ONCE upon a time there was a small hatchback called the MG Metro.

A badge-engineered and more powerful BL Metro variant, it carried the MG badge with pride and in the early 1980s was a trendy and relatively cheap little sports hatch.

When British Leyland crumbled, the MG Metro was laid to rest but its spirit is now back on the streets.

The MG name is now Chinese-owned and is back in the UK with a bang featuring a new small hatchback called the MG3.

It looks nothing like the old MG Metro but there are similarities.

Top speed of the MG3 is 108mph, against the MG Metro's 105mph and the 0-60 sprint factor is 10.4 seconds with the feisty old Metro a tad quicker at 10.1 seconds.

The other similarity is that the MG3 like the MG Metro is affordable and can claim to be the right car for the right time because its cheeky sporty stance at very low prices give it a very firm step on the ladder of success.

Renault has witnessed the rise of its no-frills Dacia brand and the little MG3 has suddenly turned into a formidable competitor in the revitalised bargain basement of the automotive world.

The MG3 3Form Sport that I drove can be bought for £9,549 and it gives a competent and pleasant drive, comparable to some cars costing far more.

Earlier offerings by the rejuvenated MG brand were adequate, but the MG3 is a lot more in your face and has a surprising helping of the wow factor.

In addition to four figure prices the ultra low insurance rating of Group 4E - less than half that of many competitors - is just as surprising, and is particularly good news for young drivers who usually find the cost of car insurance prohibitively high.

It also seems to be making a name for itself as a driving school car.

Dont expect too much in terms of goodies but it is certainly well equipped for the price with all models having front LED daytime running lights and electronic hill hold as standard. Except for the entry model, all MG3s feature a high quality DAB audio system.

It certainly looks attractive with its black mesh grille and wraparound windscreen and there is a surprising amount of space inside. With six airbags, electronic stability control, corner brake control and traction control it is a front runner in necessary equipment.

You can also personalise it with a huge range of colours, graphics and part leather upholstery, created by the UK design team and inspired by the British fashion industry.

On the road you do have to use the gears to get the best out of the engine, but it is reasonably silent and the ride is fit for purpose on even rough lanes.

Altogether a positive move for the new age MG and a vibrant new choice for drivers on a budget that want something refreshingly different.