MG 3 I gallery (2008–2011)

The first-generation MG 3, badged as the MG 3 SW, was introduced following Nanjing Automobile's acquisition of MG Rover assets, prior to its merger with SAIC Motor. Structurally, the car was based on the venerable Rover R3 platform previously underpinning the Rover 25 and Rover Streetwise. It retained the distinctive rugged styling cues of the Streetwise, such as prominent unpainted protective plastic cladding on bumpers and wheel arches, increased ground clearance, and standard roof rails. Powertrain choices were derived from the Rover K-Series four-cylinder petrol engines: a 1.4-litre unit developing 103 hp and a larger 1.8-litre engine delivering 117 hp. Transmission pairings included a standard five-speed manual for the 1.4-litre and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 1.8-litre engine. Primarily sold in mainland China, this generation served as an interim transitional product while SAIC developed an entirely modern global subcompact hatchback from the ground up.