UK SALES JUNE - MG - The Longbridge based brand bucks the trend showing a growth of 5%

While the UK’s new car market is beginning to feel the effects of a challenging political and economic climate, Longbridge-based MG Motor UK is seeing a five per cent increase in year-to-date sales figures, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) released today, 5 July 2017. 

The SMMT figures highlight that new car sales in the first half of 2017 declined by over one per cent over the past six months. However, MG continues to show strong year-to-date growth, thanks largely to the roll-out of MG3 and MG GS models and the expansion of its dealer network.

With more than 77 dealers now retailing under the MG brand, represented by large and small groups as well as quality independents, the brand is one of the fastest growing in the UK. MG is committed to growing the network even more throughout the rest of 2017 by attracting progressive dealers that are passionate about driving the MG brand value of honestly priced vehicles. With engaged dealers delivering great service, MG Motor UK expects to have close to 90 dealers in place by the end of 2017.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, comments: “Our straightforward approach to franchising and low cost of set-up appeals to forward-thinking dealers that want to be part of a dynamic and successful organisation.

“Thanks to the commitment and passion of our dealers, we continue to buck the trend on new car registrations. Well-equipped, well-designed and well-priced, our models are proving an attractive proposition for dealers and customers alike.

“We increased our figures by almost 33% from 2015 to 2016 and are already tracking 5.12% up again this year. We are aiming to push figures even higher this year, thanks to continued penetration of the MG3 and MG GS and the launch of the much-anticipated MG XS.”

MG Motor UK’s stylish Supermini, the MG3, has reclaimed its top spot as the lowest priced car on the Motability Scheme.

• UK car brand reclaims title as best priced car on scheme 

MG Motor UK’s stylish Supermini, the MG3, has reclaimed its top spot as the lowest priced car on the Motability Scheme, meaning you could drive away a brand-new MG3 Form Sport with DAB radio, cruise control and smartphone integration for just £48.25 a week.

This offer is available to people on the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) schemes. 

In addition, the MG3 Form Sport can be leased at a similarly competitive rate for people on the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).

Priced over a three-year fixed lease agreement, the MG3 costs less than the total mobility allowance, which means the remainder of your allowance will be paid directly to you by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This equates to almost £1,404 in savings over the three-year period, which can be used towards fuel and parking.

The MG3 Form Sport comes packed full of features including a leather sport steering wheel, Bluetooth, 16” alloy-wheels and six speakers as standard. The worry-free lease also includes insurance for two named drivers, servicing, maintenance and full breakdown assistance from the RAC. If adaptations are required, many of these are available at no additional cost too.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “Nearly two thirds of MG dealerships have a Motability-trained specialist who can provide expert advice to customers and the number is growing. We believe the Motability Scheme is a great initiative and we are proud to once again be in the top spot.”

Awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars by AA Cars, the MG3 was praised for coming with many features other manufacturers would charge for. Economical, with good acceleration and an excellent driving position, there’s a lot to love about the stylish MG3.

TMW - Probably the most expensive Chinese Takeaway you will own, and the best !!

The MG3 is one of those cars thats now been "facelifted", there is not really any changes to the exterior to really say anything about, the interior is the same, little change there either, but the main change is the engine, they have made that more environmentally friendly a little more Oomph and a start stop system to give the car more miles per gallon, but more on that later.

The car really looks the part, for a supermini to look sporty and roomy is a given these days, but to have a name associated with sportiness, as well as room and capability is a great combination, the lines of the exterior flow well, from the lights at the front along the side to the rear and the oversized long lighting signature.

The Silver MG badge at the front with the silver strip below gives it a better look, the silver line really does give the car an air of class, that the previous model failed to have, the remainder of the exterior is a very nice car to look at, and better than some other brands cars that are available.

The interior is a great place to be, the glass area is vast, you can see out around the windows very well, with no real blockage, the seating position once you get the seat in teh right place is near to perfection as can be, all the switchgear is very near and handy, and the top box which slides open for you to add your iPod or Sat Nav too, can close to protect them from anyone that decides to break in and slide it up and take whatever is within.

Talking of the engine, the 1.5 litre DOHC VTI-TECH is the only engine available for now, and it runs 106ps, not the best power in the world, but the gearing does make for a a spirited drive in the car, regardless of models, currently the car has for models, the 3Time, 3Form, 3Form, Sport and 3Style+, a play on words but it gives you a distinct idea of what is available to buy.

The cars fuel consumption is alleged to produce :-

• Urban 37.7mpg
• Extra Urban 57.6mpg
• Combined 48.7mpg

We did mainly motorway driving with a couple of local driving trips, and achieved 49.5mpg, the co2 level is a rather large 136g/km, now thats way above cars with bigger engines, bigger body styles and more power, but given that the next MG3 might, only might, deal with this we can forgive this on this occasion, top speed, well, thats also nothing to write home about, at 108 mph.

The 108 mph top speed will keep up well with motorway speeds, and the gearing also means that the car does really really well around town, and to be honest it does frighten you a little with how quick that the car pulls away and gets you around local roads.

Having this speed means that you need to have a car that is easy to drive and comfortable, and with this car you get both, the seats are not the most supportive in the world, but they do keep you planted and with a degree of comfort that makes you complete a long journey in reasonable comfort with a certain degree of equipment.

The car comes with just a few toys, this helps keep the cost of the car low, the start price for the MG3 is £8,695, which for a car of this size, power and equipment is brilliant, the model we had:-

• Front LED Daytime Running Lights
• Hill Hold Assist
• Ultra Low Insurance Rating - 4E
• DAB Audio System (not Entry Model)
• Six Airbags
• Electronic Stability Control Corner Brake Control
• Traction Control
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel With Red Stitching
• Air Conditioning
• Cruise Control
• 16" Alloy Wheels
• Electric Windows

The boot space is not the biggest in the world, but it houses a good weekly shopping without any issues, , put the seats back and forth is also not an issue, there is also huge amount of space in the rear for very tall passengers, you can take five adults in the car, but four would be better with significant comfort and space, there are lots of cubby spaces for drinks and other items that you would feel like taking with you on a journey.

The glove box isn't very big, and is chunk is taken up with the MG3 hand books, but like i have said previously you have the top box with the sliding flap to put some smaller items.

The car is very quiet, left to idle you would not know that the engine was running, it is that quiet, driving it and you know that it is a sporty car, it grips the road and corners extremely well, like a train on tracks it is that good, combine that to the large glass area, you have a brilliant car.

The brand is growing at a slow but sure way, there is currently 77 dealers in the country, and this is growing, the MG3 is the best seller, and obviously the GS SUV the other car they sell, the sales will swell in quarter four of this year with the addition of the XS, a slightly smaller Crossover, to take the fight to the Nissan Juke class, the brand is based from Longbridge, the old MG-Rover plant, but no production is made and is not likely to be either.

The brand also does not sell cars in Europe, but this will change in the next 18 months or so, and more models will be added to the range over the next 5-6 years, including a much needed and wanted sports car, for this is what MG is basically known for.

CONCLUSION

Well, would i own one of these cars, if i was in the market for one, yes definitely, it does everything you want from a car, and more, the next generation mainly stays the same with new lighting and bumper at the front and new tailgate at the rear, it is reasonably comfortable and economical, has a distinct lack of toys, but you can upgrade the car to one of the other models, and then choose one of the One Million personalisation options available, so you could have a car that no one else in the UK owns.

If you can put up with the depreciation, high CO2 and lack of toys, and just want a car to get you from A to B, then this is for you, without any doubt, it truly is a great car and deserves to sell far more than it does.

Another new dealership joins the ranks of MG's dealers, as the brand grows so does its dealer base.

Burton-upon-Trent’s T L Darby, a family-run business for more than 50 years, has joined MG Motor UK’s expanding network. To celebrate, local residents were given the opportunity to attend an exclusive launch event a couple of weeks ago, Tuesday 13 June. The doors of the showroom were opened for guests, giving them the chance to see the dealership and the new MG XS, which will be available from Autumn 2017. 

Opening the showroom was Burton’s new Mayor, Simon Gaskin, who ceremonially cut a ribbon and welcomed guests to the dealership. 

Refreshments were on hand and visitors had the chance to win an overnight stay for two adults at the Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel & Country Club, and the use of an MG GS for the weekend.

Richard Darby, Managing Director at T L Darby MG, said: “We have been a part of the local community for five decades, and we’re extremely proud of our place in Burton. MG is Britain’s fastest growing car brand with an impressive range, which we are delighted to be able to offer our customers.”

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “We’re pleased to welcome such a passionate supporter of the brand to our dealer network. T L Darby MG has a long-established reputation for delivering excellent service and we’re thrilled to see them join us at MG.”

MG Motors makes an unbeatable offer on the Style+ MG3 supermini, now's the time to buy.

• £189 to drive away today in a brand-new MG3 Style+

A brand new, top of the range MG3 Style+ is now available for an initial deposit of just £189, followed by 60 monthly payments of £189*. The impressive finance offer launched by MG Motor UK is interest free, with no balloon payment at the end of the agreement.

Following the 17-model year re-packaging of the Supermini, the MG3 Style+ features an upgraded interior that now comes with a leather trim as standard. 

The car also has as standard 16” ‘Diamond’ alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, as well as reverse parking sensors. Stacked with technology, the Style+ features smartphone integration, Bluetooth audio streaming and a DAB digital radio. 

All MG3 models in the range also come with loads of personalisation options, with graphic packs allowing drivers to customise their MG3 to their own taste and style.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, said: “As a company, MG produces cars that are versatile enough to suit the needs of everyone. Finance offers like this are an important part of making sure that anyone can drive away in a brand new car that delivers an outstanding driving experience.”

The MG3 Supermini is a great all-rounder, perfect for young drivers with its low insurance group rating and prices starting at just £8,695. The MG3 Style+ is the premium model in the range and was voted a top five Supermini in the Auto Express Driver Power survey.

The MG3 Style+ now comes with leather interior as standard, making it a great well prices supermini.

MG Motor UK’s stylish Supermini, the MG3, has been given a sophisticated new make-over for summer 2017. A premium leather interior now comes as standard, bringing even more luxury and comfort to the top-of-the range, yet still affordable MG3 Style+ model, which was voted a top five Supermini in the Auto Express Driver Power survey.

The MG3 Style+, with upgraded interior, also includes 16” ‘Diamond’ alloy wheels, cruise-control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, as well as reverse parking sensors. 

The super-fun Supermini brings masses of personalisation options too, with funky graphic packs allowing you to be as creative as you wish with your car. 

The top-of-the-range model retails at only £11,695 – almost £5,000 cheaper than the equivalent Ford Fiesta.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, said: “MG is all about making new cars accessible to a wide range of customers. We pride ourselves on delivering premium finishes for a much lower price than our competitors. The introduction of leather interior as standard on the MG3 Style+ highlights our commitment to offering a premium car at a highly affordable price.”

The MG3 Supermini is a great all-rounder, perfect for young drivers with its low insurance group rating and prices starting at just £8,695. Unlike many cars in its class, space is not compromised, with the MG3 capable of comfortably seating five, 6ft adults.