MG has unveiled its new MG3 supermini at the Shanghai Motor Show, prior to it being officially launched in the UK and Europe later this year.

The MG3 is based on the MG ZERO concept vehicle and the firm has described it as “a distinctive statement of modern British style designed to target young and style conscious buyers, wanting something that’s fun to drive and own”.

Created by the design and engineering team at the MG’s Longbridge site in Birmingham, the MG3 follows on from the MG6 to become the second in a new generation of MG vehicles to be assembled in the city.

In line with many of the current crop of small cars on the market buyers will be given the chance to personalise their vehicle inside and out.

MG also said the new vehicle would offer interior styling that “rivals or surpasses anything in its class” and be capable of carrying four 6ft adults in comfort.

The MG3 will be powered by a 105bhp version of MG’s VTi-TECH petrol engine.

Guy Jones, sales & marketing director of MG Motor UK, said: “This new MG3 is a great package for the increasing number of European customers looking for a stylish small car, that’s affordable and practical to own.

“It’s the modern interpretation of a small fun MG and shows how we will take the essence of this iconic brand into the future.

“The reaction to it has been extremely positive from both male and female customers and it will also mean that MG dealers in Britain will soon have a second all-new model in the showrooms.”

“This is a car that that MG enthusiasts and dealers across Europe have been waiting for, but more significantly it will bring a whole new group of customers to the MG brand for the first time.”