Read Caroline’s MG3 Hybrid review for everything you need to know about buying MG’s new budget small car.
MG has added another hybrid to its range of cars and SUVs in Ireland. The new MG3 slots into the range below the popular MG4. It’s a Renault Clio-sized supermini with stylish good looks and a fuel efficient hybrid powertrain.
With sales of electric vehicles taking a hit in Ireland in 2024, there’s renewed interest in alternatives like hybrids that are cleaner than traditional petrol cars but don’t require charging.
The new MG3 goes up against superminis like the Opel Corsa and Volkswagen Polo, as well as other small hybrid cars like the Renault Clio Hybrid and the popular Toyota Yaris Hybrid.
It goes on sale from a very attractive €22,995, which undercuts key rivals quite considerably on price. But is it good enough?
Let’s take a closer look!
Design
Though it’s priced well in the market, the new MG3 doesn’t look budget and has a smart, compact presence. It’s a little softer in its design than the sportier MG4 – more like a classic supermini. Finished in Brilliant Blue, this car is a real looker. LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights come as standard across the range.
What are the different versions of the MG3?
While all versions come as a hybrid, there are three trim levels for the MG3 in Ireland: Essence, Excite and Exclusive. Top of the range Exclusive models add LED headlights and rear privacy glass. Excite and Exclusive models also come with a very attractive set of 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the MG3
It’s easy to feel comfortable behind the wheel of the MG3. It has a well-finished cabin considering the price and the plastics don’t feel cheap. Fabric seats come as standard, though Exclusive models have leather-style seats with cloth inserts for a more plush feel.
The MG steering wheel looks good and a digital driver display comes as standard. There’s plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat but the steering wheel only adjusts for rake, not reach.
All versions get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though disappointingly it’s wired not wireless. There are a few buttons underneath the screen to turn the air con on and off or adjust the volume of the radio.
Other standard features include automatic air conditioning, reversing camera and MG Pilot suite of safety and driver assistance features. The top of the range Exclusive model gets a 360-degree camera as well as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
Practicality
Passenger space is just about okay for a small car, though legroom in the back is on the tight side. Unusually, the rear seat back rest does not split fold and can only be let down in one entire piece.
How big is the boot of the MG3?
The boot is a respectable 293 litres so on par with rivals like the Clio and Yaris, but smaller than a Skoda Fabia.
Driving the MG3 Hybrid
On the road the MG3 feels swift and responsive for a small car. It’s surprisingly powerful with a total of 194hp, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in just 8 seconds. Acceleration is also very smooth through the three-speed automatic transmission and the engine never gets too noisy like in some hybrids.
There are driving modes – Eco, Standard and Sport – and regenerative braking with the option to adjust the strength of it from a menu in the touchscreen.
The MG3 doesn’t feel quite as sharp to drive as rivals when the roads get a bit twistier, but at a reasonable pace it’s well capable. It’s at its best in town and does well on tight country roads too, where the compact dimensions make it easy to get around.
Out on the motorway, it has no problem keeping up with traffic but there is more road noise, which is common among small cars. It’s generally comfortable by small car standards but the rear suspension can thud over imperfections in the road surface.
Is the MG3 fuel efficient?
The answer is yes! The MG3 Hybrid has a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a small 1.83kWh battery on board that allows the car at times to run on electric power only, boosting efficiency when driving around town. The official consumption figure is as low as 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres. In my test drive, my consumption averaged between about 4.5 and 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
How much does it cost?
The MG3 is very well-priced for the Irish market at a time when even small cars have become pricier to buy. The range starts at €22,995 for the Essence, from €24,745 for the Excite and from €26,745 for the Excellence.
Verdict
MG in Ireland has really hit its stride with strong sales of the popular MG4, but the new MG3 is just as convincing for buyers who feel more comfortable driving a hybrid car without the need for charging.
It looks good and is well-appointed inside for its price. It’s also packed with equipment. Rear seating space and a modest boot may limit its appeal as a small family car but if it does work for you, it’s a charming little car overall.
At a time when small cars have become very expensive, the MG3 manages to offer great value and is definitely worth a look if you’re looking for a small hybrid car.
Pros: Lively hybrid, efficiency, better priced than rivals, well-equipped.
Cons: Not so much fun to drive, rear passenger space.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The post MG3 Hybrid Review (2024) | Good car at a great price appeared first on Changing Lanes.