NEW MG3 review – the CHEAPEST and BEST hybrid? | What Car?

Summary

The new MG3 is the most affordable full hybrid on the market, offering decent features for its price point, including a 7-inch driver display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite some hard, cheap-feeling plastics, the interior is fairly modern and functional. The car provides respectable rear seat space and a 298L boot, though not as spacious as some rivals. The hybrid system combines a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor for quick acceleration but is less refined at higher speeds. The MG3's three-speed automatic gearbox operates similarly to a CVT, and it offers a 7-year warranty. Priced significantly lower than competitors like the Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris, the MG3 is a compelling option for budget-conscious hybrid buyers.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The new MG3 is the most affordable full hybrid car on the market, continuing MG's trend of offering cost-effective vehicles.
• 📉 Despite being a budget option, the MG3 comes with modern features like a 7-inch driver display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• 🔋 The hybrid system combines a 101 brake horsepower 1.5L petrol engine with a 107 brake horsepower electric motor and a 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery.
• ⚡ The car's acceleration is impressive for its class, achieving 0-62 mph in 8 seconds, which is quicker than its competitors like the Renault Cleo.
• 🛠 The interior uses hard, cheap-feeling plastic, but the layout is practical with decent storage solutions and a modern look.
• 💺 The rear seats offer respectable legroom and headroom for a small car, though the middle seat is raised and less comfortable.
• 🧳 The boot space is not particularly large, with 298 liters, and lacks the flexibility of competitors like the Renault Cleo in terms of rear seat folding.
• 🌟 The MG3's three-speed automatic gearbox operates similarly to a CVT, providing a unique driving experience in the hybrid market.
• 🛣 The ride is acceptable but not as refined as the Cleo, with more pronounced road impacts and engine noise at higher speeds.
• 💰 The MG3 is significantly cheaper than its hybrid competitors, with a starting price much lower than the Renault Cleo or Toyota Yaris.
• 🔧 MG provides a 7-year warranty as standard, adding value to the purchase of the new MG3.

Q & A

What is the new MG3's main selling point?

The new MG3 is the cheapest full hybrid car available in the market, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

How does the new MG3 compare to its predecessor in terms of quality?

The new MG3 is a significant improvement over the old model, which was cheap but of poor quality. The new model offers decent features and materials despite its low price.

What are some of the standard features included in the MG3's infotainment system?

The MG3 comes with a 7-inch driver display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is reasonably responsive, although it can take time to load menus.

What are some of the practicality aspects of the MG3's interior design?

The interior includes a helpful armrest with padding, a phone holder tray that can be slid forward, and separated storage compartments, although some parts feel loose and flimsy.

How does the MG3's rear seat space compare to other small cars?

The rear seat space in the MG3 is respectable for a small car, offering decent legroom and headroom, although the middle seat is raised and firm, reducing comfort.

What is the storage capacity of the MG3's boot?

The boot offers 298 liters of storage, which can fit three carry-on size suitcases comfortably, but not four with the boot closing below the parcel shelf.

How does the MG3's hybrid system perform in terms of acceleration and power delivery?

The MG3's hybrid system is surprisingly quick, with impressive acceleration off the line and a 0-62 mph time of 8 seconds, but the power delivery can feel odd, dying away quickly after the initial burst.

How does the MG3's ride and handling compare to its competitors?

The MG3 offers a fine ride that is not uncomfortable, but it lacks the polish and sophistication of competitors like the Renault Cleo, which is smoother and quieter.

What is unique about the MG3's gearbox?

The MG3 features a three-speed automatic gearbox, which is unusual for a hybrid and works similarly to a CVT, with revs soaring for quick acceleration and then quieting down.

What are the fuel economy figures for the MG3, and how do they compare to real-world experiences?

The official combined figure is 64.2 MPG, which is very impressive. However, real-world experiences have been between 40 and 50 MPG, with a future video planned to provide a more accurate real-world test.

What warranty does the MG3 come with, and how does its price compare to other hybrid models?

The MG3 comes with a 7-year warranty as standard. Even the most expensive version of the MG3 undercuts the entry-level price of competitors like the hybrid Renault Cleo and Toyota Yaris.