MG Motor has launched the all-new third-generation version of its MG3 hatch, introducing a new hybrid variant along with a raft of styling, technical and features enhancements.
The MG3 lays claim to being Australia’s best-selling small car, with the redesign and new hybrid variant expected to kick sales up another gear.
The MG3 was also one of the last small cars of its type to have sub-$20,000 pricing, so it will be interesting to see if the Chinese car maker can maintain its sales momentum with pricing that now starts from a considerably higher $23,990 and rises all the way to $29,990 for the top-of-the-line hybrid model.
The new model has been completely redesigned and features a new platform, new interior and exterior design, plus improvements to performance and fuel economy.
It’s available in four model grades, comprising two petrol and two petrol-hybrid variants.
The new range starts with the MG3 1.5-litre Excite costing $23,990 (MRLP), followed by the MG3 1.5-litre Essence priced at $25,990 (MRLP).
The same model designations apply to the hybrid variants, with the MG3 Hybrid+ Excite costing $27,990 (MRLP) and the MG3 Hybrid+ Essence costing $29,990 (MRLP).
The new pricing represents a solid jump on the outgoing model, which most recently was available from $18,990 to $19,990 (driveaway), depending on the variant.
That model achieved 43.3% share of its segment in 2023, recording total sales of 15,430 last year.
At the heart of the new model changes is a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine which MG claims delivers combined-cycle fuel consumption of 4.3/100km and CO2 emissions of 100g/km.
This compares with Toyota’s five-door 1.5-litre Yaris Hybrid, which is priced from $28,500 and boasts superior combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.3L/100km.
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The four-cylinder 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine requires 95RON unleaded and produces 75kW/128Nm, which combined with the 100kW electric motor and 1.83kWh battery delivers combined outputs of 155kW.
Acceleration from 0–100km/h is a spritely eight seconds.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine, meanwhile, delivers outputs of 81kW/142Nm, driving its front wheels via a CVT transmission to deliver combined-cycle fuel efficiency of 6.0L/100km and 139gC02/km.
Standard features of the entry-level MG3 Excite include halogen headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Stepping up to the MG3 Essence adds additional standard features like a sunroof, LED headlights, 360-degree camera and ability to remotely turn on and off the air conditioner or heater using the MG iSmart phone app.
Inside the cockpit is a 10.25-inch infotainment display as standard, while safety enhancements include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot detection.
Other standard safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Lane Keep Assist (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
The MG3 range is covered by a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and MG Precise Price (fixed price) servicing, which costs $234 and $235 for the first 10,000km service of the petrol and hybrid variants respectively.
The combined total for the first five services up to 50,000km is $1,854 for the petrol or $2,045 for the hybrid.