► New MG 3 revealed at 2024 Geneva Motor Show
► Only available as a hybrid
► Promises more power and better efficiency than rivals
MG is showing the sensible side of the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, with the reveal of its new MG 3 Hybrid.
Replacing the ageing petrol version of this supermini, which has been one of the UK’s cheapest new cars, this new MG 3 is available purely as a hybrid that promises a longer electric range than other vehicles of this breed and still a strong focus on value for money.
It’s one of only a handful of major reveals at this year’s Geneva event, including the new Renault 5 E-Tech and Dacia Spring.
What’s the new hybrid?
This new MG 3 is the first ‘self-charging’ hybrid to come from MG, and will rival the Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio E-Tech.
While MG says it has a focus on efficiency, it’s putting a lot of emphasis on its performance attributes. Combining a 100bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 134bhp electric motor – the same size as the standard Vauxhall Corsa Electric – it produces 191bhp, equating to a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds.
It also packs a 1.83kWh battery, larger than that fitted to its rivals, which promises an ‘extensive electric-only’ range. MG claims 64mpg and 100g/km CO2 emissions. Not bad at all.
It doesn’t look anything special
The MG 3 was teased on several occasions on the run up to its reveal, and almost from the start it was clear this supermini was never going to be a looker.
That’s maybe a touch harsh, but it’s a fairly generic and uninspiring design. The shark-like front grille doesn’t do it many favours, either.
It gets A LOT of equipment included
One thing you can guarantee with any new MG is that all the toys will be included as standard, and the new MG 3 hybrid looks to be no different.
There will be two versions in the UK – SE and Trophy – with standard equipment on the base SE trim level including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and satellite navigation, along with a 7.0-inch digital dial display, a parking camera and range of driver assistance tech.
The Trophy brings keyless entry, heated front seats and a 360-degree camera. Not bad for what is MG’s entry-level car.
Any word on price?
We’ll have to wait a few more months and closer to the MG 3’s launch, but it is expected to move away from its current budget positioning. Priced from £14,320, the outgoing MG 3 is among one of the cheapest new cars available.
Of course, hybrid powertrains don’t come cheap, so expect the new MG 3 to come in at around £20,000, likely still undercutting the hybrid supermini benchmark, the Toyota Yaris, which starts from £22,630.