relation to the old K-series found
under the hoods of many old MGs
(as well as the odd Lotus). Instead,
it’s a ground-up design from SAIC,
which also produces the robotic-
clutch manual bolted to the motor.
This is a stop-gap measure for the
manufacturer, sitting between the
yet-to-come dual-clutch and the more
traditional four-speed autos in other
MG models.
Initial impressions are good. The
engine is astonishingly quiet at idle,
and pulls cleanly and makes nice,
growly noises when you prod the loud
pedal. But with strangely long gearing
and peak torque at a stratospheric
5,000rpm, you really have to wring
it out to make forward
progress. And it’s here
where it starts showing
a lack of development,
sounding harsh and tinny
as it strains to the redline.
There are also a number
of drawbacks to the automated
manual transmission. Without a
traditional torque converter, the MG 3
slurs its way slooowly forward before
completely engaging first gear. And
the need to preserve the transmission
synchros means the computer often
cuts engine power abruptly during
shifts. This makes for some seesawing
between gears in automatic mode.
And lastly, the system is rather...
High-density polyurethane wheel
feels very sporty and high-class.
But it sits a half-inch too far left.
Gauge needles rest in vertical
position and sweep gamely on
start-up. Data screen is simple.
Storage includes dash-top shelf
with aux-in and USB ports and a
big console shelf.
Single-DIN head unit looks
great, with good sound. But radio
reception is rather weak.
Climate controls are old-school.
The thermostat blends air from
the heater and the aircon.
1
2
3
4
5
LIFE ON THE INSIDE
2
1
5
4
3
LONG-TERM
TEST DRIVE
POWERED BYoverprotective. Redline the engine
and it’ll power completely to upshift.
Attempt a drag-launch and it’ll refuse
to come out of neutral. Sit in traffic
too long and it’ll slur more before
engaging. The transmission is about
as permissive as a Catholic school
headmistress.
Eventually, we stuck the car in
manual mode and kept it there.
Driven like this, the MG 3 is much
more relaxing. Lift off the gas slightly
on each gear change and shifts are
buttery-smooth. Heel-and-toeing
lightly before green light primes the
It’s a sporty shift knob,
but what it is attached
to takes getting used toRIVAL
THE
Honda Jazz
It is very similar in size but
will be very hard to
topple.WWW.topgear.com.ph TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES 53