The brand new-generation MG 3 has launched petrol-electric hybrid tech, and I used to be fairly impressed by the MG 3 Hybrid+ Essence I reviewed not too long ago.
However if you wish to save a bit of cash – $4000, in reality – you may truly be higher off going for the usual petrol variations of the MG 3.
There are nonetheless two fashions to select from, and whereas they’re significantly pricier than the prevailing MG 3, it’s new from the ground-up together with the engine, design, tech, and extra.
I drove the 2024 MG 3 Essence for per week – right here’s what I believed.
How does the MG3 examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the MG3 towards equally sized autos.
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MG3
How a lot does the MG 3 value?
As talked about earlier, there are 4 choices within the new MG 3 vary in Australia.
| Mannequin Variant | $RRP |
|---|---|
| 2024 MG 3 Excite | $23,990 |
| 2024 MG 3 Essence | $25,990 |
| 2024 MG 3 Hybrid+ Excite | $27,990 |
| 2024 MG 3 Hybrid+ Essence | $29,990 |
Costs exclude on-road prices
To see how the MG 3 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
What’s the MG 3 like on the within?
I stated in my earlier assessment the advance to the inside is huge, and I stand by it after spending one other week in one in all these automobiles.
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Hybrid+ Essence proven
The digital screens – a ten.25-inch unit for multimedia, and a 7.0-inch display screen for the motive force information show – look good and add a heap of wow issue to the cabin.
The infotainment display screen has an array of buttons under for some fast controls – i.e. quantity up/down, a house key, A/C on/off, entrance and rear demister buttons, and a fan-speed button – however you continue to don’t get a temperature or fan toggle. These incremental changes nonetheless have to be made via the display screen.
The menus take some studying, together with the MG Pilot security tech display screen which you may wish to familiarize yourself with. Extra on that once we get to the drive expertise.
As you’ll anticipate, there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, however disappointingly it’s nonetheless a wired setup and there’s additionally no wi-fi telephone charger, both. Satellite tv for pc navigation is customary, nevertheless. I feel these priorities may need been the flawed manner round…
For my part the steering wheel feels too large for the dimensions of the automotive and the inside area, and the controls on the steering wheel are gloss black plastic, and so they appeal to fingerprints and smudges.
These controls are a bit tough, too – the steering wheel icon is the cruise management button, and you have to hit the little ‘pages’ icon on the suitable facet to dive into the motive force information display screen utilizing the arrow set off, in any other case you may be skipping songs or turning up/down the quantity.
However you possibly can modify different parts with these buttons too, such because the fan velocity and temperature for the A/C. So, perhaps that’s the justification for not having these buttons?
Nevertheless, in case you have Apple CarPlay related (and presumably Android Auto) that shortcut system doesn’t work, and through my testing the fan management button didn’t work when smartphone mirroring was energetic both. A software program glitch that may be ironed out, perhaps – however it’s annoying.
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Hybrid+ Essence proven -
Petrol fashions get a standard gear selector as an alternative of the rotary dial that’s discovered within the hybrid, and you continue to get a pair of cupholders, a sliding tray part that hides one other spot for free objects between the entrance seats.
There’s a snug centre armrest and bottle holders within the doorways as nicely. However the plastics are all on the onerous and glossy facet, that means issues can transfer round and rattle about.
The seats provide good consolation and respectable adjustability for individuals of various styles and sizes, however there’s a onerous edge to the plastic {surround} close to the cushion, which could result in a bum bruise or two. You get tilt modify for the steering column, however annoyingly, it doesn’t have attain.
My take a look at automotive featured black trim, which isn’t fairly as visually interesting because the lighter trim within the hybrid take a look at automotive I had, however there’s nonetheless a mixture of faux leather-based and material which is good sufficient, and I just like the crosshatch design finishes on the sprint, that are paying homage to the final model.
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Hybrid+ Essence proven
One omission I can’t cop is the shortage of an auto-dimming rearview mirror – annoying for these drive lots at evening!
However there’s a USB-A port within the mirror housing for a cleanly put in sprint cam. That’s along with USB-A and USB-C ports under the infotainment display screen for charging and connectivity.
Select the Essence grade and also you get a small opening sunroof – which definitely makes the cabin really feel a bit extra ethereal, because the black end inside features a very darkish headlining.
Again seat area is excellent for a automotive of this dimension – my 182cm/6’0” body was in a position to slide in behind my very own driving place with respectable knee and toe room. Headroom can be good, however taller peeps may want to observe their noggin getting out and in.
Three small adults throughout the again is a risk, however three youngster seats may be a stretch. My three-year-old daughter’s forward-facing youngster seat was in a position to slot in with sufficient room for her to swing her legs a bit, and nonetheless match an grownup within the seat forward. And sure, there are outboard ISOFIX factors and top-tethers for all three rear seats.
Pretty to see there are directional air vents within the again too, a USB-A port for charging units, in addition to map pockets and bottle holders within the doorways; however no centre armrest.
The boot has been upsized in comparison with the final mannequin, with 293 litres of cargo capability with the seats up. There’s a lamp and procuring bag hook within the boot, too.
And, in a plus for individuals who worth a spare, there’s a space-saver below the ground of the petrol fashions – not the case for the hybrids, which make do with a tyre restore package.
| Dimensions | MG 3 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4113mm |
| Width | 1797mm |
| Top | 1502mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570mm |
| Boot area – seats up | 293L |
| Boot area – second row folded | 983L |
| Kerb weight | 1199kg – MG 3 1308kg – Hybrid+ |
| Most towing capability | 500kg |
To see how the MG 3 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
What’s below the bonnet?
Petrol variations of the MG 3 characteristic a brand new 1.5-litre petrol engine driving the entrance wheels.
| Technical Specs | MG 3 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre 4cyl petrol |
| Engine energy | 81kW – 6000rpm |
| Engine torque | 142Nm – 4500rpm |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Gasoline consumption – declare | 6.0L/100km |
| Gasoline sort | 91 RON |
| Gasoline tank | 45 litres |
| CO2 emissions – declare | 139g/km |
It’s not a carryover unit, regardless of the identical capability and comparable outputs, in accordance with MG. There’s a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT), which replaces the previous four-speed auto.
Gasoline consumption has dropped as the brand new engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, and the official mixed cycle determine is 6.0 litres per 100km (beforehand 6.7L/100km).
On take a look at I didn’t fairly see that good of a quantity. My common throughout a few hundred kays of blended driving, together with freeway, open highway in addition to city visitors jams, I noticed 7.9L/100km. I used to be not impressed by that.
At the least it now not wants 95 RON premium unleaded just like the outgoing automotive model. That stated, whereas the MG 3 petrol can run on 91 RON the Hybrid+ retains the requirement for premium gas.
To see how the MG 3 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
How does the MG 3 drive?
The brand new MG 3 is an enormous enchancment in broad phrases, and the petrol mannequin is a fairly respectable proposition, if not as distinctive because the hybrid.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine is hardly a firecracker, and there will probably be some consumers on the market that received’t like the actual fact it has shifted to a CVT automated as an alternative of a standard torque converter gearbox.
However the actuality is the CVT used right here is definitely fairly good, with a comparatively hushed nature to it – one of many most important arguments towards CVTs is that they are often droney and noisy, and whereas there’s a few of that ‘elasticity’ to the way in which the automotive accelerates at occasions,
It’s not as zippy because the hybrid, however it will get together with an honest degree of urgency, responding nicely to sudden stabs of the accelerator while you’re already at tempo. At a standstill or in slower transferring conditions, there’s a bit extra play to the acceleration, and it’s not fairly as thrusty. The CVT has eight ‘shift’ factors so it by no means will get too raucous.
But in addition value noting is a bit little bit of lag while you’re parking – in the event you’re doing a reverse-parallel transfer, as an example, you may discover that there’s a minor hesitation in the event you rapidly shift between R and D (or D and R), that means you may really feel such as you’re driving in your tippy-toes a bit.
The braking is a little more surefooted although, with an honest response to the pedal. It definitely has a tad extra confidence within the controllability of the pedal than the hybrid, which has extra of an ‘ethereal’ high quality to the highest of the pedal journey.
The very fact the brand new MG 3 has an extended wheelbase and a wider observe makes it really feel extra planted on the highway floor, and it rides with extra consolation and higher management than the final mannequin, too.
It’s not probably the most supple suspension for a small automotive, however it does have a certainty to it in the case of dealing with lumps and bumps at velocity or in city driving. Sharp edges can upset progress a bit, however it’s way more mature to drive than the final MG 3.
The steering is let down most by a wheel that’s too massive for the dimensions of the automotive, on this reviewer’s opinion.
It takes away that feeling of nimbleness you may anticipate in a tiny little automotive like this, although the steering motion remains to be predictable and it’s easy sufficient to park. It simply seems like it’s important to manhandle the automotive a bit an excessive amount of for one thing so urban-focused.
The protection methods are a ‘prefer it or lump it’ choice. I didn’t just like the emergency lane hold system, which I switched off for many drives as a result of it may be a bit pushy and it additionally dulls the texture on-centre at freeway tempo.
The speed-sign recognition system can be irritating, although not as unhealthy as another extra incessant beepy tech (taking a look at you, Hyundai and Kia).
Past that, the digital camera system that reads velocity indicators appears to assume 110km/h, as is widespread on freeways round Sydney, is definitely 70km/h. A couple of different manufacturers have this situation (Mazda, for instance), and it’s annoying.
There may be some highway noise to take care of at freeway tempo as nicely, so for commuters hitting the open highway usually that could possibly be a consideration.
However once more, extra broadly, it’s a considerably extra pleasurable automotive than the mannequin it replaces.
What do you get?
The MG 3 vary is cut up into base-model Excite and top-spec Essence grades, with a couple of minor variations between the petrol and hybrid variations.
MG 3 Excite customary gear:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Area-saver spare wheel
- Halogen headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Auto headlights
- Rear fog mild
- Push-button begin
- Six-way guide driver’s seat adjustment
- 4-way guide passenger’s seat adjustment
- Reversing digital camera
- Rear parking sensors
- MG Pilot ADAS suite – particulars in security part under
MG 3 Hybrid+ provides:
- No spare wheel – tyre restore package
- Auto local weather management
- Dial sort gear selector
- Drive modes
- Pedestrian warning sound – exterior speaker
MG 3 Essence provides (over Excite):
- Projector LED headlights
- Keyless entry system
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Sunroof
- Pretend leather-based and material trim
- Leather-based steering wheel
- Sunglass compartment
- Rear map pockets
- Entrance centre armrest
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB digital radio
- Related cellular providers (iSmart compatibility)
- 360 diploma surround-view digital camera system
Is the MG 3 protected?
The brand new-generation MG 3 is a really completely different machine to its predecessor in the case of security tech.
The final one didn’t have any energetic security gear, however this one is comprehensively geared up with an array of superior security options. Nevertheless, remember that on the time of publication, this stays unrated by Euro NCAP or ANCAP.
Normal security options embrace:
- 6 airbags
- Twin entrance
- Twin front-side
- Twin facet curtain
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane hold help
- Emergency lane hold help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Clever cruise help
- Site visitors jam help
- Steering, acceleration, braking help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Clever velocity help
- Reversing digital camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Tyre stress monitoring
Essence fashions add:
Hybrid fashions add:
- Pedestrian warning system – exterior
How a lot does the MG 3 value to run?
MG presents a seven-year, limitless kilometre guarantee for its vary in Australia, and there’s a seven-year roadside help plan included too.
2024 MG 3 service pricing:
| Service Interval | MG 3 | MG 3 Hybrid+ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yr, 10,000km | $234 | $235 |
| 2 years, 20,000km | $323 | $349 |
| 3 years, 30,000km | $352 | $341 |
| 4 years, 40,000km | $536 | $628 |
| 5 years, 50,000km | $409 | $492 |
CarExpert’s Tackle the MG 3
The MG 3 petrol isn’t practically as environment friendly as the brand new Hybrid+, however for individuals who can’t spend the additional $4000 or are pleased with the extra acquainted petrol powertrain, it may nonetheless be a strong small automotive alternative.
The enhancements to tech and security gear have made this a extra full metropolis automotive than it ever was.
And whereas a few of these driver help methods could annoy some consumers, there’s lots to love about this little automotive even when it doesn’t have as little a worth this time round.
Click on the pictures for the total gallery
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