Simple DOES it: MG3 1.5 Comfort review

It has been a while since we last drove something like the MG3 1.5 Comfort manual. And it is worth reminding ourselves that, while classified as a compact hatchback, this Chinese-built, British-badged newcomer is anything but a small car. There is a surprising amount of space inside, with luggage capacity of 293 litres, in fact.

We suppose the exterior styling is generally attractive, particularly from the front, with its low-ish snout. From the rear, the broad stance and short overhang is very generic, and you’d be hard-pressed to say what it was with the badge covered up. Nevertheless, none of this is a deal-breaker in a car whose biggest selling point is value for money.

MG3 1.5 COMFORT MANUAL

Possibly its best angle, with requisite attention given to its front grille. Image: Ray Leathern

At just R269 900, the MG3 1.5 Comfort occupies an ever-rarer space in the South African market – a cheap compact hatchback. Something that offers a sensible mode of transport, a decent equipment list and a traditional petrol engine with a manual gearbox for simplicity. As such, under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 81 kW and 142 Nm. Figures that will hardly trouble the performance-car fraternity, but they are perfectly adequate for everyday commuting and general running about.

The ICE is smooth and reasonably economical, with a claimed combined consumption figure of 6.0 l/100 km. Our experience suggests that, as with any car, the actual figure will depend on traffic, driving style and how enthusiastically you depress that accelerator pedal. There is no turbocharger, so a degree of forward planning is required when overtaking or climbing a steep incline. Thankfully, the short, stubby gear lever is pleasantly slick for making snappy downshifts. Keep the engine in the right part of its rev range, which is beyond 2 000 rpm, and the MG3 1.5 Comfort happily keeps pace with traffic.

HOW’S THE CABIN?

Flat-bottom wheel and digital screens a nice touch amongst the hard plastics. Image: Ray Leathern

There is one situation in which the modest ICE output becomes more noticeable. That’s when the air-conditioning compressor is in operation during acceleration. The engine has to work that little harder, and you can feel it bogging down. So, AC in Sport mode in this instance. Nevertheless, there is something reassuring straightforward, even old-school, about this mechanical package. Just a petrol engine, manual gears and a handbrake lever, for those who still enjoy being involved in the driving process.

Beyond that, the MG3 1.5 Comfort cabin is not going to win any awards for the softness of its plastics. Fairly hard, shiny surfaces are evident throughout, but the overall presentation is modern and new. The flat-bottomed steering wheel feels good in your hands, while the digital instrumentation and seven-inch touchscreen lend the interior a more contemporary appearance. At this base spec you also get a reversing camera and keyless entry/starting. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also part of the updated MG3 offering but it’s not wireless and you do need a cable.

IS IT COMFORT-ABLE?

Pretty practical, with 293 litres of boot capacity. And 16-inch rims don’t compromise ride quality. Image: Ray Leathern

The ride quality and general mechanical refinement is another pleasant surprise. The suspension deals with bumps and uneven surfaces with a good degree of suppleness. And 195/55 R16 tyres provide a sensible compromise between appearance and comfort. Our one criticism concerns refinement at highway speeds. Engine noise rather than road din becomes more noticeable as the pace rises, and the engine rpm sits well above 3 000 rpm at around 120 km/h.

Likewise, its assisted power steering is another area that could be improved. At higher speeds, the steering can require small, frequent corrections to maintain a straight line. It is not a deal-breaker by any means, and it’s hardly noticeable at urban speeds, but a little more directional stability would make longer journeys less tiring.

THE VERDICT

You’d be hard-pressed to pull one out of a hatchback lineup from this angle. Image: Ray Leathern

The MG3 1.5 Comfort is not perfect by any stretch. But “searching for perfection leaves a lot to ignore,” as Eddie Vedder once sang. It is spacious, sensibly equipped and easy to drive. More importantly, at R269 900, it offers a lot of car for the money. It’s standard safety equipment also deserves consideration: Four airbags, alongside features such as ABS and electronic stability control is impressive at this price point.

Moreover, we like it because it keeps things simple. A naturally aspirated engine, a proper manual gearbox and an old-fashioned handbrake lever may not sound revolutionary, but they do make for a refreshingly straightforward week of road testing.

THE FIGURES

• MG3 1.5 Comfort M/T

• Engine:

  1.5-litre turbo petrol

• Transmission:

  5-speed manual

• Power:

  81 kW

• Torque:

  142 Nm

• 0-100 km/h:

  Unknown

• Fuel consumption:

  6.6 l/100 km (tested) / 6.0 l/100 km (claimed/combined)

• Price:

  R269 900