MG 3

Upon entering the MG 3, you are greeted by a clean, minimalist interior layout, which looks quite premium for its asking price. Up front, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display sits on the center of the higher trims’ dashboard (Standard variant only comes with a 2DIN radio unit connected to 2 speakers). Its infotainment display offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB input. The HEV and the Luxury CVT trims feature a 6-speaker sound system, while the Comfort CVT variant gets the 4-speaker counterpart. 

Meanwhile, the driver gets a 7-inch virtual instrument panel with a multi-information display and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for the higher trims (lower trims get the polyurethane counterpart). In terms of convenience, all MG 3 trims come with USB port/s, cupholders, and a 12V accessory outlet. The higher trims also get a luggage tray and a seat back pocket. 

Practicality-wise, the front row offers ample headroom and legroom for both the driver and the co-pilot, while the rear can effectively accommodate two adult passengers. That said, the middle seat at the back is more suited for kids or smaller passengers in general. On the plus side, this hatchback’s trunk offers a decent 241 litres of usable space (with the rear seats folded) for your groceries and light personal luggage. More importantly, its fabric seats (with PVC for the higher trims) offer great cushioning for all passengers, even on long drives.

Right off the bat, the MG 3 slightly looks like a smaller version of the MG ZS Hybrid+, highlighted by its sporty-looking front end with contoured panels and a blacked-out grille. The higher trims feature LED headlamps, which emit a confident glare at night, while the lower trims get the halogen counterparts. All trims come with LED DRLs and halogen front fog lamps. Additionally, the MG logo is proudly displayed on its smooth fascia.

Meanwhile, its side profile looks very uncluttered and straightforward. This hatchback comes with power-adjustable mirrors (finished in black) with integrated signal lamps, making its silhouette look premium for its starting price. The higher trims also get a power folding feature for their mirrors. The base Standard trim runs on 15-inch wheels with steel rims, while all the other variants are fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, which resemble a spider’s web.

Moreover, it flaunts a sporty rear design, which is complemented by a spoiler (for the higher trims), a blacked-out bumper, and confident-looking angular halogen tail lamps. The MG 3 also comes with an LED high-mount stop lamp and another pair of fog lamps for enhanced visibility at all times.

In terms of dimensions, all MG 3 trims are 4,055 mm in length, 1,729 mm in width, and 1,521 mm in height. The ICE-powered trims offer a 132-mm minimum ground clearance, while the hybrid variant offers 117 mm. 

The MG 3 model line comes with a MacPherson Strut suspension at the front and a Torsion Beam at the rear. Admittedly, its setup is tuned more for comfort than performance. Hence, it absorbs small bumps and other minor road imperfections in the city quite well. It is also important to note that the MG 3 is not the type of car that will confidently carve corners and hit sharp turns.

The MG 3 model line offers two powertrain options. First the HEV trim is powered by MG’s 1.5L hybrid technology, delivering a combined power output of 190 PS, an engine torque output of 128 Nm, and an electric motor torque output of 250 Nm. The top-of-the-line comes mated to a 3-speed hybrid transmission system.

Meanwhile, all the other trims are powered by a 1.5L naturally-aspirated gasoline engine that produces 120 PS and 150 Nm of torque. Its engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox or continuously variable transmission. 

The HEV variant features a hybrid front-wheel drive technology, while the other trims utilize the standard front-wheel drivetrain. The HEV trim boasts exceptional performance on the highway. It is quick and lively while remaining efficient even in mixed driving conditions. On the other hand, the ICE-powered variants are also capable enough for its segment. Additionally, its cabin’s sound insulation system is just decent, which you would expect from its price point.

In terms of safety, all MG 3 trims come with a vehicle security system, driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear seatbelts, a child restraint system, an engine immobilizer, and a rear parking sensor. The higher trims are also equipped with a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, lane watch, lane keep assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, side airbags, and a 360-degree camera (Comfort only comes with a reverse camera).

All variants utilize ventilated discs for front braking. The higher trims also come with disc brakes at the rear, while the base Standard gets the drum counterparts. The MG 3’s braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist (for higher trims only).

The MG 3 is an appealing choice for young professionals and budget-conscious drivers looking for a cost-effective hybrid vehicle that delivers an enjoyable experience on the open road. It effectively balances driving enjoyment with everyday city practicality.