MG Motors unveiled an all-new hybrid version of their MG3 model at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show. This new fuel-efficient hatchback aims to win over European buyers with its stylish design, premium interior, advanced safety tech, and powerful yet eco-friendly hybrid drivetrain.
The 2024 MG3 hybrid enters the fiercely competitive B-segment hatchback space dominated by models like the Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris. However, MG hopes to differentiate itself by being the only hybrid offering in this category.
2024 MG3 Hybrid Exterior Styling
MG has completely revamped the exterior styling of the 3rd-generation MG3 while retaining some signature design elements. The new MG3 hybrid sports a sharper and more aggressive front fascia with larger bumper intakes and sleek all-LED headlamps.
The side profile looks more elegant thanks to a longer wheelbase, sharper character lines, and newly designed 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, wrap-around LED tail lamps and a slimmer bumper give it a contemporary look.
The MG3 hybrid measures 4113mm in length, 1790mm in width, and 1502mm in height with a 2570mm long wheelbase. Customers can choose from 7 vivid colour options – Cosmic Silver, Pastel Yellow, Pebble Black, Dover White, Diamond Red, Hampstead Grey and Como Blue.
Spacious, High-Tech Cabin with Premium Touches
Step inside the cabin and you are greeted by a clean, clutter-free dashboard with a free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system offers smartphone connectivity, embedded navigation and a 6-speaker audio setup.
Below the screen are tactile buttons for critical functions like volume and fan speed. The 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel features metal-finish toggles and chrome highlights.
The seats are wrapped in leatherette and the interior trim uses soft-touch materials with contrast stitching for a more upmarket look. In terms of space, the rear seats offer decent legroom and headroom thanks to the extended wheelbase. Boot space is rated at 293 litres.
The MG3 also comes loaded with features like automatic climate control, keyless entry, heated front seats, auto headlamps, push-button start/stop, electric ORVMs, and cruise control.
2024 MG3 Hybrid Powertrain
The biggest change in the new MG3 is under the hood. Unlike the previous petrol-only models, MG has switched to a hybrid powertrain for better efficiency.
It combines a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine making 119 hp and 144 Nm of torque, with an electric motor rated at 83 hp and 166 Nm. The total system output stands at 192 hp, making this one of the most powerful cars in its segment.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a 3-speed automatic gearbox. MG claims a 0-100 kmph time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 170 kmph. For better efficiency, the car gets 5 different driving modes – EV, Series, Drive and Charge, Standard, and Parallel.
MG says the new hybrid setup allows the MG3 to deliver 27.2 km/l fuel efficiency, which is over 8.5 km/l more than the previous generation. It also helps bring down CO2 emissions to only 100 g/km.
Designed for European Markets
MG Motors has specifically developed and tuned the new MG3 hybrid to suit the preferences and driving conditions in Europe. The car was styled at MG’s design studio in Shanghai but engineered for European roads at their state-of-the-art facility in the UK.
The interior is also heavily localized with keyless entry, parking sensors, automatic wipers and headlamps offered as standard. Navigation comes with European maps pre-loaded.
Initially, the MG3 hybrid will be produced in China but the company plans to manufacture it at their upcoming plant in Germany from 2025 onwards. This will allow them to expand availability across Europe.
2024 MG3 Hybrid Pricing
MG aims to price the new MG3 hybrid very competitively against its petrol-powered rivals like the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa and Ford Fiesta. While exact pricing will be announced closer to launch, industry experts expect it to start from around £15,000 in the UK.
Considering the hybrid powertrain, stylish design, and premium interior, the MG3 seems poised to shake up the B-hatchback segment. MG has already proven itself in markets like the UK, Norway and the Netherlands. The new MG3 gives the 96-year-old British brand an excellent opportunity to crack other European countries as well.
What the MG CEO Says
Sharing his thoughts on the new model, MG’s CEO for Nordic and Benelux regions, Aiden He, said:
“With all the attributes to become a leader in its class, the all-new MG3 will offer customers a combination of efficiency and performance with MG’s exciting Hybrid+ powertrain. More refined, yet also bringing MG’s fun-to-drive philosophy to the market, the MG3 is excellently equipped, both with premium interior features and MG Pilot safety systems.”
The MG3 hybrid makes its official debut at the 2024 Geneva Auto Show, with sales across Europe expected to begin soon after. Given its green credentials, cutting-edge tech and compelling value proposition, the MG3 seems ready to stir up the compact hatchback space.
