2021 MG3 pricing and specs detailed: Chinese Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio rival gets more expensive but does it remain good value?

All versions of the MG3 use a 1.5-litre petrol engine for an 82kW/150Nm output.

MG’s hot-selling MG3 light hatchback has gotten a little more expensive for 2021, jumping up $500 compared to last year’s model.

The three-variant line-up continues as before, with the MG3 Core range-opener now priced at $17,490 drive-away, while the mid-tier Core Sat Nav is now $17,990 and the top-spec Excite Sat Nav is now $19,490.

All three variants are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 82kW/150Nm to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

Read More About MG MG3 Auto

China's MG rides ZS, MG3 and HS wave of momentum to boot Subaru out of the Top 10 brands in February 2021 new-car sales

MG nearly a Top 10 brand: China's challenger closing gap on Mercedes-Benz and others with very strong 2021 new-car sales

2020 biggest sales winners: Toyota RAV4, Audi Q3, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue, MG3 and other new cars grew the most in tough year

Standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and air conditioning, as well as an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity and four-speaker sound system.

Safety systems include a reversing camera, cruise control and rear parking sensors, as well as front, side and full-length curtain airbags.

As the name suggests, the Core Sat Nav adds satellite navigation to the 8.0-inch multimedia system.

Stepping up to the Excite adds 16-inch two-tone wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an upgrade six-speaker sound system.

Six colours are available across the MG3 range, with Pebble Black, Dover White and Tudor Yellow available at no extra cost, and Regal Blue, Tartan Red and Skye Silver (all metallic) adding $300 to the asking price.

The MG 3 is still one of the cheapest ways into a new car in the country. (Excite variant pictured)

Of note, advanced safety assist systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert are not featured on any grade of the MG3.

The MG3 has becoming the best-selling mainstream light car in Australia, overtaking former segment favourites such as the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris.

For the first two months of the year, MG has sold 2172 units of its MG3, more than doubling its nearly rival – the Volkswagen Polo (1011 sales).

It remains one of the only brand-new automatic models available under $20,000, as the aforementioned Mazda2 and Yaris now start at $20,990 and $22,130 respectively due to the inclusion of standard advanced safety features that are lacking on the MG3.

Competitors continue to abandon the light car segment, with the Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta (sans performance-orientated ST grade), Renault Clio, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Prius C having all recently leaving the Australian market.