MG fights back in the battle for Australia’s cheapest new car

The race between Australia’s cheapest new cars just got a little closer.

MG handed the baton over to the Kia with the introduction of its new-generation MG 3 city hatch last year, which brought with a significant increase in standard equipment and safety tech.

But this also elevated the entry price from $19,990 to $24,990 drive-away, allowing the Kia Picanto – at $21,190 drive-away – to stride away with the title of Australia’s most affordable new car.

Deals are available now on a range of MG models. Contact a dealer via CarExpert for the best deal or call our Concierge team on 1300 587 992.

MG is now charging back with a sales incentive that cuts thousands off the price of the base MG 3 Excite to $21,888 drive-away.

With the base Picanto now priced at $21,340 drive-away, MG has narrowed the gap to just a few hundred dollars.

The deal is only available on the petrol Excite variant, which is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Standard equipment includes:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
• 10.25-inch infotainment screen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• DAB digital radio
• 6-speaker sound system
• Air-conditioning with rear air vents
• Keyless entry and start

The MG 3 also has a comprehensive suite of active safety and driver assist features, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Intelligent speed assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Front, front-side and curtain airbags

The MG 3 Excite incentive is available across Australia until the end of March as part of the brand’s OMG event.

This promotion also includes discounts on other models, such as remaining stock of the ZST Vibe with its 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder engine.

The small SUV is now priced from $22,888 drive-away, equating to a $6000 discount compared with the same time last year.

There’s also a massive saving on the entry-level MG 5 Vibe, with a temporary reduction in its drive-away price from $27,692 to $24,888 plus a further $2000 factory bonus.

At less than $23k on the road, this is easily the most affordable small car currently available in Australia.

Additionally, MG is offering a discount on the base-model version of its all-new mid-sized HS Vibe, which has been reduced from $37,299 drive-away to $34,888 drive-away with a $2000 factory bonus.

MG’s factory bonuses are redeemable as a discount on the purchase price at the point of sale.

MORE: Buy a MG 3 • MG 5 • ZST • HS