This is the all-new MG3. It's the brand's latest small car for the European market, and comes exclusively fitted with hybrid power.
Its predecessor failed to make waves in the market thanks to its lacklustre engine, forgettable driving experience and mediocre build quality. Nevertheless, it still earned a few sales thanks to its very competitive pricing.
The new model weighs in with better engine technology among a raft of other improvements, so is this now a serious rival to the likes of the Suzuki Swift and Dacia Sandero?
2024 MG3 styling
Compared to the somewhat generic styling of its predecessor, the new MG3 has an overall much more dramatic look. There's a drooping bonnet line that meets in a 'snout' above the wide, gurning grille to define the front-end styling. Either side, you'll find sharp headlights giving the MG3 an angry look that's reminiscent of the Cupra Born.
Down the side, you'll spot a fairly generic-looking roofline above some deep 'coke-bottle'-style sculpting down its flanks. This serves to give the MG3 a more dynamic profile than its predecessor, but it still lacks the visual drama necessary to truly stand out for its styling. At the back, there are few surprises save for the fact this angle bears an uncanny resemblance to a Mazda 2.
2024 MG3 interior
MG has thoroughly overhauled the MG3's interior for this new generation – a wise move as the old car's cabin was pretty naff. Quite a lot of the switchgear is either shared or similar to that found in the MG4 electric hatchback, including the rotary gear selector, steering wheel and infotainment system.
All MG3s will include a seven-inch driver's screen and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. Sat nav is included as standard alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which should cover all your connectivity needs.
The company says it's swollen the MG3's dimensions to free up more cabin space. Accommodation wasn't exactly poor in its predecessor, but we anticipate the new MG3 will be one of the more practical choices in its class. It's also claimed to have the largest boot among B-segment hybrid hatchbacks, which means its should outstrip the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris.
2024 MG3 hybrid engines and performance
There'll be just one engine choice for the new MG3 – a 1.5-litre petrol with a full-hybrid setup. That means it can crawl through traffic at low speeds on electric power alone and doesn't need to be plugged in to charge up – suiting the urban buyers who're likely to shop the MG3.
Between the engine and electric motor, the new car makes a total of 192hp. That's a very healthy figure for this segment and should make it faster than key rivals the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris. The 0-62mph benchmark is completed in eight seconds flat – more than a second up on the Japanese hybrid pair.
Of course, the point of a hybrid setup isn't performance but to save fuel and emissions. MG claims the new MG3 will average around 64mpg, while emitting around 100g/km of CO2 – again, competitive figures for this segment.
2024 MG3 price and specs
With more tech both under the bonnet and in the cabin, the new MG3 is likely to be more expensive than its predecessor. That's a potential risk because low prices was one of the old car's key selling points. Assuming MG is still planning to undercut its direct rivals, it could be targeting a starting price a little less than £20,000.
Like the rest of the company's UK lineup, there'll just be two trim levels – both with generous equipment levels. As standard, SE trim includes the full infotainment setup with built-in sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with air conditioning, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Trophy trim gains faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and a 360º parking camera.
2024 MG3 release date
Full UK pricing will be revealed in March 2024, with the MG3 going on sale not too long after that.
That means we expect the first nearly new examples to arrive at Motorpoint at some point in 2025, with a healthy discount over their brand-new prices.
Say 'hi' to a hybrid hatch
Motorpoint has a huge selection of nearly new and used cars for sale, including an enormous choice of hybrid cars.
