MG has laid down the gauntlet with its new supermini – announcing that the range will top out at £9,999.

The good news for young drivers is that it is predicted to be in insurance category 4E.

All models benefit from signature front LED lights and electronic hill hold as standard, with all but the entry model featuring a DAB audio system.

The exterior style conceals an interior that offers one of the largest and most spacious cabins in the supermini class, MG says.

It also features six airbags, electronic stability control, corner brake control and traction control.

Buyers can also personalise to their heart’s content – with a range of colours, exterior graphics, interior colour packs and leather upholstery created by the UK design team and inspired by the British fashion industry.

There are four models of MG3 to choose from and a full range of options and accessories priced as keenly as the car itself, to ensure that specifying and buying an MG3 is as much fun as owning and driving it.

At the top of the range is the MG3 3STYLE with 16in diamond alloy wheels and a sports body styling pack that includes the rear boot spoiler and side sill extensions.

Standard features include cruise control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers and reverse parking sensors, all for £9,999.

The mid-range MG3 3FORM available for £9,299, while the MG3 3FORM SPORT includes all the features of the 3FORM with the sports body styling pack and 16” carousel alloy wheels at £9,549.

The entry model MG3 3TIME costs £8,399 and features a CD player with MP3 compatibility and aux-in facility in addition to all the standard features on all MG3s.

All models are powered by a sporty 106PS petrol engine with a five speed manual gearbox.

Sales & Marketing Director Guy Jones said; “The MG3 gives the market something really new; a stylish, highly practical, small car with many options for personalisation that is fun to drive, fun to buy and fun to own. With all models in the range priced below £10,000 and insurance expected to be just 4E, we can offer this type of product at a price position that no competitor can match.”

The range goes on sale in September.