The new generation MG 3 has received a three-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). While the MG 3 has improved compared to older models, it still has some areas that need work.
Launched in Australia and New Zealand in June 2024, this light car includes important safety features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane support systems (LSS), but it still has some shortcomings.
Mixed Performance in Adult Occupant Protection
the MG 3 scored 72 per cent in Adult Occupant Protection scoring the highest points for driver protection in side-impact crashes. However, the MG 3 does not have a centre airbag, which is important for preventing front-seat passengers from hitting each other during side impacts.
“The physical size of the MG 3 puts it at a disadvantage in a mixed fleet, which is why we would have liked to have seen this new model offer better physical protection and restraints,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg.
Other tests showed potential safety issues. The driver’s right shoulder was subjected to high forces in the oblique pole test, the, resulting in a penalty. For rear-seat passengers, the full-width crash test indicated that the seatbelt allowed too much forward head movement, which could lead to more serious injuries in a crash.
Overall, while the MG 3 shows improvements, there are still areas where it can better protect passengers.
Child Protection Scores Show Room for Improvement
The MG 3 achieved a 74 per cent score in Child Occupant Protection. In tests for a 10-year-old child dummy, the chest protection received “Poor” ratings in side-impact tests and “Marginal” ratings in frontal-offset tests.
While the MG 3 does provide some safety for younger passengers, Hoorweg said, “There are still a number of opportunities for MG to deliver safety improvements,” encouraging the company to address these gaps in future models.
AEB and Safety Assist Features Offer Mixed Results
For protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, the MG 3 scored 76 per cent. Its AEB system works well in forward-moving scenarios, which include tests with cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
However, the AEB system does not perform in important areas, like reversing and head-on collisions, which limited its overall Safety Assist score to 58 per cent. Hoorweg noted that while MG has made progress, there is still room for improvement in functionality.
The MG 3 also features lane support systems (LSS), which help drivers stay in their lanes and avoid drifting. While these features contribute positively to the car’s safety, they are not as advanced as those found in many other new models.
With a price tag of under $35,000, the MG 3 targets buyers looking for a reliable light car. It has standard safety equipment, including dual frontal, side chest, and side head airbags.
However, the absence of a centre airbag and certain advanced AEB functions means there are still safety areas that require attention.
“The MG 3’s safety scores were healthy in some areas, particularly vulnerable road user protection,” Hoorweg explained. “We encourage MG to consider these findings in future vehicle upgrades”
The full safety report for the MG 3 can be found here.
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