Thing is, the car I test drove didn't do any over revving, even when going up hills. It was brilliant, that's why I ordered one. Mine is horrendous, I don't take passengers out in it because it's too embarrassing
I know how you felt!! Its a bit like driving along in second gear at 25 MPH, which is in effect what the three speed autobox is doing.
Over the eighteen months I had my MG3, whilst I always maintain it was fantastic value for money, it began to dawn on me, that everything about the car was done on a budget. So the operation of the MG PILOT system whilst great in negotiating twisty roads, would slam the brakes on if you went near a parked car!
Likewise the antics of the drive train just smacked of under development, and a 'oh it will do attitude'!!!
The final straw was the absolutely atrocious level of customer service in aftersales, particularly illustrated by MG UK, who rather gave me the impression - we've got your money now, so we don't care!
As i said to them, and have stated on here before, that pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap approach, will only last for so long. Eventually potential customers who tempted by the undoubtedly good value for money, will start to steer clear, when rumours of lousy service and under development start to become more prevalent.