What is it?
The all-new MG3 Hybrid+ is a 5-door supermini which, on first glance, looks like the perfect alternative to the much-loved and already-missed Ford Fiesta. It’s somewhat more advanced than the Fiesta though, being a full hybrid.
It has a larger battery than most rivals, giving it the ability to run on pure electric power for longer, as well as helping to provide it with (almost) as much power as the wonderful Fiesta ST. It can hit 62mph from a standing start in just 8 seconds which is quick compared to its main rivals, the Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio.
It’s more spacious than the outgoing model and boasts high levels of interior equipment, tech and safety features that are impressive for a car in this price bracket. Value is further enhanced with MG’s seven-year/80,000 miles warranty included as standard.
Miura or Minger? And how much?
New from the ground up, the MG3 has much better kerb-appeal than the outgoing model. The new corporate “face” suits the compact hatchback, looking sleeker and more aggressive with that wide open mouth beneath the LED headlights.
It looks smart from any angle with new-design alloys to choose from as well as some contemporary colour schemes including my two favourites, Battersea Blue and Dynamic Red.
Prices start from £18,495 on-the-road for the ‘SE’ with the only other spec being the one I’ve been testing, the ‘Trophy’ for £20,495 OTR.
Both models get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch driver display, MG Pilot (which includes adaptive cruise control, active emergency breaking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and forward collision warning). There is also sat nav with speed limit recognition, rear parking sensors, air con and a 6-speaker audio system.
Trophy spec adds a 360-degree camera with rear sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, faux-leather upholstery with cloth inserts, keyless entry, LED projector headlights and rear privacy glass.
Both have a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and electric motor paired with a 1.83kWh battery and 3-speed automatic transmission.
How Does it Drive?
Well, not at all badly. It feels quick in a straight line and overtaking is a confident affair, despite the auto gearbox only having the 3 gears.
The MG3 engages different combinations of power, involving electric, petrol and generator, which enables it to be driven in the following drive modes, each automatically selected by the Hybrid+ system:
EV – Running on electric-only power for as long as charge allows; Series – Engine runs through to the generator, which powers the electric motor for drive; Series and Charge – Series driving, plus topping-up the battery when under low-load; Drive and Charge – Engine drives the wheels, while also charging the battery through the generator; Parallel – Both engine and electric motor power the wheels
It’s all clever stuff that means the MG3 can get the most from running in EV mode only and you don’t really have to think about it.
You will notice the petrol engine kicking in though as it’s not very quiet. Also, the economy isn’t as good as you might hope. I found it’s real-world figures to be around 54 mpg which is a little disappointing for a full hybrid. The Toyota Yaris would manage a further 10mpg and the mild-hybrid Suzuki Swift easily manages high 60s.
The MG3 rides a little on the firm side but that’s the payoff for it being a decent handling car. You will notice the larger potholes though.
The brakes work well, but will take a little getting used to as they have a typical hybrid feel to them, meaning you don’t quite get the bite you’re expecting in the first half a second.
You get a choice of 3 drive modes – Eco, Standard and Sport and all do what you would expect; tweaking the throttle response and weighting up the steering a little in Sport mode.
It feels nimble enough for a daily-driver and the steering feel is decent. I dare say there will be many who will be pleasantly surprised by how sporty the MG3 feels. Shock, horror – a modern MG that actually feels sporty (other than the sport-focused Cyberster, of course).
What’s the Inside Story?
Better than first expected. The MG3’s interior feels modern, well laid out and well screwed together. There’s plenty of squishy materials used and the diamond stitched faux-leather upholstery looks the part.
A bonus at this price point is the dual-screen layout which features a 7-inch fully digital dash and a 10.25-inch central infotainment system. Both have clear, sharp graphics and the infotainment screen is responsive and easy to navigate, having decent-sized icons in all menus.
While there are some physical buttons below the main screen, for demising and audio control, you’ll need to poke at the screen to adjust the climate settings – which you can’t when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, for some reason. Which is a shame because the rest of the system works pretty well.
The heated front seats are supportive and comfy enough, while visibility is good except for the letter-box rear view, which although not unusual these days, is not ideal. Parking won’t be an issue though thanks to the standard fit camera.
Rear passengers get okay legroom. However, headroom is a little restricted. I imagine anyone over 6ft would have their head touching the roof lining unless they slouch a little.
A more unforgivable feature is the single-piece backrest. It is awkward to drop because you need to unlatch both sides at the same time. It’s also less versatile as a people/luggage carrier too, of course. I believe a 60/40 split option may become available soon though. Still, a bit of a mystery why it’s not just standard now . . .
Boot capacity is a decent 293 litres. However, the opening is a little restricted. With the rear-seat backrest dropped, there is a large lip to negotiate when pushing larger items forward.
Conclusion
The new MG3 is larger the outgoing one, but doesn’t feel any bigger inside. That isn’t to say it feels small. It doesn’t. It just doesn’t feel any airier. As a Fiesta alternative, it ticks all the right boxes, though.
A full hybrid powertrain in a car at this price bracket is impressive and the technology works well. The MG3 can be a relaxing car to drive when you want it to be. However, the noise levels at motorway speeds can be an issue. It could do with more sound insulation.
Overall, it’s a lot of car for the money. I can’t imagine any new buyers becoming disappointed with their new MG3. It’s decently nippy and handles well enough, provides plenty of safety tech and looks thoroughly modern inside.
Maybe not a game-changer for the MG small hatchback, but definitely a step in the right direction.
- AT A GLANCE:
- MG3 Hybrid+ Trophy
- OTR Price: £20,495
- Engine: Full hybrid
- Power (combined): 194 PS
- Transmission: 3-speed Automatic
- 0-62mph: 8.0 secs
- Top Speed: 106 mph
- Combined Economy: 64.2 mpg
- C02: 100 g/km
