MG, one of the partners at this May’s Great British Fleet Event, has expanded its MG3 supermini and MG ZS SUV with new entry level pure petrol versions, significantly cutting starting pricing and delivering more choice to drivers.

The new MG3 SE Petrol shaves £2k off the price of the Hybrid+ SE while delivering the same equipment levels

Introduced alongside the existing full hybrid models, and the fully electric ZS, the new versions feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 115hp with 148Nm of torque and married up with a five-speed manual.

The new pure petrol variants also deliver the same equipment as the Hybrid+ SE models.

The new MG3 SE Petrol is priced at £16,495, shaving £2k from the Hybrid+ SE and also giving drivers access to a well-equipped supermini at a price point similar to many smaller, city cars.

Combined WLTP is 46.3mpg and the M3 Petrol SE also comes with a 7.0-inch driver display and 10.25-inch colour infotainment screen, satellite navigation with speed limit recognition, rear parking camera, traffic jam assist, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, iSmart phone connectivity, USB ports in the front and rear as well as a six-speaker audio system.

MG Pilot Safety includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning system, lane keep assist and driver attention alert.

David Allison, head of product and planning for MG Motor UK, said: “The SE Petrol is the third member of the hugely successful MG3 supermini family. It underlines MG’s commitment to delivering market-leading value and will be the obvious choice for the many drivers who want the option to own a new, compact and fuel-efficient petrol car.”

The ZS Petrol SUV is £2,500 less than the Hybrid+ SE

The new MG ZS Petrol SUV is priced at £19,495; £2,500 less than the ZS Hybrid+ SE.

Equipment includes 12.3-inch HD colour touchscreen with navigation and live services, 7.0-inch driver display, iSmart Phone Connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio system.

Keyless entry is also standard as are rain-sensing wipers and the SE features a rear parking camera with sensor. MG Pilot has been significantly upgraded and right across the MG ZS range. New features include adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist.

David Allison added: “All the high levels of equipment introduced on the ZS Hybrid+ models feature on this latest MG. Some highly competitive pricing will enable customers to enjoy a stylish and spacious SUV for the same price or less than many B-segment superminis.”

As with all MG models, the new petrol versions feature a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.