Now that this MG improves on the previous version is this the next fiesta?
Exterior – Front
So, the design of the new MG3 Hybrid+ is very different to the previous generation. To start with it gets a few inspirations from the MG4 electric car with its long pointy bonnet and creases. It also has a similar design to the headlights. These headlights are also LED and work very well. In the middle of the front, we have this big grill which is flanked by big side vents giving it an aggressive look like it’s a dog showing its teeth. Lower down we do get a smaller central air vent, but it does all tie in nicely.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get a very premium design that looks and feels well built. To start with we get these multiple creases, one from the front to the back, another over the rear wheel and another in between the wheels. This makes it look curvier and higher end than what it is. We also get little wheel arch extensions too and we get some decent looking wheels. Now one thing I want to point out is the little details that make this car feel premium. you get these door handles that feel chunky and solid as well as these cool looking door mirrors which house the side camera. On the previous MG3 these were cheap and tacky, but this one feels premium and solid. Even the door closing sound is better.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we get a modern and grown-up design. Yes, it is still curvy which I like, and we get these taillights that stretch into the boot. Now these are part LED but still look very modern. The boot opening is plain and simple as to is the bumper, but it does still look sporty and premium. I could really see an X-Power version of this with sportier wheels and a bigger rear spoiler. What do you think. Should there be an x power version. Let me know in the comment section below. Right, lets have a look and see what engine options you can have with the new MG3 Hybrid+
Car and engine specs and price
So, at the moment the new MG3 Hybrid+ is only available with one engine option. This is a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated hybrid unit. Now the engine makes 102 bhp and the electric motor makes 134 bhp. this gives a combined power output of 192 bhp which seems a lot. It can do 0-62 in 9.7 seconds. It is front wheel drive, and the power is sent though a 3-speed automatic gearbox. Now what makes this car unique and special is that the electric motor is the primary power source as opposed to the engine which is a backup in this instance. This makes it feel like and electric car to drive and talking of driving the MG3 is very fun to drive as it has been developed at Longbridge for the UK market. The only criticism I have is that the steering feels oddly weighted, but it does feel better than the Yaris and Clio rivals. The price of the new MG3 Hybrid+ starts at £18,495 which is way cheaper than the Clio and Yaris and is a very good bargain considering the top of the range model is only £2,000 more and you get features like heated seats and steering wheel and a 360-degree camera. Now, there will be cheaper versions coming out soon without hybrid assistance as well as a version with a manual gearbox so expect this to start at £16,000 which is a very good bargain. Right, lets have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside the new MG3 Hybrid+ and we get a very different design to the old MG3. To start with we get this 2-level dashboard design. Up top we get some hard plastic which does feel cheap but considering the price it is to be expected. Lower down we get this textured material and some soft touch fake leather. On this level we get your infotainment system. If you want to see an in-depth review on this then click the top right-hand banner. In summary the infotainment system works well and is easy to use and is perfect for this type of car. Below this we get a row of buttons and lower down we get plenty of storage and some more switches. Now I have one issue with the centre console. So, we get this shelf in the middle which can be used to hold your phone but if you slide it back it reveals some cupholders. Now that’s fine but what is odd is that if you open your armrest, you will find the tray. Now you would think this tray could be removed but it can’t, and I can see this getting broken in the future with people trying to remove it. Moving on, in front of the driver we get a clear and easy to use instrument cluster like what you would find on the MG4 and like that car you get the same steering wheel. The seats are also new and are very comfortable and I could easily get in a comfortable position. Overall, then considering it is a budget car it is decent. Let’s have a look and see what it is like in the back.
Practicality
So, getting into the back and as you can tell there isn’t much room if a 6-foot person sits behind a 6-foot person. Headroom isn’t that bad, and I could do a decent journey, but you have to bear in mind that it is a supermini. You do get air vents and a USB port which is rare on a supermini. What isn’t though is the cheap and hard plastics but again I can forgive that. Right, lets have a look and see what the boot is like.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot to the new MG3 and you are welcomed with a decent 293 litres of boot space. now it isn’t the biggest, but it is quite boxy and easy to put items in. what I’m not so happy about though and this could be a deal breaker for some people is that the rear seats aren’t split so if you fold down the rear seats you have to do all of it, so it turns the MG3 into a 2-seater. This is a big shame as the previous one did have a 60 40 split. Anyway, folding the rear seats down and you are welcomed with 983 litres. You also get some underfloor storage too but sadly you couldn’t put a spare wheel in the hybrid version as the 12-volt battery is in there but on the normal versions you should be able too.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the new MG3. Well, it is a good-looking car that has grown up a lot from the previous generation. There is no denying that. It is also a very good price and whilst it does feel cheap in places it makes up for it with the technology and price. I would like to see a 60 40 folding split rear seat though as I know that will be a deal breaker but apart from that, if you want a hybrid car that has excellent fuel economy for a good price and a 7-year warranty then this most certainly is your best option.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 4.5/5
Practicality 3.5/5
Total 13/15
Model | MG3 Hybrid+ Trophy |
Engine | 1.5l Full Hybrid, 192bhp, 0-62 = 9.7 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 3 Speed Automatic |
Price | £21,040 |
On Sale | Now |
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