MG3 Hybrid+
When Ford announced the end of the road for their evergreen Fiesta, one could be forgiven for thinking the end of the supermini sector was in sight. Sure, full electrification does present certain hurdles for smaller cars, mainly weight and profitability but with something of a backlash against electric cars of late and the market indicating a preference to stick with internal combustion for now, this new, hybrid MG3 may be on to something.
The last MG3 has been with us for over ten years now, and you can actually still buy one direct from MG. It’s been great value for money in an increasingly expensive market but it was undeniably showing its age. This new MG3, or MG3 Hybrid+ to give it its full title is such a massive step forward that MG are claiming they’ve skipped a generation from the last version.
Almost unrecognisable
That’s certainly the case looks-wise. Put the last MG3 next to this new one and it’s hard to spot any similarities whatsoever. The new model’s wheels are more tucked in with larger overhangs and there’s far more attention to detail particularly down the sides with swooping lines that stretch back from the front headlights.
Hybrid power, 3-speed auto
For the moment it’s available with a self-charging hybrid powertrain, as the name suggests, although MG assure is a pure petrol version is on the way. It’s powered by a 1.5 litre, four cylinder petrol engine mated to a hybrid assistance motor, as the name suggests. What’s quite unusual about the MG3 Hybrid+ is that it comes with a 3-speed automatic transmission – a configuration we cant’ remember being fitted to a new car since the ’90s.
The large battery and electric motor do a great job of providing the majority of the go you’ll need, especially from standstill and performance is far more sprightly than you may expect. When the electrical assistance runs out of puff and the petrol motor takes over it does sound and feel slightly strained and that 3-speed ‘box won’t be rushed when changing between ratios.
One aspect of the original MG3 we loved was the enthusiastic handling the chassis brought, having been breathed on by the clever people at Lotus. This new MG3 is far larger and heavier than that car and it does tend to wallow with little feedback through the heavily power-assisted steering.
Is the MG3 Hybrid+ fast?
The 1.5 litre four-pot and the three-speed automatic transmission may not be the first word in refinement but with the assistance the 100kW electric motor provides, it’s definitely no slouch. The total power from both motors is 192bhp which is quite a lot more than the competition. The 0-62mph dash takes a quoted 8.0 seconds which is bordering on hot-hatch territory. Being able to drive on battery power only means the MG3 is economical too, with a claimed 64.2mpg combined & emissions of 100g/km CO2.
So, the MG3 Hybrid+ is reasonably quick and economical but with a starting price of £18,495 it’s not exactly the bargain the old MG3 was. That said, it’s a hybrid with an automatic transmission and the similarly priced competition tend to be purely petrol and come with a manual ‘box. The trade-off for this hybrid system is most obvious inside where the materials and tech lag behind the likes of Skoda’s Fabia. The plastics are scratchy, the infotainment system is slow, the music system keeps playing until you lock the car for some reason and the door closes with a less-than satisfying clunk. On the plus side, the birds-eye view parking camera, paired with 360 degree cameras put more premium brands to shame.
Should I buy an MG3 Hybrid+?
Just because Ford killed off the Fiesta, that doesn’t necessarily mean the supermini’s days are numbered; Renault’s Clio, Vauxhall’s Corsa and Skoda’s Fabia are testament to that. All three of these still come with petrol engines and are priced at under £20k, too, admittedly just under in some cases but that’s the state of play in the current supermini market.
And that’s where the MG3 Hybrid+ comes into its own. It starts at £18,495, it’s a hybrid, it’s pretty quick and it’s an automatic; should you want your Clio, Corsa or Fabia to come with hybrid assistance or an automatic ‘box, the price goes well over £20k, up to nearly £23k for some. If you’re not bothered about the techy bits, there’s apparently a conventional petrol engined version coming down the line that’ll be even cheaper.
By Ben Harrington
2024 MG3 Hybrid+ Trophy Specifications:
Engine – 1.5-l 4-cyl petrol + 100kW electric motor, Transmission – 3-speed auto, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 192bhp,Torque – 425Nm Emissions – 100g/km CO2, Economy – 64.2mpg, Maximum Speed – 106mph, Acceleration – 8.0s – 0-62mph, Price – £20,495OTR
The 2024 MG3 Hybrid+ is available now, priced from £18,495. For full details go to:www.mg.co.uk
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