced cars such as the MG can not be sold in Europe without NCAP certification.

Edited October 28, 2018 by Esso49

[HAKAPALITA]

It will sell. CP know what Thais like, thats why they got involved. 

[Henryford]

4 speed auto, that's like 20 years out of date. Ford now has 10 speed autos.

[ChrisY1]

So many MG3s on the 2nd hand market.....just over 200k for 3 year old units.

The Chinese havn't been at all innovative is this vehicle....old tech throughout...and poor finish standard.

[HAKAPALITA]

1 hour ago, Henryford said:

4 speed auto, that's like 20 years out of date. Ford now has 10 speed autos.

Good old Ford, you can now Bunny Hop in 6 extra gears.

[taichiplanet]

2 hours ago, Esso49 said:

For your information the MG3, when launched, won a European design award in 2014. You do understand that the European crash testing, NCAP, is some of the most onerous in the world do you ? Mass produced cars such as the MG can not be sold in Europe without NCAP certification.

different markets get different specs, they are not selling the Euro spec MG in Thailand. The MG3 in the UK gets "twin, side & curtain airbags" while the Thai version only gets "front dual airbag" (sic).

[Esso49]

2 minutes ago, taichiplanet said:

different markets get different specs, they are not selling the Euro spec MG in Thailand. The MG3 in the UK gets "twin, side & curtain airbags" while the Thai version only gets "front dual airbag" (sic).

Within the context of my post, my point was regarding crash testing, ie NCAP tests in Europe.  The number of air bags is irrelevant to the NCAP crash testing requirements . 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_NCAP

[Baerboxer]

2 hours ago, transam said:

My friend just bought an MG, paper thin panels...????

 

Hyundai, Kia, etc all seem paper thin to us oldies who remember 22 and 24G steel sheet.

 

Looked at some new motors over the last few weeks. Mrs BB test drove a MG - the biggest one and wasn't impressed.

 

Looking at Spada, Carnival, Everest or Estima at the moment. 

 

[Just Weird]

Yuk.

[HAKAPALITA]

You can be choosey when soy else pays.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[DavisH]

5 hours ago, Henryford said:

4 speed auto, that's like 20 years out of date. Ford now has 10 speed autos.

Ford Thailand are getting lots of experience fixing some of their dud 10-speed boxes as we speak. Being on the cutting edge of technology has its drawbacks. 

[sirineou]

39 minutes ago, DavisH said:

Ford Thailand are getting lots of experience fixing some of their dud 10-speed boxes as we speak. Being on the cutting edge of technology has its drawbacks. 

I might be prejudiced   being an old one myself,But I agree , old and tried is the way to go, I'll give the new kids in town time to prove themselves, and a wide berth.

[Briggsy]

I might buy a Chinese vehicle (MG or one of the plethora of Chinese motorbike brands) in about 300 years. Until then, I will stick with the Japanese.

 

P.s. why do the Chinese always go out of their way to make their vehicles not sound Chinese?

[DavisH]

54 minutes ago, sirineou said:

I might be prejudiced   being an old one myself,But I agree , old and tried is the way to go, I'll give the new kids in town time to prove themselves, and a wide berth.

Same here. It takes a few years and 10's of thousands of kms over many vehicles to see what the potential issues will be. My next car could well be a petrol crv. It's not perfect but its driven train is proven to be reliable. After 5 yrs, I may consider an Everest. At this time it's a bit of a lottery with that one. 

[wgdanson]

19 hours ago, rooster59 said:

he MG3 now comes with Internet connectivity as well as all-round safety that together represents a highly exciting package.

With which you can check your Facebook, LINE, emails etc whilst DRIVING the car.

[sirineou]

15 minutes ago, DavisH said:

Same here. It takes a few years and 10's of thousands of kms over many vehicles to see what the potential issues will be. My next car could well be a petrol crv. It's not perfect but its driven train is proven to be reliable. After 5 yrs, I may consider an Everest. At this time it's a bit of a lottery with that one. 

I am looking at the Isuzu MUX , solid proven platform, reliable,bulletproof  3.0 diesel that had being around for a few years, and every mechanic is familiar with.Solid no nonsense trany. Top of the line  4x4  1.474,000 bht.

[transam]

13 minutes ago, sirineou said:

I am looking at the Isuzu MUX , solid proven platform, reliable,bulletproof  3.0 diesel that had being around for a few years, and every mechanic is familiar with.Solid no nonsense trany. Top of the line  4x4  1.474,000 bht.

That's double the price of the MG ZS....

 

[HAKAPALITA]

1 hour ago, Briggsy said:

I might buy a Chinese vehicle (MG or one of the plethora of Chinese motorbike brands) in about 300 years. Until then, I will stick with the Japanese.

 

P.s. why do the Chinese always go out of their way to make their vehicles not sound Chinese?

A No 7 with Spring Roll fills the rear end.

[HAKAPALITA]

24 minutes ago, sirineou said:

I am looking at the Isuzu MUX , solid proven platform, reliable,bulletproof  3.0 diesel that had being around for a few years, and every mechanic is familiar with.Solid no nonsense trany. Top of the line  4x4  1.474,000 bht.

Jeez. hes collected a few Food Stamps at last.

[sirineou]

12 minutes ago, transam said:

That's double the price of the MG ZS....

 

Yes but the MU-X comes with an engine

Edited October 28, 2018 by sirineou

[Lacessit]

Stylish? It looks like someone was using an air hose to pump it up to an SUV, and stopped halfway.

That red colour will be as faded as a 50 yo ladyboy in a few years.

Edited October 28, 2018 by Lacessit

[Esso49]

12 minutes ago, sirineou said:

Yes but the MU-X comes with an engine

Whereas the MU-X comes with the dynamics of an agricultural vehicle