MG UK issues press release to advise the China spec MG SUV will be different to the UK version.

TMW THOUGHTS - The below press release from MG Motors in the United Kingdom, is a strange one, the majority of people that are "into" cars, know full well, that cars are made differently for different markets, this is mainly down to various laws, Legislations and regulations, and with China it is no different.

So, why is this release different, well, the UK market is a very fickle one, and MG in particular is a brand that polarised peoples views, some love the brand regardless of where the cars are made, after all, it is the brand that they are interested in, others however, feel it necessary to be so anti Chinese it borders on racism.

I frequent various other forums, AROnline and MG-Rover.org to name just two, and the vile that comes from peoples keyboards about the new Chinese brand is disgusting, and really, why these people are not banned from the forums is beyond me.

When, in 2005, MG-Rover was placed into administration and eventually closed for good, the UK lost its last mass market brand, but NAC and then SIAC took over, and the MG brand was risen from the ashes, we can forget the MG Tf LE500 models as these were just older style MGR products, what we see now, is a new company with new cars, the MG6 and MG3 are both new cars for our market, but its not acceptable for some.

We know that other models are coming, and a rough idea of when that maybe, which is why the release from MG Motors, the car that will be sold in China will be different, it will run different engines and gearboxes, and maybe some differing trim options, to what will appear in the UK from Q4 2016 (yes we have to wait that long), so why the release, well, some will deride MG UK, as they have for years, and this is a shot across the bow, to advise before they can have the chance to complain.

So, a great move my MG UK, yes definately, the trolls wont have anything to complain about as they have already been told that we will be getting, in essence, a vastly superior version, what we need to see from MG UK now, is more engine and gear  box choices in the MG3 and MG6 before the new SUV arrives in the UK.

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Prior to the Shanghai Motor Show on Monday 20 April, MG Motor UK would like to confirm that the MG GS SUV will be launched in the UK in 2016. This marks the exciting debut into the medium SUV segment for MG and a further expansion of the iconic brand.

Those attending the Shanghai Motor Show will be able to view, for the first time, the MG GS SUV.

However, please note that the vehicle that will be on display is aimed at the Chinese market and will not be representative of the UK market version; which is currently under development and planned for launch in Q4 2016.

Variances may include engine size and type, as well as gear box and drive train. Final specification of the UK market vehicle is currently being determined and further details will be released in due course.

If you have any questions regarding this particular vehicle, or any others on display at the Motor Show, please contact the UK Press Office.

TMW - MG3, At last a car to be proud of.

When MG UK re-entered the UK market with the MGTf we knew all about that car, yes it had a few alterations here and there, but was essentially the same car that MG-Rover built up until 2005 when all hell broke loose and the Longbridge plant finally closed its doors.

Then came the MG6, a mid sized saloon and hatch with a single petrol engine choice and three trim levels at a price most thought to be a bit to optimistic, and the lack of sales has shown this, a vast number of offers every few months does little to tempt the UK buyer to the brand, and why, well MG seems to have little faith in this car, they don't want anyone to know about it.

The complete lack of advertising is a bone of contention on a number of websites, namely MG-Rover.org and AROnline, with some members on both sites becoming obsessively anti Chinese, and no amount of asking gets us any response as to why they don't, massive success in the BTCC should have most companies ad men drooling at the prospect of advertising the brand or cars, but not MG UK.

We then see an MGB styled SUV concept, which i liked and was not like by a lot of people, then the Zero concept and MG5 concept, both the Zero (MG3) and MG5 concept cars made it to the production lines but heavily watered down from what both were fantastic designs, it was then decided the MG5 would not come to the UK and the MG3 would, and it is this car that we have here.

I, along with many have been looking forward to this car, because this car has got to succeed in a way no other car before it has, if this car fails to sell, like the MG6, then I fear it might be game over for MG in the UK, but they have priced it right, £8,000 for the basic car, £10,000  for the mid range and £12,000 for the leather clad top of the range car.

The interior of the MG3 looks spartan, but that has a charm about it, as so many cars these days have dozens of buttons it looks stupid, the nice to the touch steering wheel and short throw gear stick looks like it might be a decent car to throw about for those that want a ZR replacement, the seats are very supportive and comfortable, however the awful shiny fabric that is the center part of the seats does hark back to the 1980's.

With the front seat in a position I would be happy with, a 6 foot person got in the back seat and was comfortable with room to move their legs, the doors shut with no quite a thunk, but they sound solid enough for a car in this market, the style of the audio controls and controls on the steering wheel all have a matching shape and design, and that is good, as it is a familiar look, for those with ipods etc.

The car here had electric windows all round, the rears will apparently be manual on the basic car, but then that's no hardship, the rear doors open wide, a lot wider that a lot of the opposition, nearly to 90 degree so access for kids etc will be good, I also like the sport touches, like the side skirts and rear spoiler, it gives a more sporty look to the car, however with no details about the 1.5 litre engine, whether it is sporty to drive or not wont become apparent until later in the year.

The only issues I had with the car is the high lip to the boot and drop the other side, people who struggle with these things will find that an issue, and the lack of engine options and the ridiculous decision not to bring an auto to any of the MG range "anytime soon" is laughable in these days of so many engine/gearbox options.

If MG had an auto in the 6, there would be one on my drive right now, no hesitation, if they had one in the 3 and not the 6, there would be a 3 on my drive come September, so the lack of these choices is costing them money and customers, but I digress, here are the pictures, enjoy.

UPDATE 16/08/2013

MG UK have announced that teh new MG3 will have a price point where the top of teh range will be £9,999, and a start price of £8,399, great news, lots of options, some dreadful and some ok, some really nice colours and decent looking alloys, so what will they fail on, probably the advertising, there seems to be little news on whether there will be any TV advertising, or a major press launch, as long as they just do not rely on Facebook and Twitter to sell these cars then teh outlook is good.