Looking back, the first MG3 was something of an anomaly in the marketplace. Sure, it wasn’t quite as polished around the edges as some of its contemporaries, but it had one major element in its favour, the price. For a long time, it was New Zealand’s most affordable new car and with a hefty warranty to boot.
Because of this, MG NZ managed to shift 2814 units last year and hold a 27.3 per cent share of the market. Now, there is a new MG3. It’s more grown up with upgraded tech, the choice of two power units and two trim levels. Basically, everything about this MG3 is new. Let’s get stuck in.
With new underpinnings, the new MG3 also sports a radically different stance over the outgoing model. Redesigned LED headlights with integrated DRLs look far more aggressive and the new wide front grill only adds in its more assertive looking stance. Elsewhere things are quite clean-cut and there are subtle protrusions to the rear haunches, plus a new taillight cluster to go with new 16-inch alloys.
As mentioned previous, the new MG3 is split into two trim levels, Excite and the flagship Essence featured here. You also have the option of ICE or Hybrid power-trains for both, the latter finding itself tucked away in my test car. The ticket to MG3 ownership has risen slightly to a starting price of $25,990 for the MG3 Excite petrol. The Excite hybrid will set you back $29,990 while the Essence grade petrol and hybrid retail at $27,990 and $31,990 respectively.
In the case of my range topping Essence Hybrid+, what do you get your snip over $30k? Well, behind that new snout sits a 1.5L hybrid four cylinder petrol engine sitting alongside a 1.8kWh battery and 100kW electric motor driving the front wheels via a hybrid drive automatic transmission. Total power output is 155kW and torque at 128Nm. MG says the MG3 Essence Hybrid+ will return a combined fuel consumption rating of 4.3L/100km and a combined 100g/km of CO2. MG also claims a zero to 100km/h time of eight seconds.
Now, with the previous MG3, the interior was very much a case of “all you need and then some,” not the bare essentials but not overflowing with creature comforts. Things couldn’t be more different this time around, with the latest MG3 offering a far more up-to-date looking cabin and surroundings.
Though there are still some hard plastics, the overall ambience is far superior and more premium looking than before. The seats are far plusher than before too and actually feel more comfortable to sit in than some cars costing twice the price.
The floating centre console, now a familiar sight in all new MGs makes its return and houses the also now familiar circular gear selector. One which sadly still isn’t the most responsive when cycling from drive to reverse. However, points are clawed back with a very well thought out 10.25-inch touch screen infotainment system. It’s very easy to get your head around and the sub menus are all very intuitive. Ahead of you the 7-inch drive display clearly shows all manner of driving data and there is just the right amount of physical button shortcuts to access the climate control, volume and home screen.
Equipment levels are considerable. Even the base Excite petrol gets Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, the latest MG Pilot safety system, that infotainment system and a reversing camera. Naturally the Essence Hybrid+ gets all the fruit by way of a 360-degree reversing camera, leather wrapped steering wheel, sat nav, MG iSmart, multiple drive modes, keyless entry and a sunroof to name but a few extras.
The MG3’s MG Pilot safety system also contains features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and intelligent cruise assist. Boot size isn’t bad at 293L, but this will swell to a hefty 938L with that second row of seats stowed away. Said rear seats are arched nicely and ease of entry and exit is decent.
Getting moving, the hybrid power train pulls strongly and is feels rather refined. Being a conventional hybrid, you can creep along at half throttle on electric power alone till it seeks the assistance of the 1.5 petrol four pot. My best was being able to saunter silently along at 50km/h for a period of time, feathering the go pedal just slightly until both power units felt it would be better to continue the drive in unison.
I found the brakes to be a tad intense at first. The gulf between slowing up and bringing things to a quick halt is quite small it must be said, but after a while, you get used to it, especially as to how much to apply your right shoe on the middle pedal.
However, the gulf is much wider when it comes to the different drive modes. Sport really does feel like sport mode, even the steering weights up nicely with an effective level of positive feeling turn-in. The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is rather effective too. If you accidentally stray over the speed limit ever so slightly, as in one or two kph over, it will start to bong and beep.
I wouldn’t say the new MG3 is the most engaging of drives, but for all manner motoring from the daily drive to a motorway haul, it takes it all in its stride nicely while being very frugal too. The ride is good and tyre roar is kept minimal.
The differences between the previous MG3 and this one are like night and day. It has character, good tech, funky looks and decent drive dynamics. While it is no longer the super affordable way into modern motoring, the new “3” is still a very well priced hatch with a lot of to offer across the board. Talk about a growth spurt.
RATING: 7.5/10
