NEW MG3 Hybrid Review: New Class Leader and Simply Brilliant!

A full test drive review of the all new MG3 Hybrid.
This all new model is significantly better than its predecessor in just about very department. The model on test is the top spec Trophy with metallic silver paint work. Tim takes this new class leading super mini out on test to see how it performs and feels on the road. This full Hybrid is at a ridiculous price and feels like Champagne for lemonade money. But its low price doesn't mean you have to comprise on quality as MG prove yet again a winning formula for producing brilliant cheaper cars.
On paper at least, the MG3 Hybrid’s specs are really quite impressive. A combination of 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a powerful 134bhp electric motor produces 191bhp and 313Nm of torque. That’s not all that dissimilar from a Ford Fiesta ST, but in a sensible hybrid hatchback. Drive is delivered to the front wheels via an unusual three-speed automatic gearbox, the 0-62mph is stated at just eight seconds, however my test finished the dash in just under 7, and it will max out at 106mph.
For the price, it’s quite hard to grumble about the MG3’s interior. The general look isn’t much different to the more expensive electric MG4, with a squared-off steering wheel, clear touchscreen and digital dial display. There are few physical buttons but there are useful shortcuts to the climate settings, for example, in the main screen.
There are some slight ergonomic oddities; the mirror adjustment is hidden down to the right of the steering wheel, while the rotary gear selector can sometimes take a few more aggressive turns and presses to get it to do what you want.
Like every MG, low pricing is central to the MG3’s appeal. While its £18,495 starting price doesn’t make it the cheapest supermini, it is by some margin the cheapest hybrid supermini and the cheapest overall hybrid car you can buy. A Renault Clio E-Tech is £3,000 more, and a Toyota Yaris an additional £4,000. The fact the 190bhp MG3 is available for less than a non-turbocharged petrol Skoda Fabia says a lot about its value.
MG is a firm that shows no signs of slowing down, and the new MG3 is another exceptional step forward compared to its predecessor. A hybrid supermini available for less than the price of a basic petrol version of most rivals is a real selling point, as is the fact it’s got almost 200bhp.
It’s not the most resolved hybrid powertrain, nor does it offer the fuel economy you get from a Toyota Yaris. But it is a good supermini available for a great price, and that should always be applauded.