MG Australia has announced that stock of the previous-generation MG 3, currently Australia's cheapest new car, is running low. Only the base Core variant remains available at $19,990 drive-away, with just a few hundred examples left at dealerships.
- Only the MG 3 Core variant is still available at $19,990 drive-away
- MG expects remaining stock to sell out by February 2025
- The new-generation MG 3 starts at $22,990 drive-away for the entry-level Excite version
End of an Era
MG Australia's chief commercial officer Giles Belcher stated:"With ever growing development and production costs, we don't expect to offer a car for under $20,000 in Australia again. The MG 3 Auto is likely to be the last new car Australians can buy for under $20,000 drive-away."
Market Impact
Once the old MG 3 stock is depleted:
- The Kia Picanto Sport manual will become Australia's cheapest car at $18,290 before on-road costs ($21,190 drive-away)
- MG expects the new MG 3 to remain Australia's best-selling light car, despite the price increase
Sales Performance
- MG sold 12,563 MG 3s in Australia last year
- Sales were down 18.6% but still more than double its nearest competitor
- The MG 3 held a 47.7% segment share in 2024
The imminent sell-out of the previous-generation MG 3 marks a significant shift in the Australian automotive market. As the last sub-$20,000 new car option disappears, consumers will need to adjust to higher entry-level prices. This change reflects the increasing costs of vehicle development and production, as well as rising consumer expectations for features and technology.
While the end of the ultra-budget car era may be upon us, it remains to be seen how automakers will continue to offer value in the evolving market landscape.
