Double Apex was invited to the South African ride-and-drive event of the all-new MG3, which took place in the Western Cape this week.
The MG brand made a return to the SA new-car market early this year. We reported on the introduction at this link. We also drove the first two SUVs on offer at the time of their launch. Now the brand expands its local line-up with the introduction of the MG3.
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New Ground
MG may be known to some, perhaps older, readers and car fans as the producer of small sportscars. The rejuvenated brand, under Chinese ownership, has broken ground in several, non-familiar segments. Included among them are the MG3. The newcomer is a small hatch in a similar mould to the VW Polo.
The MG3 has an interesting appearance. It has rakish lines, seen up front with slim headlamp units and no intake between the headlamps. The same sharp thematic is carried over into the flanks that have creases and defined swage lines. The bold appearance will help owners stand out from the masses, perhaps appealing to a younger buyer.
High (Perceived) Quality Interior
MG’s styling team were less adventurous with the interior treatment. However, the overall look and feel is quite premium. There are two trim levels available in SA: the entry level Comfort and Luxury. Only the higher-spec cars were available on the launch event which have quite a pleasant interior.
Soft-touch faux leather is used for the seat coverings as well as the squarish steering wheel and other key touch points. The facia houses, now almost standard, dual digital screens. An instrument cluster ahead of the driver is complemented by a touchscreen central infotainment screen.
MG SA offers the MG3 range with a host of standard features. These include keyless start, follow-me-home headlights, automatic air-conditioning, electric mirrors as well as windows and cruise control. Standard safety kit includes tyre pressure monitoring, traction control, VDC, Isofix anchors points, hill hold assist and Corner Brake Control. All of these are standard, regardless of which version you choose.
Two Powertrains and Two Transmissions
There are two engine options and two trim levels, which makes for a four-car range. See bottom of this post for a full breakdown and pricing. The first engine on offer is a 1,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit. It develops 81kW and 142 N.m of torque. You can have this engine with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). At the top of the range sits a hybrid version, referred to as HEV. This car is fitted with a similar petrol engine as its siblings. In addition it has an electric motor that lifts power to 155 kW with a healthy 425 N.m. There is only an automatic transmission offered in this variant.
On the Road
We had the opportunity to drive both powertrain options on the recent ride-and-drive event. As mentioned, the cars available were all of the high-spec variety. We were impressed at how quiet the cabin remains. Tyre roar, even over less than ideal surfaces, remains quite isolated. The handling feels well resolved as does the ride quality.
Non-hybrid versions feel as though the CVT saps power as the engine works quite hard to make decent progress. We’d have liked to drive a manual version as a comparison, which may prove the better combo. The hybrid variant fares a lot better, as expected, with near double the power output. It even returns fuel consumption figures that are quite close to its 4,3L/100 km claim. We registered 4,8 over a prolonged stretch, including a motorway stint, which is where hybrids aren’t at their best.
Summary
Automakers have, by and large, turned the back on the hatchback segment. Most have moved towards offering more models in the popular SUV/crossover segment. MG SA could be filling a void left by others. However, it will take some convincing to look away from the Polo that has become the go-to option in this segment. MG counters with keen pricing, and a hybrid option, which none of direct rivals do.
Comfort (man) R269 900
Comfort (CVT) R309 900
Luxury (CVT) R344 900
HEV R469 900
Prices include a seven-year/200 000 km warranty and three-year/45 000 km service plan.