New MG3 Hybrid+ Has The ‘Feel Good’ Factor.
New MG3 Hybrid+ has the Feel-Good Factor.
The MG Motor brand is owned by SAIC Motor, a Chinese state-owned car manufacturer based in Shanghai. It is a continuation of the original MG marque, a British brand founded in the UK in 1924. The revitalised MG brand is one of the fastest-growing car brands in Europe, with a product range that now features self-charging hybrid technology, as well as fully-electric models. The new MG3 Hybrid+ represents a landmark in MG’s powertrain development, as the first pure hybrid model to be launched. It boasts a potent and efficient powertrain, seamlessly blending petrol and electric power. This combination delivers impressive fuel economy, minimising environmental impact while maximising ease of drivability.
3 Trim Levels.
Trim levels in the new MG3 Hybrid+ consist of entry-level Essence, mid-spec Excite and top-spec Exclusive variants. Key standard Essence equipment includes LED daytime-running lights, LED centre brake light, intelligent headlamp control, auto headlights, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, electric door mirrors, driver’s 6-way adjustable seat, passenger’s 4-way adjustable seat, auto air-conditioning, remote central locking, multi-function steering wheel, 3 driving modes (Eco, Sport & Normal), 3 energy-regeneration modes, front centre armrest with storage, a four-speaker audio system, DAB radio, a 7-inch driver display, a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen, satellite navigation with speed limit recognition, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. Mid-spec Excite trim also gets a rear wiper, heated & folding door mirrors, 16-inch “Atlas” alloy wheels, push-button start, rear air-con vents, and a six-speaker audio system, while range-topping Exclusive trim benefits from LED projector headlights, leather-style upholstery with cloth inserts, keyless entry, rear privacy glass, auto wipers, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera.
Contemporary Character.
The MG3 Hybrid’s exterior design exudes a sense of style and sophistication, reflecting the car’s contemporary character. Sharp lines, sculpted curves and bold design elements give the MG3 Hybrid+ a dynamic and sporty presence. The striking front end comprises a black wide-open grille and LED headlamps with integrated low and high beams, along with an eye-catching bumper that adds a healthy dose of visual drama when viewed head-on. The sporty look continues at the rear of the car, where the sharply-styled bumper blends perfectly with the clean design of the tailgate door and the distinctive taillight clusters, while swathes of sculpted lines and curves adorn the car’s side panels.
Feel-Good Cabin.
The MG3 Hybrid’s feel-good cabin boasts a sophisticated modular design that features smart technology, including the floating 10.25” colour touchscreen. Android Auto ™ and Apple CarPlay™ also come as standard, allowing occupants to navigate apps on their smartphone from the touchscreen display. The 7” floating digital cluster in front of the driver features an LCD screen that displays all the necessary driving data, including a digital speedometer, and the graphics are clear and easy to read on the go. Owners can connect to their MG from anywhere. After downloading the MG iSmart app, the system integrates car, internet and smartphone, giving drivers the power to operate key functions from both inside the car and remotely. The innovative iSmart connectivity system is designed to elevate the overall driving experience with a suite of smart services that deliver a whole new level of interaction with the car. The MG3 Hybrid+ can accommodate up to 5 occupants, and it also comes with a boot capacity of 293-litres behind the rear seats, but the seat backs can be folded down in order to accommodate bulky cargo or long loads.
MG Pilot Safety Features.
In terms of safety, all new MG3 Hybrid models come with MG Pilot as standard. Essentially, MG Pilot is a suite of innovative safety features that make the driving experience as smooth, safe and simple as possible. This includes everything from monitoring your speed to alerting you to potential safety hazards. Standard safety features across all trim levels include Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent High Beam Assist, Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist, with Blind Spot Detection, Door Open Warning, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert also standard on top-spec Exclusive trim.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a new MG3 Hybrid+ ‘Exclusive’, which was finished in Charcoal Grey metallic paintwork, with leather style upholstery with cloth inserts. The hybrid powerplant produces 194PS (192bhp) and 425Nm of torque, and this enables the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 8.0-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 170km/h (where permitted).The electric motor is powered by a Lithium Nickel Manganese battery with a capacity of 1.8kWh, and the powertrain performs with poise, precision and impressive refinement. Official fuel consumption for the MG3 Hybrid is rated at 4.4l/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle, which is not far off the figure of 4.9l/100km that I achieved on a mix of motorway and back road driving. The MG3 Hybrid+ can operate in no fewer than four operating modes. Firstly, it can run purely on its 192bhp electric motor at speeds of up to 56km/h, and it can this for longer than many other self-charging hybrids due to its considerably larger battery. Secondly, it can run as a series hybrid at speeds of up to 99km/h, meaning that the electric motor still does all the driving, but the 1.5-litre petrol engine fires up to work as a generator for charging the battery. Thirdly, it can run as a parallel hybrid under strong acceleration, which means that the engine and motor are both working to rotate the wheels, and finally, the engine can simultaneously drive the wheels and charge up the battery when you are cruising at a steady speed (such as on a motorway, for example). The car preforms with terrific agility at all times, and it steers with poise and precision, while also proving itself to be well capable of dealing with road imperfections with ease. Its predictable road manners make it a sensible run-around in urban settings, while on the open road, it remains relatively refined and well able to keep up with fast-moving motorway traffic. Its punchy petrol/electric powertrain always feels ready and willing to produce more power when called upon for safe overtaking, and the likes. The MG3 Hybrid+ offers drivers the joy of pure-electric driving with the assistance of petrol power. The car will seamlessly switch between modes for you to provide you with the best and most economical driving at all times.
Verdict, Price & Warranty
The new MG3 Hybrid is a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a stylish, fuel-efficient, and feature-rich hatchback. It delivers a responsive and engaging driving experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and powerful hybrid powertrain. Furthermore, its agile handling and brisk acceleration are admirable characteristics that are worth shouting about. Pricing for the new MG3 Hybrid starts at just €23,995 in Essence trim, with my top-spec test car providing outstanding value at just €27,995. The MG brand is so confident of the quality and reliability of the MG3 Hybrid+ that they give it a 7-year/150,000km warranty as standard, which is a great vote of confidence, in all fairness.
Visit www.mg.ie for further information.
