2025 MG 3 Essence Hybrid+ review

Toyota is no longer alone in the world of affordable hybrid hatches.

For years the Japanese manufacturer boasted hybrid power as a USP of its Yaris and Corolla nameplates, but that all changed last year with the introduction of three new rivals in Australia – the mild-hybrid Hyundai i30 N Line, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid and this, the new MG 3 Hybrid+.

Electrification is well and truly in vogue, and MG has gone the whole hog by offering the second-generation of its entry-level hatchback with a full-fat hybrid system rather than mild-hybrid tech. It’s a punchy little powertrain too, producing a combined 155kW.

Then there’s the price – the flagship Essence Hybrid+ on test here still comes in comfortably cheaper than a mid-spec Yaris. What’s not to love, right?

Well, potential buyers are still likely to be put off by the new price point of the MG 3, considering the previous model was a sub-$20k proposition. Likewise, many will recall the countless unfavourable reviews aimed at the old car.

WATCH: Paul’s video review of the 2024 MG 3 Essence Hybrid+

So, has MG done enough with the new top-spec MG 3 to earn the trust and hard-earned cash of Australian new car buyers?

Read on to find out…

How much does the MG 3 cost?

The flagship MG 3 Essence Hybrid+ sneaks in just under $30,000 before on-road costs – making it $1970 cheaper than a mid-spec Yaris Hybrid but dearer than other rivals including the Swift Hybrid, Mazda 2, and the base Volkswagen Polo.

Worth noting is MG recently slashed pricing of the base MG 3 Excite, now priced from $21,888 drive-away until the end of March 2025. Previously, it was listed for $24,990 drive-away.

To see how the MG 3 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What is the MG 3 like on the inside?

The MG 3 is now a $30k light car in Essence guise, and we wouldn’t necessarily say it feels like one inside.

I’m well aware that $29,990 before on-road costs isn’t a lot of money by modern new car standards, but the materials used here feel particularly cheap.

The door cards, centre tunnel, and dash top are all finished in scratchy black plastic, while the silver plastic gear selector is a flimsy, rattly item that feels a bit low-quality.

Toggles on the steering wheel, another common interior touchpoint, are likewise unsubstantial. Gloss black plastic is notorious for wearing poorly, yet MG has chosen to trim the shifter surround and steering wheel buttons in the stuff.

It’s a shame as there’s plenty to like about the design of the wheel, and indeed the rest of the interior. Like other MG models, the MG 3 features a leatherette two-spoke steering wheel that sits nicely in the hands. The bottom centre marker looks cool, too.

Other high-traffic areas including the armrests and seats are finished in black leatherette with brown stitching.

The aforementioned seats present in a mix of leatherette and cloth, with manual adjustment and no special features to note. Both front chairs lack sculpting, but they’re well-cushioned and comfortable on long road trips.

While the materials in the new MG 3 Hybrid+ aren’t likely to wow potential buyers, the interior tech has plenty of showroom appeal.

All variants – both petrol and hybrid – feature a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital instrument display, both of which are slick and functional.

The rectangular infotainment screen boots up quickly revealing sharp graphics and a choice of two simple layouts – large tiles or a smartphone-style app grid.

Both setups are easy to navigate, but I preferred the default tiled layout with direct access to Apple CarPlay, climate control, navigation, and native audio. Various shortcut icons are permanently located on the right-hand side of the screen for quicker access.

Wireless smartphone mirroring isn’t available in the new MG 3, but there’s a USB-A outlet to connect your phone, as well as USB-C and 12V outlets under the centre stack for charging. The wired connection was reliable throughout our test period, offsetting the lack of wireless connectivity.

Just about all functions in the MG 3 are focused within the responsive touchscreen, with a small strip of physical buttons allocated to volume controls and demister functions, as well as a shortcut to the home screen.

It’d be nice to have a traditional climate control panel, as the climate menu is hassle to access while using smartphone mirroring. Steering wheel toggles for the instrument display and MG Pilot system can also be fiddly to operate on the move too, but I’ve definitely experienced worse.

The small instrument cluster screen is a simple item that provides all the necessary information in an easily digestible way.

There’s a decent amount of storage space available up front; from a configurable centre console to a wide glovebox and narrow door bins. Two large central cupholders will swallow just about any takeaway coffee, or a pair of large drink bottles.

While the front row is roomy, the second row is tight on space which is no surprise for a car of this size. Leg room and head room are limited, although the seats themselves are relatively comfy and toe room is plentiful.

A couple of average-sized adults can squeeze in for short trips, but the back seats should be treated as a kids zone or storage shelf. That’s especially true of the middle seat, which is best saved for emergencies.

Small windows and dark headlining make the second row feel even more cramped than it is, despite the presence of the sunroof up front.

While space is limited, the MG 3 still offers some handy second row amenities including a single USB-A outlet and dual air vents, plus storage in the form of map pockets and tight door bins. No centre armrest or cupholders though – a disappointing omission.

The MG 3 makes up for its lack of rear legroom with 293 litres of boot capacity – more than the Suzuki Swift Hybrid (265L), Toyota Yaris Hybrid (270L), and Mazda 2 (250L).

Volkswagen’s Polo (351L) and the BYD Dolphin (345L) lead the way, but the MG 3 still offers a deep storage area, albeit with a steep load lip.

There’s a chunky step up to the bench storage area too, which makes it harder to load bulky items. The bench itself folds as a single piece.

Other features of the boot include a tyre repair kit – no spare here – and a trio of top-tether points for securing child seats.

To see how the MG 3 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Hybrid tech is the headline update for the new MG 3 range, increasing power output to 155kW on Hybrid+ models. The hybrid powertrain in the MG 3 packs more punch than the Toyota Yaris Hybrid and mild-hybrid Suzuki Swift Hybrid, but both rivals are more fuel efficient.

To see how the MG 3 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

How does the MG 3 drive?

The new MG 3 Hybrid+ offers a unique set of driving characteristics compared to its peers, setting it apart from the competition.

The hybrid system doesn’t feel like an afterthought or a marketing gimmick. Rather, it brings a new level of refinement to the segment – a trait that hasn’t traditionally been associated with the carmaker Down Under.

On pressing the start/stop button you’re greeted by… peaceful silence. Hybrid versions of the MG 3 happily complete low-speed suburban trips in EV mode, zipping around without a sound.

It’s a relaxing way to get around town, and your wallet will thank you. We didn’t quite match MG’s fuel consumption claim, but 5.7L/100km in the real world is still better than just about any petrol-only competitor.

Electric power has turned the MG 3 into a nippy little thing, too, with instantaneous throttle response and plenty of torque – plenty of fun in even the least conducive driving situations.

The throttle and brake pedals have a nice weight to them, and the MG 3 changes direction with conviction when steered via an ergonomic squared-off wheel.

The petrol engine kicks in under hard acceleration and at higher speeds, and the transition between EV and hybrid driving is seamless.

MG says the hybrid will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.0 seconds and I don’t doubt that claim – it feels genuinely quick both off the line and in terms of ‘in-gear’ acceleration.

A three-speed automatic transmission cycles through the gears with CVT-like smoothness.

In hindsight it’s surprising how well-sorted the MG 3 Hybrid+ feels on the road, having had a vastly worse experience behind the wheel of a new MG ZS with the same powertrain.

The ZS seemed confused by its lack of ratios, easily becoming ‘stuck’ at 3000-4000rpm during everyday driving. That wasn’t the case in the MG 3, which leaned on electric power when possible and shifted confidently under the load of the petrol engine.

While the hybrid powertrain passes with flying colours, ride comfort in the new MG 3 is just average. It’s hardly an achilles heel, but you feel imperfections in the road and the car has a tendency to bounce over speed humps and potholes. Not that many vehicles in the small car segment are going to ride like a Rolls-Royce, though.

The small dimensions of the MG 3 are a blessing when it comes to parking, and the Essence Hybrid+ is equipped with a solid 360-degree camera make life that little bit easier.

All in all, the new MG 3 Hybrid+ does a fantastic job as an entry-level city car, and it doesn’t fall apart when you hit the highway, either.

As you’d expect, 155kW comes in handy when merging and overtaking at speeds exceeding 80km/h. Manoeuvres that you wouldn’t dare considered in the underpowered Swift Hybrid are easily completed in the MG 3 Hybrid+ – a win for safety and the driving experience alike.

Once up to speed, the MG Pilot semi-autonomous driving system comes into its own. While many rivals make do with basic adaptive cruise control, MG Pilot will also take steering duties off your hands.

It’s one thing to offer such tech, but another thing entirely for it to function as intended. And after a week of highway commuting, I can safely say that MG Pilot is an excellent system for a vehicle at this price point.

I quickly trusted the MG 3 to maintain consistent speed and lane positioning in a smooth manner, although it sometimes feels like you’re rocking back and forth a little while cruising at triple figure speeds.

The cabin also remains relatively quiet when touring cross country –  we encountered no issues with excessive road or wind noise throughout our test.

Like many new cars on our roads, the advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) are overly sensitive in their default settings, although the warning chimes emitted by the speakers aren’t too loud or annoying.

Configurable ADAS settings can be found within the infotainment menus, enabling owners to set the car up to their liking.

To see how the MG 3 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What do you get?

The MG 3 range is split into base-model Excite and top-spec Essence grades, with a few minor differences between the petrol and hybrid versions.

2025 MG 3 Excite equipment highlights:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare wheel
• Halogen headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Automatic headlights
• Rear fog light
• Push-button start
• Electronic parking brake
• Auto hold
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
• 6-way manual driver’s seat adjustment
• 4-way manual passenger’s seat adjustment
• Tilt steering wheel adjustment
• Air-conditioning with rear vents

MG 3 Excite Hybrid+ adds:

• Tyre repair kit (in lieu of spare tyre)
• Auto climate control
• Dial type gear selector
• Drive modes
• Pedestrian warning sound – external speaker

MG 3 Essence adds (over Excite):

• Projector LED headlights
• Keyless entry
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Sunroof
• Leatherette and cloth trim
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Sunglass compartment
• Rear map pockets
• Satellite navigation
• DAB digital radio
• Connected mobile services (iSmart compatibility)

To see how the MG 3 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

Is the MG 3 safe?

The new MG 3 wears a three-star ANCAP safety rating, based on tests conducted in 2024.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 6 airbags
  • Dual front
  • Dual front-side
  • Dual side curtain
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Intelligent cruise assist
  • Traffic jam assist
  • Steering, acceleration, braking assistance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Intelligent speed assist 
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring

To see how the MG 3 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

How much does the MG 3 cost to run?

MG Australia offers an industry-leading, unconditional 10-year/250,000km warranty for its model range, including the MG 3.

To see how the MG 3 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the MG 3

The new MG 3 is a massive step up over the old model, but it ought to be given the price premium you’re now expected to pay.

At $30,000 before on-road costs, the flagship Essence is playing in a new ballpark, and to MG’s credit it hasn’t brought a lemon to a knife fight.

With the hybrid powertrain, the new MG 3 is far more sophisticated on the road than rivals lacking any form of electrification. It’s quiet at city speeds, with oodles of silent torque to make swift progress.

When the petrol engine kicks in the Essence remains quiet and composed, unfazed by busy highways.

On top of a thoroughly improved powertrain, you also get a solid suite of tech and a market-leading 10-year, 250,000km warranty.

However, the interior still feels very cheap, there are question marks over safety, and the lack of wireless smartphone mirroring will be noted by younger buyers who are more likely to be in the market for an affordable small car.

And it’s impossible to ignore that inflated price tag. You can really shop around with a $30-35k budget, from familiar rivals to left of centre options such as the Volkswagen Polo and upcoming BYD Dolphin Essential.

For its fully electric powertrain, I’d be seriously considering the Dolphin, while the Toyota Yaris is king from both a build quality and depreciation perspective.

If neither tickle your fancy, the MG 3 is a decent little package. The Essence is definitely the pick of the hybrid variants, with extra equipment that easily justifies the $2000 premium over the standard Hybrid+.

Interested in buying an MG 3? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

Click the images for the full gallery

MORE: Everything MG 3