MG might no longer be the hugely popular manufacturer of affordable and stylish sports cars it once was but the marque's reinvention continues.

The affordable aspect is still very much to the fore as regards MG's mission statement and a small but growing model range provide the kind of value for money that's not a million miles away from the likes of budget brand pace-setter Dacia.

Small SUVs like the GS and ZS offer good value for money and the same is true for what is now MG's longest-serving model the MG3.

It's a supermini but when it comes to price is on a par with smaller city cars.

Given its price it is impressively stylish and also offers the kind of scope for personalisation that adds to its popularity.

It has recently been given a fairly extensive refresh, even if the mechanicals remain pretty much the same.

The most eye-catching new exterior feature is a new grille that evokes the ZS SUV.

That familiar MG octagonal badge is much more prominent and the other changes include a new bumper, wings, rear spoiler and improved headlights with LED daytime running lights.

For those into putting their own stamp on it there are more personalisation options available and some snazzy new colours to choose from such as Spiced Orange and Hello Yellow.

Overall its character has certainly been enhanced and the other big change is a new interior.

Outside of the ability to customise your car the MG3 comes with a relatively simple range of choices.

There is just one engine available - a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit and three trim levels - Explore, Excite and Exclusive.

Price-wise the 3 is hugely competitive with the entry-level Explore costing under £10,000.

Unlike an entry-level Dacia Sandero you will get some creature comforts, including a radio and much more besides.

Equipment includes electric windows, Bluetooth phone connection, daytime running lights and electric mirror adjustment.

Step up to an Excite and the sound system is better than the two-speaker stereo in the Explore and it's also a DAB system.

You'll also get the new eight-inch colour touchscreen, Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, rear parking sensors and air conditioning.

A range-topping Exclusive version comes with sports seats, cruise control and a reversing camera.

This Exclusive model also had a Tartan-effect finish which complemented the new dashboard nicely.

The 3 offers a decent level of practicality, adults can be comfortably accommodated in the rear seats and there's 285 litres of boot space, or 1,262 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The 1.5-litre VTi Tech engine is a surprisingly smooth performer and it powers the car along nicely, even if it does need to be worked hard at times to get the most out of it.

It is mated to a slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox.

The overall driving experience is decent and its compact dimensions combined with a well engineered suspension set-up delivered a surprisingly fun feel.

It's certainly a car that's easy to like and there's little to dislike about.

Certain aspects might feel a little basic compared to competitors, though when you compare them on price there's no denying the MG3 offers extraordinarily good value for money.