Third-Gen MG3 Breaks Cover with A New 192-HP Hybrid Powertrain

The all-new, third-gen MG3 hatchback breaks cover at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show.

Following its teaser earlier this month, the all-new, third-generation MG3 hatchback has finally made its global debut at the ongoing 2024 Geneva International Motor Show. Serving as the Sino-British marque’s new entry-level model, the new MG3 now comes with a new self-charging hybrid powertrain setup, aside from the more aggressive design.

The new MG3 hatchback is noticeably more aggressive and sportier than its predecessor.

As revealed in said teaser, the new MG3 gets a fiercer front look, featuring a sharp LED headlight design with a larger front intake. Following in the footsteps of its bigger siblings like the MG5 and the MG7, this new subcompact hatch also comes with wider and more sculpted bodywork, as well as an equally aggressive tailgate design featuring sharp taillights and prominent lower bumper accents.

Dimension-wise, the new MG3 is slightly longer, wider, and lower compared to its predecessor, measuring 4,113 MM long, 1,797 MM wide, and 1,502 MM tall. This bulk-up also allows the new MG3 to have a slightly roomier cabin and cargo spaces, with the latter now measuring 293 litres.

Speaking of cabins, the new MG3 now gets a slew of tech gadgets to go along with its modern and sporty cabin design. Key tech items present here include a 10.25-inch central infotainment display that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, multiple USB charging ports, a button-laden steering wheel, and a cleaner central console with a rotary dial-style gear shifter.

Safety features are also not too shabby for this entry-level hatchback, as the new MG3 gets MG’s latest Pilot ADAS suite, which adds active safety features like adaptive cruise control and many more.

As the rear badge suggests, the new MG3 now comes with a self-charging hybrid powertrain setup.

Besides its revamped design, the biggest change the new MG3 carries is in the powertrain setup, as it now comes exclusively in a series-parallel hybrid (HEV) form. Dubbed the Hybrid+, this HEV powertrain setup consists of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol mill that produces 101 HP by itself, which is then mated to a single electric motor rated at 134 HP, with its power derived from a small 1.83-kWh hybrid battery pack.

Mated to a 3-speed, hybrid-specific automatic transmission, the new MG3 boasts a total system output of 192 HP, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 KM/H in eight seconds. Meanwhile, its semi-electrified powertrain setup also allows for a decent 4.4 litre/100 KM fuel economy rate, MG claims.

As for its chassis setup, MG engineers have tweaked the MG3’s chassis with several new “ultra-high stiffness components,"  plus a new suspension setup that promises better handling, ride comfort, and an improved noise insulation level compared to the previous model.

Besides selected European markets like the UK, the new MG3 is also bound for other international markets like Australia, and perhaps even Malaysia, too...

Thanks to its new hybrid powertrain setup, the new, third-gen MG3 is now able to compete with fellow HEV hatchbacks like the EU-spec Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, and Renault Clio. While MG has yet to reveal the exact pricing for the new MG3, CarScoops reported that it will start at around £20,000 (RM121,194) in the UK. Besides the UK and other selected European markets, the new MG3 is also poised to make its debut in Australia later this year.

Closer to home, MG is set to make its official entry into the Malaysian market this year, with the Sino-British marque poised to introduce some of its EV models, like the sporty Cyberster EV roadster, as well as the new MG3. With rumours suggesting that the new MG3 is set to arrive late this year, we’d reckon it will fare nicely against the Honda City Hatchback e:HEV RS, which has ruled the local hybrid hatchback segment for years.