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SAIC MG3 First Photos Surface

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One day ago, the Chinese-owned, newly reborn MG brand presented its plans to bring to Europe a super mini vehicle called MG3. The model, which will not arrive in Europe until the end of 2012, has been launched in China, with the first photos showing the production version of the SAIC-manufactured vehicle hitting the web.

Set to enter dealerships later this month, the model will be based on the MG Zero concept presented by the Chinese at the Beijing Auto China 2010. Sized to fit the B segment (where big names like the Ford Fiesta or low cost brands like the Dacia Sandero have made a name for themselves), the MG3 offers enough space (1.7 meters in width and 1.5 meters in height) and apparently a lot more appeal than other Chinese-built cars.

Under the hood of the model SAIC fitted, for now, only one engine, a 1.5l petrol, capable of developing quite a lot of punch for a car its size: 110 hp and 153 NM of torque. Later in the year, depending on the success of the model, the 68 horsepower 1.3l engine (which will become the entry level version) and a diesel unit, a 1.5l turbo good for 158 horsepower.

In China, the MG3 will sell for 70,000 yuan ($10,600, EUR7,800), placing the model right up the alley of the low-cost Sandero. Should the model prove to be worthy enough, the Fiesta, the intended target in Europe, might be in real trouble.

Before that could happen, though, the Chinese will have to work very hard on making the model meet the European safety regulations, as well as the expectations of the customers.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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