It's all going to be happening at the Motor Trader Open Points Roadshow on 17 May at Whittlebury Hall near Silverstone.

"The Longbridge-based brand will be on hand to discuss franchising opportunities with dealers as it moves to fill its network ahead of this year’s launch of the all-new MG3 supermini which will make its UK show debut at the event."

The piece also suggests that MG Motor is redoubling its efforts to bring on board dealerships in critical areas across the country where they're currently absent such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds and Liverpool.

All very encouraging.

Here's the full article:

http://www.motortrader.com/industry-news/mg-joins-mt-open-points-line-up/

Great news. Hopefully this means the MG3 will reach the market sooner than expected. MG needs it desperately.

Yes, thinking about this, there will surely be a dealer incentive event and a punter-centred one too. Glad that date is only some 6 weeks away, haven't seen news of RHD MG3 mules anywhere!

Is there going to be a diesel version of the MG3?

Is there going to be a diesel version of the MG3?

I'd imagine so.

17th May - bloomin' typical, I'll be in Spain.

I've just had this debunked by MG Motors' PR. There will be an MG3 on show, but it will be Chinese spec.

Realy wanted a 3dr MG5, might have to go with one of these now.

I've just had this debunked by MG Motors' PR. There will be an MG3 on show, but it will be Chinese spec.

That's more than a bit disappointing isn't it? At least it's not a no-show, but I'd have thought they'd be ready with a UK spec example by this point.

That's more than a bit disappointing isn't it? At least it's not a no-show, but I'd have thought they'd be ready with a UK spec example by this point.

Not if they're not ready to launch it...

Tbh I don't really get the point of launching with a Chinese spec car, especially if the public are going to be looking at it?

It's kinda like they're saying "here it is, yup we know it's cheap inside but don't worry it'll be bettter soon honest"

Tbh I don't really get the point of launching with a Chinese spec car, especially if the public are going to be looking at it?

It's kinda like they're saying "here it is, yup we know it's cheap inside but don't worry it'll be bettter soon honest"


Sounds as though that's exactly what they're planning on 17 May with the assembled dealers. The MG3 was originally supposed to be launched in the UK by now according to the original timetable. Could it be SAIC got a little spooked by the low sales of the MG6 which are thankfully now picking up?

And before anyone wades in, I fully appreciate that it takes time to bring new cars to market, and to homologate them for specific markets, but pushing beyond two years from Chinese-launch to UK sales is surely more than a bit questionable?

I'm also not anti-SAIC - I think we should be very thankful that we still have MG around today (I've always been a pragmatic brand devotee rather than a 'fundamentalist') - and the BTCC investment and the upcoming MG6 diesel are both highly encouraging developments. The delays with the MG3 & MG5 are just very frustrating for fans who want to buy but can't afford to stretch to the MG6.

The MG3 was originally supposed to be launched in the UK by now according to the original timetable. Could it be SAIC got a little spooked by the low sales of the MG6 which are thankfully now picking up?

And before anyone wades in, I fully appreciate that it takes time to bring new cars to market, and to homologate them for specific markets, but pushing beyond two years from Chinese-launch to UK sales is surely more than a bit questionable?

I wonder what happens with the next launches, e.g. a new MG7 or a small SUV based on the MG5. The first couple of launches have had to set up a supply chain, dealers, RHD, parts, you name it, but the next launches will be simpler. Will the delay reduce?

Having said which, it would have been commercial suicide to launch an unreliable car with poor build quality.

I had forgotten about the MG3 - I guess partly because nothing seems to be happening with MG UK :(

What do you mean mate ?

I had forgotten about the MG3 - I guess partly because nothing seems to be happening with MG UK :(

On the outside perhaps, but they are certainly busy inside, MG3, MG5 MG6 Diesel all due within the next 12-18 months.

As for "launching with the Chinese model", they're not - the MG3 is not being launched yet.

Even this "debut" could be the first time potential customers see the car, it hardly sets the world alight in Chinese spec so unless it's a dealer-only event I don't get what MG gain by showing a lower quality car?

Even this "debut" could be the first time potential customers see the car, it hardly sets the world alight in Chinese spec so unless it's a dealer-only event I don't get what MG gain by showing a lower quality car?
It's a trade show (see OP). MG need to show existing and prospective dealers what they can be expecting in the next few months (even if it isn't the finished article) to encourage confidence in the marque and attract new franchisees.

I had forgotten about the MG3 - I guess partly because nothing seems to be happening with MG UK :(

??? Do you mean they could have made more of the BTCC win and the reduced CO2 MG6? I suppose the advertising budget for a couple of thousand cars a year ATM is not massive, but two big launches in the pipeline...

Even this "debut" could be the first time potential customers see the car, it hardly sets the world alight in Chinese spec so unless it's a dealer-only event I don't get what MG gain by showing a lower quality car?

Is similar I guess to other manufacturers showing prototypes to dealers etc..
I remember mgr used to do it all the time.
Gives the dealers an idea of what they will be selling.

Tbh I don't really get the point of launching with a Chinese spec car, especially if the public are going to be looking at it?

Well aside from maybe different alloys and possibly a different rear spoiler it's not going to look any different. It won't have any metal changes or any interior changes that require new molds to be made.

Well, not launched in the UK so far, but already came out on most latin america.
Peru, Chile, Argentina, Dominican Republic,
Im in DR. i Got a MG3 1.5 ATM, and actually im pretty happy with this car, Small (a bit larger than a suzuki swift), Pretty cheap when it come to gas, Looks awesome, and most important to me, it fking fly, small car with a good engine (1.5, same as mg350 and mg550[my mom got a 550]) means a single thing, ull run like hell.

Actually on the road, long trips, the car its steady, i went from capital to a town (La Vega), about 240km, at a speed of 150-170 (almost top 180) and car was super steady. On city, its great to pass by other cars because u are small and fast, u can do terrific agressive maniobers between cars, i even scaped from cops once :D i was driving without my license, i went to the run and cya aligator, also i had no plate on the car, here in DR plate takes some time, u get a temp one that i didnt have either XD.

Long Story Short:
-Comfortable
-Small
-Cheap
-Pretty Fast (on short distances, like city, fast accel would be, top speed isnt that great (180km/h)

I actually recommend it.
We are not new to the brand, mom used to have a ROver 45, them upgraded to Rover 75, them MG 550.
Heres a pic of mine =D, pic was taken in a parking lot, plain street.

Note, i added Xenon on the Halogens and Bi Xenon on the upper lights, and im actually looking for some accesories, cant find not even online, ill add some awesome music later and may be something on fiber glass.
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4155/img00655201110101743.jpg

i even scaped from cops once :D
Nice car :) Are there enough MG3 with coloured stripes and MG logo in the DR that the cops will not know who you are?

...already came out on most latin america.
Peru, Chile, Argentina, Dominican Republic

For "Argentina" read "Brazil". I don't think products designed and engineered in Britain are currently popular in Argentina. ;)

MGs are also on sale in Panama and Aruba, and I think coming soon to Uruguay.

Nice car :) Are there enough MG3 with coloured stripes and MG logo in the DR that the cops will not know who you are?

they might know its me, but cops here are... forget machine, corrupted sadly, if they didnt get u on the first they wont make a whole case about it, just drop it and wait for your next infraction.

They are actually selling pretty good here since AUG i believe, i got mine NOV 02/11. The MG house here (same one that imports Land Rover, Range Rover, MG, and BMWs) called me back to expose my car and my experiences on the biggest carshow of DR on december, it was pretty cool actually, when any people sees me on the street they can say: hey look, the first MG3 Owner in DR.
that makes me proud, first on a new car that people its starting to love =D

Loving that and the decals work for me ! :petevick:

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4155/img00655201110101743.jpgThat actually looks damn smart in black - thanks for the post XShido.

By 'DR', do you mean Dominican Republic?

That's a nice MG3. :)

Swaying towards the MG3 now, PLEASE DO A 3 DOOR !!!! :URGOD:

I was just about to say that its being sold elsewhere first as there all left hookers and need to be redone for us, going to be worth the wait though. :broon:


Is the MG6 an MG ZS replacment ?

Is the MG5 an MG ZR replacement ?

Would the MG3 effectivly the new ROVER 100/Metro replacement ?

Or is it becuase the 25/ZR is bigger than a Fiesta/Corsa but smaller than a Focus/Astra and they are having there own versions of theres ?

I was just about to say that its being sold elsewhere first as there all left hookers and need to be redone for us, going to be worth the wait though. :broon:


Is the MG6 an MG ZS replacment ?

Is the MG5 an MG ZR replacement ?

Would the MG3 effectivly the new ROVER 100/Metro replacement ?

Or is it becuase the 25/ZR is bigger than a Fiesta/Corsa but smaller than a Focus/Astra and they are having there own versions of theres ?


This is the way I see it using an old tried and tested Rover formula. ;)

MG3 - METRO/25/ZR
MG5 - 400 /45/ZS
MG6 - 600
MG7 - 800 /75 /ZT

What do you think?

I think:

MG3 - 200/25/ZR
MG5 - 400 /45/ZS
MG6 - 600
MG7 - 800/75/ZT

I think:

MG3 - 200/25/ZR
MG5 - 400 /45/ZS
MG6 - 600
MG7 - 800/75/ZT

The problem was that they always seemed to straddle eg at the time the Metro/100 was the small car until it was dropped when the 200 was meant to cover that same market, many people going from the former thought that the 200 was too large.

However most cars are larger now, eg a VW Polo is larger than an early Golf for example.

Well said pal. :broon:




This is the way I see it using an old tried and tested Rover formula. ;)

MG3 - METRO/25/ZR
MG5 - 400 /45/ZS
MG6 - 600
MG7 - 800 /75 /ZT

What do you think?



I like it mate, nice one, any details on the MG7, missed that one ? ;)

I wanted it to be 3 door somehow, but actually the 5door its just like a Skoda Fabia on size, a lil longer than suzuki swift, and hell better of a car.

Its on SuperMini class actually, its pretty trendy and sporty, when u drive it and u feel the amt on manual mode and Sport activated u feel like racing =D
thats how i feel on my mg3.

And why is not in the uk first? no idea, ask saic.

I'm fat so I need the bigger doors of a 3 door to get in and out with ease. :getcoat:

When asking which SAIC MG models replace which MG Rover ones, it can be a little bit like "which character in Scooby Doo drives which new MG"?

Freddy - MG6 GT
Daphne - MG3
Scooby* - MG5
Shaggy - MG7 with boot crammed with cool boxes of food
Velma - waiting for MG version of Roewe W5

but it gives you an idea of size.

I don't think the MG6 directly replaces any car, but if you liked the 800 fastback, the GT could be interesting.

The MG5 is bigger than the ZS - but, as mentioned, all models have been getting bigger.

*yes = you'll believe a dog can drive!

Thanks go to Ian Pogson and MG UK for letting me see the MG3 yesterday..http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f326/GazSuttonUK/2012_04140201120025.jpghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f326/GazSuttonUK/2012_04140201120027.jpghttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f326/GazSuttonUK/2012_04140201120026.jpg

someone else got the tour yesterday then ;) did you notice the black 6 next to the 3 was had a 6 speed gear stick, so therefore the diesel!

I am soooo jealous how did you get to see it? Did you go down to the factory or something?

knowing people who know people who know things ;)

we were shown around by Ian Pogson who is currently in charge of quality assesment i think, but he is a major league player there and at Rover before 2005.

knowing people who know people who know things ;)

we were shown around by Ian Pogson who is currently in charge of quality assesment i think, but he is a major league player there and at Rover before 2005.

Ahh I see, I know a few people from there, Keith Harris and a production worker, but probably not good enough :lol:. Did you get to sit inside?

no, i didnt get to sit inside it, but the MG3 looks weird with the white iPod style plastics on the handbrake and the door pulls etc. i think it would be brave to try and do that here rather than chrome features, but perhaps we need something different and original. there were some Roewe 350's too which look quite smart in the flesh, although the fake wood is a bit ott

Lots of modding potential there wiht the MG3. :broon:

Thanks go to Ian Pogson and MG UK for letting me see the MG3 yesterday..

Blimey, you did well to escape Longbridge with your kneecaps intact if you took photos on the premises ;).. they're normally very, very strict on cameras.

Blimey, you did well to escape Longbridge with your kneecaps intact if you took photos on the premises ;).. they're normally very, very strict on cameras.

I saw the MG 3 and was told no pictures.

Also spotted a 4x4 in the back ground

I saw the MG 3 and was told no pictures.

Also spotted a 4x4 in the back ground

A 4x4? Explain!

Thanks go to Ian Pogson and MG UK for letting me see the MG3 yesterday..http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f326/GazSuttonUK/2012_04140201120025.jpg

I should have hopped the barrier when I went to the Sales Centre :rolleyes:

MG desperately needs this car on sale. I really believe that it is the car to put MG back on the map. It looks great.

It's OK from the front but the back end just looks wrong somehow...

It's OK from the front but the back end just looks wrong somehow...

I'd agree, the front is good, the back no-so good - at least on that car. They may be able to do something about it on the UK spec cars.

I like the front and I actually don't dislike the rear. :)

I don't like the side profile, specifically towards the rear of the car. Something doesn't quite look right, I'm not sure whether it's the roof line or the glass. Something just needs a tweak. To be fair though, I'm only looking at a picture and the car may look much better once I can see it with my own eyes.



I hope that MG make a hot version, like Citroen did with the Saxo VTR/VTS.

I like the front and I actually don't dislike the rear. :)

I don't like the side profile, specifically towards the rear of the car. Something doesn't quite look right, I'm not sure whether it's the roof line or the glass. Something just needs a tweak. To be fair though, I'm only looking at a picture and the car may look much better once I can see it with my own eyes.



I hope that MG make a hot version, like Citroen did with the Saxo VTR/VTS.

Well the turbo version of the 1.5 engine is certainly on the cards for the MG3 so the ingredients of a hot version are there.

I think with the bigger wheels it needs skirts to bring the sills closer to the floor. Same on the bumper, needs some subtle corner pieces like on the Mk2 ZR.

I really hope they put the MG5 headlights on it before it comes out here as well. There's potential to make a decent hot hatch but SAIC have to allow the UK team the freedom to make it happen...

There's potential to make a decent hot hatch but SAIC have to allow the UK team the freedom to make it happen...Never a truer word spoken, spot on. Comes down to the budgets given to them, I fear with the slow start with the MG6, we may have to wait until the facelifts in order to get more freedom, once the mk1s have started to shift.

Which I'm sure they will do anyway, to be honest - it just obviously would potentially be a missed opportunity from the start.

We just have to cross fingers & hope at this point!

I can see massive potential for that car. Round here, there are a lot of Fiestas, Polos and Corsas from local dealerships, we love hatches here. I can see this being a massive success..............but the nearest dealearship is in Chester. Which is..... 2 hours away.

Went off track there, when I'll make a few bob, I'll pop by and buy one, no problem. I have great faith in MG Motor, good things come to those who wait. Always.

I know there are enthusiasts around here, since there's a blue MG6 around Pwllheli, really smart car. It was at the P.O.L show as well.

i want some advice on MG3 Modding, i would love to put some kits, sport kit or something, but actually there are no Accesories except from basics you can choose from factory. So ull have to do it on yourself.
Im thinking about a spoiler in the back, what else u suggest?

From the pics I like the MG3 ESP the front, though the fog lamp area looks cheap and plasticy on the white car..
The roof and side windows look odd, and the rear reminds me of the punto, however in the flesh this may look very different as picture provide little perspective.

One of our cars will be replaced by a car in this class eventually, and the likelyhood is that it will be a choice of Mini or the MG3.

I would prefer a 3 door though, no kids and no need for a pair of hardly used back doors.

The handling, C02 and MPG need to be spot on!

From the pics though, esp in black, the car is looking good, superminis is THEE market in the EU! So needs to do well.

right, perhaps we can get back to talking about the MG3 rather than where SAIC have gone wrong in one or two people's opinion. :rolleyes:

hang on, it looks like Mr XShido owns an MG3????? if so thats great, and i'd be interested to hear what he thinks about it?

It will be interesting to see whether anything after market will be offered to indivisualise it.....

right, perhaps we can get back to talking about the MG3 rather than where SAIC have gone wrong in one or two people's opinion. :rolleyes:

The MG3 is a great looking car. Its nicely styled. Its well engineered (by all accounts).

The above is positive. The below is NOT negative, its fact:

Its taking too long to come to market. The 1.5 is both underpowered and out of position compared to the competition in europe. The wider public have absolutely no idea the car even exists.

Siphoning off opinions because they express an opinion other than SAIC is doing everything right is an embarassment to the mg-rover.org idea of debate and all opinions accepted.

COME ON, SAIC have made mistakes just like every other company. Stop turning a blind eye, and vilifying anyone who dares to point out those mistakes.

We care, so we are going to say when something isn't great.

The MG3 is a great looking car. Its nicely styled. Its well engineered (by all accounts).

.

I have to disagree I think its a styling disappointment from the side Skoda Fabia, which i hate, bumpers Ford Fiesta, and the now standard MG front end and there you have, Personally I think they need to be a bit more radical in there style if they want to succesful in europe.

But then if its for the budget market it may be OK, and thats the other question, exactly what is the market position that MG are aiming at in europe?

The below is NOT negative, its fact:

Its taking too long to come to market. The 1.5 is both underpowered and out of position compared to the competition in europe.

Saying the car is taking too long to come to market is opinion, not fact. You are also making assumptions regarding the 1.5 in that the engines in the China cars will be carried straight over to the Euro cars. Would it not be a fairer assumption to assume that in the 18 months or so between the car being launched in China and Europe that MG might be making significant changes to the powertrains to ensure the car is up to Euro class standards when it is launched?

The wider public have absolutely no idea the car even exists.
Do the wider public (in Britain?) need to know of the car's existence when they won't be able to buy one for months?

If the reports are correct that the MG5 et all are going to have a turbo charged version of the 1.5 producing 135bhp then for the size of car the 3 is then I don't think it will be underpowered at all, 135bhp is pretty repectable for a smaller car than my ZTT which only has 135bhp and is plenty quick enough. I can imagine it being quite a little hot hatch and cheap to insure, so I think the 3 will go down a storm with youngsters wanting to buy a new cheap to insure hot hatch.

That is assuming they get it in a good low insurance group again like the MG6 is.

Out of choice for me though I would probably go with the 5 over the 3 but thats personal preference, if I was to buy either.

Simon

I've been misunderstood before on the engine power front.
I agree that 135bhp is more than respectable in a car the size of the MG3/MG5.
135bhp from a turbo 1.5 is anything but.
That is the last I'll say on the subject. I am the only one here who thinks the 1.5 is massively underwhelming so I'll envy everyone else who can get excited by an engine that is barely more powerful than the three decades old engine it replaces.
The white MG3 with the 17" straights from the ZR/ZS looks absolutely brilliant by the way, but it does put in perspective just how big it is for a supermini.
A symptom of sharing parts of the Roewe 350 platform perhaps?

What to say, British Motors, the MG official dealer here in Dominican Republic Lend me a MG3 v1.5, Manual Transmision, i deposit my car for maintenance, 10,000 km already.

This is the picture of the car in my office parking lot.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3362/img01042201204191118.jpg

Same as mine, pretty sporty, awesome manual driving, even more exciting than AMT.
Enjoy

Excellent :) On my next holiday to the DR (been many, many times), I may have to pop into 'British Motors' and say Hi! Which could be fun if they don't speak much English! lol

My spanish isn't 'muy bien' ;)

Excellent :) On my next holiday to the DR (been many, many times), I may have to pop into 'British Motors' and say Hi! Which could be fun if they don't speak much English! lol

My spanish isn't 'muy bien' ;)

Dont worry they do.
Ask dor Oscar or Sanquintin, they both will be able to help u, or give me a call, i could help u as well. // phone number removed

Dont worry they do.
Ask dor Oscar or Sanquintin, they both will be able to help u, or give me a call, i could help u as well. // phone number removed

Thanks for the offer :) It will be a while before we are back in the DR, we had a daughter 6 months ago, so a) we're skint now and b) don't want to inflict a small child on a plane full of people for 9 hours!! We'd probably end up getting lynched.

I removed your phone number off your previous post as its never a good idea to put your phone number on an internet forum! ;)

Thanks for the offer :) It will be a while before we are back in the DR, we had a daughter 6 months ago, so a) we're skint now and b) don't want to inflict a small child on a plane full of people for 9 hours!! We'd probably end up getting lynched.

I removed your phone number off your previous post as its never a good idea to put your phone number on an internet forum! ;)

ok no prob,
when ur able, the offer stands up.

Saying the car is taking too long to come to market is opinion, not fact. You are also making assumptions regarding the 1.5 in that the engines in the China cars will be carried straight over to the Euro cars. Would it not be a fairer assumption to assume that in the 18 months or so between the car being launched in China and Europe that MG might be making significant changes to the powertrains to ensure the car is up to Euro class standards when it is launched?


Do the wider public (in Britain?) need to know of the car's existence when they won't be able to buy one for months?

Judging by this post, you believe that the car isn't taking too long to market? Can you confirm that? In your eyes what is an acceptable time frame for cars to be launched in Europe after the Chinese launch?

Do they need to know of the existence of the car before launch? I think the sales of the MG6 over here is all you need to look at when asking the question if the public need to know about a car before launch.
How well would the Playstation 4 sell if nobody knew it was available?
Or Blu ray if nobody bothered to tell the public about it?

In fact, the wider public aren't even aware that MG exists!

What to say, British Motors, the MG official dealer here in Dominican Republic Lend me a MG3 v1.5, Manual Transmision, i deposit my car for maintenance, 10,000 km already.

This is the picture of the car in my office parking lot.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3362/img01042201204191118.jpg

Same as mine, pretty sporty, awesome manual driving, even more exciting than AMT.
Enjoy

That looks good! The 3 is really growing on me!

I agree with this part. Here for example just a few... knowers? of the european car market know about MG, for other people its just a new brand, sometimes people its looking at the car, and the car logo MG, and they still ask me whats the brand... i feel like punching sometimes =D

In fact, the wider public aren't even aware that MG exists!

I've been misunderstood before on the engine power front.
I agree that 135bhp is more than respectable in a car the size of the MG3/MG5.
135bhp from a turbo 1.5 is anything but.
That is the last I'll say on the subject. I am the only one here who thinks the 1.5 is massively underwhelming so I'll envy everyone else who can get excited by an engine that is barely more powerful than the three decades old engine it replaces.
The white MG3 with the 17" straights from the ZR/ZS looks absolutely brilliant by the way, but it does put in perspective just how big it is for a supermini.
A symptom of sharing parts of the Roewe 350 platform perhaps?

To be fair, I think 135 from a 1.5t is probably around the correct figure. VW are getting 180 from a 1.4, but that has both a turbo and a supercharger on it I think.

When you think. It has the power of a 1.8 NA, but the fuel economy of a 1.5. Cars like the Focus come with a 1.6 that has 105bhp, now that's underwelming.

I'd certainly expect a hot version of either engine with around 150bhp.

I agree with this part. Here for example just a few... knowers? of the european car market know about MG, for other people its just a new brand, sometimes people its looking at the car, and the car logo MG, and they still ask me whats the brand... i feel like punching sometimes =D

Well, I can sort of understand it in a country like the DR, it wasn't a household name there before.

But the problem the UK has at the moment is number of models on sale. There aren't enough models really to warrant TV advertising as its so expensive and other than a reasonably big advertising campaign online when the 6 launched, there wasn't really anything else.

Really, the 3 and the 5 could do with being launched at the same time so they could benefit from a combined advertising budget, certainly a car like the 3 needs to be promoted to more people than they did with the 6.

They could really do with a way of promoting the cars to millions of people at the same time, whilst being cost effective. Its a tricky one!

Is the MG3 or 5 going to be built/ assembled at Longbridge alongside the 6? The capacity is there to do so.

Judging by this post, you believe that the car isn't taking too long to market? Can you confirm that? In your eyes what is an acceptable time frame for cars to be launched in Europe after the Chinese launch?

You have pretty much side-stepped everything I questioned and again, you are making assumptions. Whether I think the MG3 is taking too long to come to market is larger irrelevant. What I (or anyone) judges to be an acceptable timescale and whether it is being over-stepped by MG is simply opinion. Ultimately, the car will be ready when it's ready.

Do they need to know of the existence of the car before launch? I think the sales of the MG6 over here is all you need to look at when asking the question if the public need to know about a car before launch.
How well would the Playstation 4 sell if nobody knew it was available?
Or Blu ray if nobody bothered to tell the public about it?

In fact, the wider public aren't even aware that MG exists!

Who mentioned the MG6? Playstation 4?? Blu Ray??? Again you haven't answered my question directly and have used rhetoric to attempt to divert away from doing so.
So, to repeat: Do the wider public (in Britain?) need to know of the car's (to clarify, the MG3's) existence when they won't be able to buy one for months?

Is the MG3 or 5 going to be built/ assembled at Longbridge alongside the 6? The capacity is there to do so.
Nothing's been confirmed yet, but I'm pretty sure both will be assembled here, at least initially. Once volumes get sufficiently high that they can start to use the paint shop again, they will be a position to build a lot more of the cars here simply by the nature of painting a car requires it to be in a less assembled state.

I'd imagine initally, the cars would simply come over in more bits, rather than UK components sourced simply down to the fact that he components already in use have been tested, as time goes by I'd hope that UK suppliers would take over, but seeing as the largest bit of the car would be coming over from China anyway, it wouldn't be too much of an issue to include the rest of the parts as well.

That said, if the parts are specific to the UK/EU models (seats, trim etc..), then i can see these being sourced locally.

Again, all this takes time to setup and I don't see the above happening for the next 3 years or so at the earliest (at least the UK parts sourcing), the painting may happen sooner, depends when it become economically viable to start using the paint shop.

At least when we get to that level, we'll have more in the way of options and colours available to choose from as the cars would be able to be built to order.

Posting a few picks,
This pic has about 20mins, My MG3 on the left side and my mother MG550 on the right. both down of the apartment.
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/2589/img01051201204232135.jpg


And this is my mothers mg550 on the inside, i took a ride with her this morning.
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/2585/img01048201204230639.jpg

Any more pics of the smokestone dash/interior ?

I didn't know other colours were available. ;)

Any more pics of the smokestone dash/interior ?

I didn't know other colours were available. ;)

It's an MG 550 mate, not MG6.

http://revistaautoesporte.globo.com/Revista/Autoesporte/foto/0,,41298171,00.jpg

The MG3 looks OK it the dark and a bit blurred! Still hasn't got rid quite of the far eastern look, the headlights and indicator units just don't sit comfortably with the rest of the front. Needs a more European look to stand out against the sea of although very bland, much loved VW stuff over here.

MG550 dash is still awful, they really need to redesign this.

The MG3 looks OK it the dark and a bit blurred! Still hasn't got rid quite of the far eastern look, the headlights and indicator units just don't sit comfortably with the rest of the front. Needs a more European look to stand out against the sea of although very bland, much loved VW stuff over here.

MG550 dash is still awful, they really need to redesign this.

u even like MGs?

i actually love mg3 backlights. they are different.

It's an MG 550 mate, not MG6.



Ahhh, interesting though, are there any other dash colours available over the black one in the 6 ?

Ahhh, interesting though, are there any other dash colours available over the black one in the 6 ?

No .

No .

ur wrong. here in DR there are bout 4colors. i saw black red and white.
check british motors facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/BritishMotors

they even started to run in DR local pro racing with mg 350

ur wrong. here in DR there are bout 4colors. i saw black red and white.
check british motors facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/BritishMotors

they even started to run in DR local pro racing with mg 350

Not sure what I'm meant to be looking at?

Ahhh, interesting though, are there any other dash colours available over the black one in the 6 ?
Any colour your like:

http://m2.auto.itc.cn/saa/t/33/51/Img4215133_780.jpg

Any colour your like:

http://m2.auto.itc.cn/saa/t/33/51/Img4215133_780.jpg

I think he means the actual dash colour rather than the trim :dunno:

MG550 dash is still awful, they really need to redesign this.

I might be the only person in the world who does, but I really like the 550 dash. So many designers seem to want you to believe you're in a fighter-jet or on a motorcycle - I like the 550's more open approach.

I think he means the actual dash colour rather than the trim :dunno:


Correct, I like the red/orange trim though, realy brigtens up the interior. ;)

Correct, I like the red/orange trim though, realy brigtens up the interior. ;)

Yeah, but as someone who is a bit of an experienced hand at coloured dashes, less is more.

If it was me, I'd do the strip across the dash and that would be it.

Cough# keleko Cough# :shh:

This was today. No news online that I can find.

This was today. No news online that I can find.

The title of the post was edited shortly after it was posted to say that it was no longer going to debut in May.

The title of the post was edited shortly after it was posted to say that it was no longer going to debut in May.The show was yesterday and, although it was not the public launch of the British-spec MG3, it was a dealer recruitment event featuring a Chinese-spec MG3 at the MG stand. That's what will interest me. The organisers will surely post information.

This video of highlights has several glimpses of MG6s and a white MG3. It looks like the MGs were among the highlights of the show! There's a white MG3 at 0:51 - the one with the ZR numberplate? - and is that someone from MG Motor who is "very pleased actually"?

http://www.motortrader.com/motoring-tv/mt-open-points-video-highlights/

When will SAIC MG wise up and realise they have the capability to catapult even the existing MG6 into a hot selling car sitting right in their lap?

Towards the end of Phoenix/MGRover several K Series based cars were supplied with LPG as a factory fit.

Increasingly it looks like diesel has had its day, what with DPF issues and the ever more complicated answers to rising emission standards. LPG is now widely available. LPG has advantages in respect of congestion charging.

LPG gives comparable running costs to diesel on a cost per 100 mile traveled basis and is in effect a proven 'bolt on' to the K series unit. Other than locating the tank, this must be the simplest of design mods.


If SAIC MG were to quickly release LPG fueled cars, starting with the MG6, then they would be offering something 'different' and in these difficult times such cars would make a compelling argument to those who want to keep a grip on the cost of running a car.

When will SAIC MG wise up and realise they have the capability to catapult even the existing MG6 into a hot selling car sitting right in their lap?

Towards the end of Phoenix/MGRover several K Series based cars were supplied with LPG as a factory fit.

Increasingly it looks like diesel has had its day, what with DPF issues and the ever more complicated answers to rising emission standards. LPG is now widely available. LPG has advantages in respect of congestion charging.

LPG gives comparable running costs to diesel on a cost per 100 mile traveled basis and is in effect a proven 'bolt on' to the K series unit. Other than locating the tank, this must be the simplest of design mods.


If SAIC MG were to quickly release LPG fueled cars, starting with the MG6, then they would be offering something 'different' and in these difficult times such cars would make a compelling argument to those who want to keep a grip on the cost of running a car.

The main issue with LPG is that people think you drive around with a ticking bomb in the boot!

LPG will never be mainstream, there is additional costs to LPG as well, such as servicing both the petrol and LPG side as well as wear and tear items such as injectors and vaporisers, try explaining that to average joe, plus there's not enough filling stations about TBh in most areas of the UK

If more people used LPG the price would rise, such as it does in the winter months already due to homes using it to fuel there heating system.

I say all the above and drive LPG myself so i'm 100% behind it, but i wouldn't consider me an average punter

When will SAIC MG wise up and realise they have the capability to catapult even the existing MG6 into a hot selling car sitting right in their lap?

Towards the end of Phoenix/MGRover several K Series based cars were supplied with LPG as a factory fit.

Increasingly it looks like diesel has had its day, what with DPF issues and the ever more complicated answers to rising emission standards. LPG is now widely available. LPG has advantages in respect of congestion charging.

LPG gives comparable running costs to diesel on a cost per 100 mile traveled basis and is in effect a proven 'bolt on' to the K series unit. Other than locating the tank, this must be the simplest of design mods.


If SAIC MG were to quickly release LPG fueled cars, starting with the MG6, then they would be offering something 'different' and in these difficult times such cars would make a compelling argument to those who want to keep a grip on the cost of running a car.

The main issue with LPG is that people think you drive around with a ticking bomb in the boot!

LPG will never be mainstream, there is additional costs to LPG as well, such as servicing both the petrol and LPG side as well as wear and tear items such as injectors and vaporisers, try explaining that to average joe, plus there's not enough filling stations about TBh in most areas of the UK.

If more people used LPG the price would rise, such as it does in the winter months already due to homes using it to fuel there heating system.

They need diesel, people who don't even need diesel cars seem to be buying them because they believe they will be cheaper to run, but is often not the case in average miles per year users, but that's because they believe the hype and that sells.

I say all the above and drive LPG myself so i'm 100% behind it, but i wouldn't consider me an average punter

The main issue with LPG is that people think you drive around with a ticking bomb in the boot!

LPG will never be mainstream, there is additional costs to LPG as well, such as servicing both the petrol and LPG side as well as wear and tear items such as injectors and vaporisers, try explaining that to average joe, plus there's not enough filling stations about TBh in most areas of the UK.

If more people used LPG the price would rise, such as it does in the winter months already due to homes using it to fuel there heating system.

They need diesel, people who don't even need diesel cars seem to be buying them because they believe they will be cheaper to run, but is often not the case in average miles per year users, but that's because they believe the hype and that sells.

I say all the above and drive LPG myself so i'm 100% behind it, but i wouldn't consider me an average punter

I can't see why LPG should cost more to service, especially if an extra lubricant injection system is added.

There are already sufficient filling stations about and if more cars used it they would quickly multiply.

There is plenty of LPG available globally , sail in the Solent for any time and you'll encounter any number of carriers full of the stuff coming into Forley.

Diesel is NOT the answer given the inherent ownership costs of modern diesel cars which is only now coming to be more widely appreciated. Read honestJohn's column in the Telegraph on Saturday for a few weeks and you will see Joe Public bleating on about the cost of DPF maintenance etc.

SAIC/MG need to be brave enough to offer more than just a 'me too' product which is what a diesel would be. But offering LPG, with only the 'competition' from Proton (LOL!), would make a lot of commercial sense. Besides there are tax benefits for running LPG and that is another way to make the MG6 attractive.

SAIC/MG need to be brave enough to offer more than just a 'me too' product which is what a diesel would be. But offering LPG, with only the 'competition' from Proton (LOL!), would make a lot of commercial sense. Besides there are tax benefits for running LPG and that is another way to make the MG6 attractive.We know a diesel is coming, but I haven't read about promises of any other variant. In China, however, SAIC are leaders in hybrid and alternative technologies. Can't say I've read about LPG. I suppose the engines are being developed at Longbridge. Wonder when we'll get them? This picture of a show car is over three years old:

http://www.sinaimg.cn/qc/cz/photo/idx/2009/0420/1240200317_1xYbX3.jpg

... In China, however, SAIC are leaders in hybrid and alternative technologies. Can't say I've read about LPG. I suppose the engines are being developed at Longbridge. Wonder when we'll get them? This picture of a show car is over three years old:

That Roewe 750 is currently on sale in China at about the same cost as you would expect for a diesel.