With particular attention to efficiency, the MG3 supermini is breaking through the 50mpg barrier with upgrades to its engine to comply with the latest emission regulations.

A stop/start system has been fitted to the car’s 1.5-litre 106PS engine, which along with other tweaks, make it almost 10 per cent more economical to run.

Officially the MG3 is now rated at 52.3mpg with emissions of 124g/km reducing its business taxation level from 21 to 19 per cent.

The previous version had an official fuel return of 48.7mpg and a carbon emissions figure of 136g/km.

The latest model now comes with a chrome grille and with some new colour combinations including the option of white or black roofs with yellow and red body finishes.

Prices are unchanged with the five model range starting from £8,399 and maxing out at £10,999.