Remember the last MG3? Well, we wouldn’t blame you if you couldn’t. Despite being good to drive, spacious, and cheap to buy, its engine lacked puff, and because of its high emissions it was expensive to run as a fleet car.
Well, 11 years on, we’ve got a new MG3, which is longer and wider, offering more practicality, and now has MG’s Hybrid+ drivetrain, so improved efficiency is guaranteed.
Outside, the MG3 doesn’t follow the futuristic look of our current Business Car of the Year, the MG4 EV. It is styled more like a generic, conventional hatchback. Not unattractive, but it doesn’t stand out against rivals.
At the front, there are distinctive angular headlights (which are LED lit on our range-topping Trophy-spec test car), a large front grille, and sculpted front airdam. The side profile is probably the MG3’s most interesting angle, with lots of metal sculpting down the flanks, and a lower cut out. At the back, there’s the high-set rear window and rear light clusters.
Interior tech
It might not look like the MG4, but the MG3 borrows heavily from its technology and switchgear. The MG3’s interior design isn’t unattractive and feels contemporary and well-equipped – but you won’t be buying this car for its build quality, as the general interior trim and plastics are hard and disappointing. Our current Best Small Car, the Toyota Yaris, might be more expensive, but its interior feels far better assembled!
The MG3 gets the same 10.25in central infotainment screen, which works well-enough, with standard satellite navigation, Android and Apple integration – but again feels cheap in comparison to supermini rivals. The instruments are taken care of by the smaller 7in screen in front of the driver.
Below the main screen, there’s also a bar of key switches for key functions, plus a start/stop button. Elsewhere, the MG3 also benefits from the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), via the MG Pilot package, which includes lane keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and traffic jam assist.
The driving position is comfortable, and the seats reasonably supportive. Rear space is good, but taller passengers will find their heads brushing the roof, thanks to the curvy roofline. A 293-litre boot is comparable with other supermini rivals.
Under the bonnet
The MG3’s hybrid drivetrain is unusual, as its powerful 136hp electric motor does most of the work around town and at lower speeds, rather than supporting the 102hp 1.5-litre petrol engine. As a result, the MG3 feels like an EV when starting off, until motorway speeds. Where this package is less convincing, is in EV mode, where the MG3, feels very slow from the start. Use the accelerator and things don’t improve, and the drive gets snatchy – with some of the transitions between the electric motor and petrol engine not at all smooth.
MG is claiming a 194hp total output, with an 8.0 second 0-62 acceleration figure – but in reality, the MG3 never feels that fast, or as smooth as you might expect. It is not that remarkable to drive either, with oddly weighted steering, and although the tiny 16in alloy wheels grip well enough, there is some body roll. Still, at least those small rims equal a comfy ride.
The MG3 is impressively frugal. MG claims a 64.2mpg figure for the Trophy, and without even trying too hard, we achieved a 55mpg figure – which is commendable. We drove it on a variety of roads, but it seems most at home and most economical around town.
The new MG3 Hybrid+ will make much more of a mark than its predecessor, thanks to its efficiency and practicality, but rivals are more fun to drive and better made.
Positive: Keen pricing, well-equipped, modern look inside and out, impressively frugal.
Negative: Disappointing build quality, unremarkable to drive, adequate performance.
Standard equipment: 10.25in colour touchscreen, 7in Driver Display, air conditioning, six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connection, four USB ports, rear parking sensors and camera.
Engines: Petrol hybrid: 192hp 1.5
Equipment grades: SE, Trophy
Transmissions: Three-speed automatic
Model: MG3 1.5 Hybrid Trophy
P11D: £20,275
Residual value: 49%
Depreciation: £10,103
Fuel: £5,944
Service, maintenance, repair: £1,843
Cost per mile: 29.81p
Fuel consumption: 64.2 mpg
CO2 (BIK %): 100 g/km (25%)
BIK 20/40% a month: £84/£168
Luggage capacity: 293 litres
Engine size/power: 1,499cc/194hp
Score: 8/10
