• MG3’s EuroNCAP score is average
• Lack of advanced driver assistance
• Decent protection for the budget, though

Like many cars in this sector, the MG3 scores three stars with EuroNCAP and the 2018 facelift is unlikely to change that result. Basic driver assistance and occupant protection are average for the class, with no advanced features such as autonomous emergency braking available optionally.

Regardless of model the MG3 comes with six airbags (front, side and curtain), stability and traction control and emergency brake assist.

If you regularly carry small children in the front you’ll need to buy an Excite or Exclusive, as the entry-level Explore does without a passenger airbag cut off switch.

• Generous interior dimensions for a small car
• Comfortable footwell space, good legroom in rear
• Easy to place on the road

The MG3 is available with a five-door bodystyle only and, as mentioned above, there’s plenty of room for four occupants of all sizes and space for a fifth passenger if necessary. Despite the generous interior space, it’s a very easy car to park and find space for.

Rear passengers will find ample legroom unless unusually tall, and there’s more than the usual width for the back seat too. Those in the front will find wide footwells without uncomfortable intrusions, and plenty of space for pedals and feet to work together.

Boot space is fine for most purposes, with a quoted volume of 285 litres. That’s the same figure as the Peugeot 208 and 10 litres smaller than the Ford Fiesta, while MG3 practicality is way ahead of smaller rivals such as the Chevrolet Spark with its 170-litre boot.

MG’s boot volume figure includes space in the spare wheel well under the boot floor; with a spare wheel fitted official boot capacity is 256 litres.

The rear seat backs are split 60:40 and are very easy to fold down via pull-up tags, though you’ll need to hold the seatbelts to one side to make sure they don’t become trapped. As with many cars of this size, the seat backs fold straight down onto the seat base to create a stepped rather than flat load area.

MG do offer an approved towing kit, and the MG3 can tow 200kg.