MG launched their all new MG3 at a glittering joint evening with ELLE, associating the humble entry level car with the poshest of posh fashion websites. There were many hot boys and girls bouncing about like pingpong balls, but will the “it crowd” gen Z-ers shell out more shekels? Many told me they don’t have a licence let alone drive. One classically chiseled chap said, “I go to a lot of events with my influencer business so, yeah nah, yeah, I don’t drive.” The rest of his comments weren’t printable, but we’ll leave that for our sealed section.

At first glance, the new MG3 looks like the old MG3, but a closer fumble feels carefully created character lines. Despite the $7,000 price increase, MG3 still looks and feels entry level, albeit a vastly upgraded one. MG3 was sold on a drive-away price under $20,000 so it remains to be seen if a huge price jump will keep MG3 at its top-rated sales position.

The outgoing MG3 had been around for a decade, with facelifts to freshen her jowls, but she was starting to show her age. The new model starts with the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) and the intelligent iSmart app. The latter is good for a year after which owners need to subscribe.

ABOVE: All New MG3

All New MG3 comes in 2 models, designed in MG’s London studios.

Pricing (MSRP)

  • MG3 (petrol) 1.5 Excite = $23,990 MSRP (AUD)
  • MG3 (petrol) 1.5 Essence = $25,990 MSRP (AUD)
  • MG3 Hybrid+ HEV Excite = $27,990 MSRP (AUD)
  • MG3 Hybrid+ HEV Essence = $29,990 MSRP (AUD

The front wheel drive MG3 has Macpherson Strut front suspension and torsion bar rear suspension, and 2 drivetrains, a 1.5L petrol, and 1.5L petrol hybrid. Although the petrol-only models run on 91ron fuel, the hybrid needs 95ron or better.

Fuel consumption is as low as a claimed 0.9L/100k on the hybrid, but averages at 4.3L/100k hybrid and 6.0L/100k petrol. New Euro 6 emission standards kick in at the end of the year yet MG3 is Euro 5.

The petrol tank is 36L hybrid and 45L petrol, so based on the claimed fuel economy, the hybrid has great range. This neatly brings us to the claim that this hybrid miraculously charges itself. While that claim is more or less true, every single hybrid on the market does the same thing, with some adding a larger capacity battery for “plug-in” models. All hybrids gather otherwise lost energy, and other than mild hybrids, will run for short periods of time in EV-only mode.

Equipment

MG has thrown the full shebang at MG3.

All models have active lane keep assist, blind spot monitor and AEB to name but a few. All have rear traffic warning but that is a warning only, no braking. There is a reversing camera which gains 360o view in the top Essence.

There is a 7” driver screen and 10.25” centre screen with wired Apple Carplay/Android Auto, the latter being wireless in most brands now.

Push button start appears in all models but only Essence gets keyless entry (by a button on the door handle).

Interior trim is a quantum leap over the old model. The gear shifter is a rotary knob on hybrid, and upholstery is cloth and/or vinyl depending on grade. Plastic is mostly of the non-el-cheapo scratchy kind, and seating is fairly comfortable.

Space is good for those up front, but if the folk up front are tall, buds in the back had better be short, very short. With the front seat all the way back, the rear seat is virtually useless.

GET THE FULL SPECIFICATIONS HERE: MG3-full spcification

Conclusion:

After saying MG3 has been at the top of the sales charts for a long time, MG3 is taking a huge risk by placing their entry-level car in the next rung up the price ladder. Buyers will decide whether a $7000 price increase is worth it. The old model is driving away at $18,990, and the all new Essence Hybrid will drive-away at around $32,000-ish, with a starting price of $26,000 (approx.) drive away. Although significantly better in every way, will punters agree?

Our review will be upcoming.

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