What is it: 

This is the first new MG3 hatchback in more than a decade – and it’s available with the option of hybrid power for the first time.

It replaces the previous MG3 which has been the top-selling city-car in Australia for the past four years in a row – and the biggest-selling car from China in this class.

MG was once a British badge but it has been owned by Chinese conglomerate SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation) for two decades.

The arrival of this new MG3 means there are no more new cars priced below $20,000 drive-away in Australia (apart from a handful of old MG3s still in dealer stock).

Price:

The previous generation MG3 once cost from $15,990 drive-away and climbed to $18,990 drive-away later in its model cycle.

The 2024 model has gone up by about $8000 in round numbers, in line with price rises for other city-sized hatchbacks when new generation cars arrive with more features and additional safety technology.

There are four models in the line-up: two petrol-only models and two petrol-electric hybrid models.

We are testing the base model MG3 Hybrid Excite.

The RRPs are as follows (drive-away pricing shown is an estimate only).

  • MG3 Excite auto: RRP $23,990 (about $26,000 drive-away)
  • MG3 Essence auto: RRP $25,990 (about $28,000 drive-away)
  • MG3 Excite Hybrid auto: RRP $27,990 (about $30,000 drive-away)
  • MG3 Essence Hybrid auto: RRP $29,990 (about $32,000 drive-away)

As a comparison we have also included the Suzuki Swift Hybrid prices below, which are drive-away.

  • Suzuki Swift Hybrid manual: $24,490 drive-away
  • Suzuki Swift Hybrid auto: $26,990 drive-away
  • Suzuki Swift Plus Hybrid auto: $28,490 drive-away
  • Suzuki Swift GLX Hybrid auto: $29,490 drive-away

Engine:

Under the MG3 Hybrid bonnet is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (75kW/128Nm) paired to a hybrid system.

Combined peak power of the hybrid system is listed as 155kW.

A small battery pack powers a small electric motor to help give the car a petrol-free boost on take-off.

The battery recharges when the vehicle is coasting, driving downhill, or braking.

The fuel consumption claimed average is 4.3L/100km.

On test we averaged 4.6 to 4.8L/100km which is still frugal, but about 10 per cent thirstier than the real-world results we’ve achieved for a Toyota Yaris Hybrid – and higher than we have achieved in a new Suzuki Swift Hybrid (4.2L/100km on test). 

As with the new Suzuki Swift Hybrid, the new MG3 Hybrid insists on 95-octane premium unleaded petrol, which is more expensive than 91-octane regular unleaded.

Transmission:

Continuously variable transmission (CVT) paired to a hybrid electric motor.

0 to 100km/h (as tested):

Well this was a shock. The new MG3 Hybrid does 0 to 100kmh in a repeatable 7.2 seconds, based on our precision VBox timing equipment. 

That makes the MG3 Hybrid as quick as a Suzuki Swift Sport Turbo hot hatch.

Interestingly, the MG3 Hybrid moves off the line smoothly but then gets a noticeable power surge above about 40kmh, all the way through to 100kmh.

A number of other media outlets testing a new MG3 Hybrid over the past couple of weeks had engine power suddenly die on them half way up long, steep hills.

The gremlins were later rectified with a software update.

We did not experience this behaviour but mention it just in case it happens to you, so you know it’s not normal and there is a fix in place.

Emergency braking from 100km/h (as tested): 

The first brake test we did was disappointing (41.3 metres, almost as much distance as a two-tonne double-cab ute).

But we repeated the test after the brakes had cooled to make sure it was an outlier result – and to make sure the brakes were bedded in.

The second test (an hour or so later, so the brakes had cooled) resulted in a distance of 39.7 metres which is average to slightly below average for a car of this size and type.

The test car was equipped with 195/55/16 Kumho Solus HS63 tyres (Korean brand) which have proven to be underwhelming when fitted to other cars we’ve tested over the years (primarily Hyundai and Kia vehicles).

In the dry they are ok (and on the MG3 Hybrid they were comfortable over bumps) but in the wet the Kumho Solus tyre can be especially slippery. 

Good points:

Looks good, long list of standard features, and the seven-year warranty adds peace of mind (as long as MG Australia honours legitimate claims).

Digital widescreens for the infotainment system and the instrument cluster, with clear and easy-to-read displays.

Comfortable and supportive seats with what feels like hard-wearing fabric.

Light and easy steering (electric power steering).

The square-ish sports steering wheel has a nice grip, even though it is rubber and not leather wrapped on this grade. It feels durableand is nice to hold.

USB-A, USB-C and 12V power sockets in the front cabin, and rear air vents and a USB-A port in the rear cabin.

Centre console has plenty of cubbies. Decent storage (for a city car) in the doors too.

Generous boot space (though this is due in part to the fact there is no spare tyre, which is not ideal).

Controller dial as a gear selector works well once you learn to be a little patient with it.

The smart cruise control (which maintains a distance with the car in front) also has traffic jam assistance, which matches the pace of slow-moving stop-start traffic.

Once activated, it will bring the car to a stop as needed. To resume forward motion as the traffic creeps along, just gently tap the accelerator to wake up the system

Bad points:

The toggles and buttons on the steering wheel are not intuitive to use, so be sure to have the dealer show you how to switch between the various functions before you leave the showroom.

For example, in one mode the right toggle adjusts volume, but in another mode (by pressing the adjacent ‘picture-in-picture’ button), the same toggle cycles through various information displays.

The hybrid system requires premium unleaded petrol.

Seat back does not split-fold, it is a one-piece design. That means when the back seat is down to carry bulky cargo, it turns the car into a two-seater.

In other hatchbacks you can have one person in the back seat on one side of the car, while cargo pokes through the stowed seat opening on the other side of the car.

No spare tyre (so you’re calling a tow truck if you get a flat).

Left-handed indicator stalk (though you will soon get used to this after a few days).

The halogen headlights on this model and are quite weak on dark country roads (next model up gains bi-LED lights).

The price is getting up there.

The MG3 Hybrid is dearer than the new Suzuki Swift Hybrid – and the Suzuki uses less fuel.

We don’t know what the safety rating will be. The new MG3 lacks a centre airbag, which means it may not earn a five-star score.

The same reservation applies to the new Suzuki Swift Hybrid.

We will know the independent crash test results for both cars soon enough.

What the haters say:

MGs are pretty ordinary to drive (even by budget car standards) and there is a question mark over reliability.

Some people who experienced MGs as rental cars or loan cars have also expressed their disappointment.

What the haters don’t understand:

The new MG3 is not like the other models the company has sold here over the past five years or so, which can trace their origins back to previous generation Daewoo and GM platforms.

This is a new car from the ground up – and a step up. 

Should you buy one?

I’ve long been critical of MG cars because they were old platforms wrapped in new bodywork.

They had plenty of showroom appeal and the promise of a long warranty, but often did not live up to expectations due to poorly calibrated safety systems, laggy infotainment screens, and raucous engines that were a bit hit and miss mechanically.

However this car marks a turning point. 

While we won’t be able to vouch for its longevity until more of them hit the road and clock up decent kilometres in customer hands, the new MG3 is a complete redesign, is economical and nice to drive, and finally puts the car on a more equal footing with its rivals.

This is why it’s more expensive than before: MG had to invest heavily to bring the new MG3 up to speed – and modern standards.

So, meet the first Chinese car I would put on my small-car shopping list.

If you are also looking at the new Suzuki Swift Hybrid and Toyota Yaris Hybrid, I would recommend those cars too.

But based on what we’ve experienced so far, the new MG3 Hybrid would also make the consideration list.

Also consider:

Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Suzuki Swift Hybrid.