MG Motor bets on MG3 to take on Maruti’s Baleno, Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20

MG Motor has unveiled its first premium hatchback for India at the Auto Expo 2020. The MG3 hatchback is likely to be launched in India later. The company said it would decide on the date based on demand for the car and customer response at the ongoing Auto Expo.

The 5-door hatchback with ‘racing DNA’ is currently on display at the MG Motor pavilion along with 13 other cars. It is going to be the first hatchback offering in India from the SAIC-owned company a year after its entry into the market.

Once launched, the premium hatchback is likely to be offered with personalization options. It is likely to take on premium hatchbacks like Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai 120 and Tata Altroz.

The MG3 stands 3999mm long, 1729mm wide, and 1507mm high, with a wheelbase of 2520mm, and ground clearance of 157mm. The design of the hatch has a honeycomb grille, sweptback headlamps and an aggressive front bumper with LED DRLs. At the rear, the hatchback gets vertically stacked taillamps and a bumper with plastic cladding. The car also gets 16-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Globally, MG 3 comes in 5-speed manual as well as AMT with two petrol engine options. The 1.3-litre engine produces 92 bhp and 118 Nm of torque. The 1.5-litre engine produces 105 bhp and 137 Nm of torque.

MG3 will offer a mileage of 18.1 kmpl and will take 10.4 seconds to attain a speed of 0-100kmph, with a top speed of 173kmph.

On the inside, the MG3 comes loaded with features like a 8-inch single-din touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and a multi-info display. It has 235 litres of bootspace as well with a electronic tailgate switch.

The cost of the MG3 in UK ranges between 9,500 and 13,000 pounds (between ₹8.8 lakh and ₹12 lakh). It is offered in three trims - Explore, Excite and Exclusive.