Overview

The outgoing MG3 small hatchback was a reasonably popular and slightly underrated choice for those looking for an entry-level small car that stands out from the crowd. By the time it went off sale, it had been in production for more than a decade, so it wasn’t so much feeling its age, but it had drawn down its pension and gone to see out its days in Eastbourne. A new one was badly needed – and here it is.

For anyone thinking it might just be a thorough facelift of the old one, think again. This one’s all new. It sits on a brand-new platform, boasts the latest raft of driver assistance technology also featured in the Car of The Year-winning MG4 EV, and is powered by a 1.5-litre engine and hefty electric motor that are combined into a pretty effective self-charging hybrid in terms of performance and efficiency.

Although the MG marque celebrates its centenary in 2024, the MG3 Hybrid owes very little to what came before. Wholly Chinese owned since 2005, MG’s model range is engineered and built in its new home, although there’s UK input into its design – and in the case of the MG4 Hybrid, it’s also had its suspension set-up worked on here in Blighty. That’s no bad thing considering how much worse the roads are here compared with China.

Opposition to the MG3 Hybrid comes from a raft of rivals that we’ve rated in our Best Small Cars 2024 page. Closest rivals are the Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208 and Suzuki Swift. But they all make way for our current top of the heap, the Renault Clio, which has nudged ahead of our current award winner, the Skoda Fabia, by dint of its more competitive pricing and much better finance deals.

However, the new MG could well be set to put all of that on its head. It’s fully featured but has a starting price that undercuts all its major rivals. And with an additional twist, it has 194hp against the more typical 90-110hp that its rivals put out. That places it on an altogether different planet in terms of performance, boasting a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds – almost hot hatch territory.

The model range comprises of two trim levels, SE and Trophy, and there’s just one engine option for now. Standard equipment includes a 7.0-inch digital instrument screen, as well as a 10.25-inch central infotainment system. Sat-nav is fitted as standard, as is smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connection, four USB ports, and rear parking sensors and camera.

So, it’s a lot of car for the money, but is it just a case of cheap and cheerful? Over the next few pages, we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the new MG3 Hybrid and rating them in our verdict. Our scores will consider the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you to run.