The MG MG3 is a striking, entry-level hatch positioned as a budget-friendly, city car for Australian residents. This review covers the current-shape model that has remained largely unchanged mechanically since 2018, with only minor feature updates over the years. 

At Carzie, we offer the MG3 Core on flexible weekly leases, so we wanted to write this review from the perspective of someone looking for leasing, rather than buying this car outright.

This guide explores the benefits, expectations and suitability of the MG MG3 Core, and sheds light on why we focus on these cars within our available fleet. 

This section summarises the key specs and standard equipment of the MG3 Core as sold new in Australia around 2020–2024.

• Engine & Performance: The MG3 Core is powered by a 1.5L petrol engine that produces 82kW of power and 150Nm of torque, providing adequate performance for city driving. The MG3 Core is equipped with a 1.5L petrol engine that produces 82kW of power and 150Nm of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The MG3 Core features a 4-speed automatic gearbox, which allows for manual control of gear shifts, enhancing the driving experience. Front-wheel drive is standard, with fuel efficiency around 6.7L/100km combined, though real-world mixed driving often pushes closer to 7.5-8.5L/100km.

• Dimensions: The MG3 Core features a compact design with dimensions of 4055mm in length, 1729mm in width, and 1504mm in height, making it suitable for city driving. The 2520mm wheelbase provides good cabin roominess for a light hatch.

• Interior & Tech: The interior of the MG3 Core includes an 8-inch color infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay and features a reversing camera, enhancing convenience and safety. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and manual air-conditioning come standard. Android Auto arrived on later updates but may not feature on earlier build years.

• Exterior Highlights: Standard features of the MG3 Core include 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear view camera, and cruise control, making it a well-equipped entry-level hatchback. The Excite trim adds leather-trimmed steering wheel and two-tone alloys, whilst the Core is the value grade Carzie typically leases to keep payments low.

Walking around an MG3 Core from Carzie’s fleet, you notice a modern but conservative exterior compared with Chinese cars like the newer MG3 Hybrid+. The simple hatchback proportions especially appeal to younger drivers and city commuters.

The Core’s smaller alloy wheels look modest but remain functional for pothole-prone Aussie roads, especially around the outskirts of Brisbane. Body-coloured mirrors and door handles keep things simple, but vibrant colour options in yellow, red, or blue inject some fun into its budget status.

Inside, expect hard but robust plastics with a simple dash layout. Clear analogue dials sit alongside a driver information display, whilst the 8-inch central touchscreen dominates the centre stack. 

Build quality feels solid for the price, though doors don’t feel as heavy as some Mazda or Japanese rivals. Front seats offer reasonable support for short to medium trips with manual adjustment only – making the car perfect for trips to work and taking the kids to your local park

This section covers how the MG3 Core actually feels as a daily commuter and weekend runabout. At Carzie, we offer leases to help people get to work reliably and comfortably, and that’s exactly why we stock the MG MG3 Core. 

Around town, light electric power steering makes parking effortless with the tight turning circle. The 1.5L engine feels peppy up to 60-80 km/h for school runs and morning commutes. Outward visibility from the upright seating position helps newer drivers feel confident navigating tight Brisbane CBD spots or parallel parking in those busy suburbs. 

The 4-speed automatic shifts smoothly in urban settings but can feel busy on hills, holding 3000-4000 rpm on freeways. There’s no modern CVT or 6-speed, so expect higher revs at speed, road noise and wind noise intrude, but this only becomes a nuisance above legal speeds.

Highway stability at 100-110 km/h is fine, but overtaking requires planning due to limited torque. The petrol model’s claimed efficiency can vary, with some cars being less efficient than others in its class, preferring premium fuel (95 RON recommended).

Suspension leans slightly firm, delivering nimble cornering but some harshness over potholes. Front discs and rear drums provide adequate stopping power, normal for this price point. 

Carzie customers typically use the MG3 Core as a first car, city runabout, or budget work commuter where enough power meets everyday needs without drama.

Whilst the MG3 Core is a small hatch, it’s surprisingly practical for buyers seeking a cheap-to-run motor vehicle.

• Interior Space: Front headroom and legroom suit average-height adults comfortably. The back seat fits two adults or three kids for short trips, but three adults sounds tight for longer journeys.

• Boot Space: The MG3 Core offers a cargo space of 307 liters, which expands to 1081 liters with the rear seats folded down, providing ample storage for everyday use. This is enough to load groceries, sports gear, or a folded pram.

• Storage: Door bins hold drink bottles, cupholders accommodate your morning coffee, and a phone shelf near the USB port keeps devices handy.

• Child Seats: ISOFIX anchors and top-tether points make child seat installation straightforward for family use, though access is tighter than in larger SUVs which is expected with a smaller car. 

For inner-city professionals and commuting to the outskirts, fuel costs around $40-50 weekly for 250-300km suit fixed lease payments well. The 45-litre tank running 91 RON compatible in practice means predictable running costs, a deal that pairs nicely with Carzie’s inclusive weekly payments covering rego and insurance.

Safety ratings are crucial, knowing that updated testing can reveal significant safety concerns for specific models. Transparency matters here: safety is one of the MG3 Core’s weaker areas compared with newer designs.

The MG3 Core has received a 3-star ANCAP safety rating, indicating a moderate level of safety performance in crash tests. This rating dates from 2014/2015-era assessment protocols, meaning it wasn’t tested under today’s stricter criteria emphasising active tech.

Standard Passive Safety:

• Six airbags (dual front, side, curtain)
• ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution
• Electronic stability control and traction control
• Hill-start assist
• The MG3 Core is equipped with a rear view camera and parking sensors, which enhance safety during reversing and parking maneuvers

Before handover, Carzie checks tyres, brakes, and service history to ensure vehicles meet our confidence standards. Also most of our available models offer ABS brakes and electronic stability control, giving you extra reassurance on your drives. 

The MG3 Core has a generally decent reliability record for a budget hatch, with some known niggles to expect.

The simple naturally aspirated 1.5L engine and conventional 4-speed auto stand up well if serviced on time. Fewer complex turbo or hybrid components mean fewer high-tech failures—no wrong assumptions about expensive repairs here.

Australian owners report minor electrical issues (infotainment glitches, intermittent warning lights) and occasional 2-4 week waits for specific parts via MG Motor’s maturing local network. This compares with instant stock availability at Toyota or Mazda dealers, but serious mechanical failures remain rare.

Warranty Coverage: All new MG vehicles come with 7-year/unlimited-km warranty and 1-year roadside assist. Carzie leases often start with relatively young vehicles still covered, meaning lessees avoid long-term end-of-life repair risks, major concerns within the lease term fall under warranty or fleet support, reducing out-of-pocket surprises.

Service intervals typically run 12-months/10,000km at authorised service centres. Whilst MG is a newer brand in Australia compared to established manufacturers, thousands of MG3s on local roads validate growing parts and service know-how.

Many Australians look at the MG3 Core because of price first. New car drive-away prices historically sit around $17,000-$19,000 for the Core, depending on year and promotions. For an additional $200, buyers can add navigation to the MG3 Core, while upgrading to the Excite model costs an extra $2,000.

Car leasing can vary significantly in terms of payment structures and what’s included in the lease, such as insurance and registration. Many leasing agreements for vehicles like the MG3 Core often include fixed weekly payments that cover insurance and registration, providing a hassle-free experience for lessees.

How Carzie Leases Work: The application process for leasing a vehicle such as the MG3 Core can be completed online in about 5 minutes, making it convenient for potential lessees. With the lease, you pay for the use of the car, while we cover annual rego and insurance, which brings down the costs of driving significantly. 

Leasing options for the MG3 Core typically include flexible terms ranging from 3 to 4 years, allowing customers to choose a duration that suits their needs. A fixed two-weeks prepayment starts the lease, and then at the end of the lease you can explore your options. You avoid stamp duty complications of outright purchase whilst enjoying predictable money management.

Flexible leasing options generally appeal to budget-conscious consumers who prefer fixed weekly costs for vehicle ownership. Fuel, tolls, and fines remain your responsibility, with excess kilometre and fair wear-and-tear conditions applying per Carzie’s T&Cs.

The MG3 Core isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer but suits certain drivers excellently.

Ideal For:

• First-car buyers wanting a modern hatch without bank finance
• Students and apprentices needing low fixed costs
• Urban professionals who park in tight town centres
• Families needing a cheap second car for school runs
• Gig-economy drivers in metropolitan areas (check kilometre limits)

Consider Alternatives If:

• You do frequent long highway trips between cities
• You need power for towing or regional use
• You need a car fit enough for a large family 

Choose an MG3 Core lease if: your budget matters most, you drive mainly around friends and family in suburban areas and need a decent commuter vehicle and want warranty coverage without ownership commitment, and you value a reliable hire car experience over prestige.

The MG MG3 Core delivers sharp value, long warranty coverage, good city manners, and low weekly lease costs through Carzie. Its simple mechanicals keep customers confident about reliability whilst compact dimensions make it easy to park.

The trade-offs exist with modest highway performance, basic interior, and potential minor electrical niggles. These aren’t deal-breakers for many, just honest limitations worth noting.

For budget-focused Australian drivers who mainly do city and suburban driving, the MG3 Core represents a smart, low-commitment leasing choice. If that sounds like your fit, we have a range of MG MG3 Core available for you to drive away in.