Say hello to…
…the MG 3, a supermini with a full hybrid powertrain which uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to produce a total of 194hp. At this power output, the MG 3 is nearing hot-hatch territory, however, in a world of fast accelerating EVs, the MG 3’s 0-60mph time of 8 seconds isn’t anything particularly special.
What the MG 3 does have going for it is a high level of standard equipment for a not very high price. The MG 3 starts with a P11D of £18,275.
There are two trim levels.
- SE
- Trophy
Standard equipment on the SE includes 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, aux socket, 4x USB sockets, satnav, climate control, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and 16-inch alloys.
Trophy adds blind spot detection, leather-style upholstery, keyless start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 360 degree camera and auto wipers.
Is The MG 3 Suitable For My Fleet
MG doesn’t just sell EVs and the new MG 3 is a case in point. The petrol hybrid is a welcome addition to the supermini sector which has seen many of the legacy brands leave.
Leasing An MG 3
Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the MG 3 in top spec Trophy trim for £261 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. Maintenance costs are forecast at £31 a month, according to Gensen Reports, while Class 1A NIC comes in at £48 a month.
Driving An MG 3
There’s a lot to like about the way the MG 3 drives. At a basic level, the way the car rides and corners is impressive. MG has engineered the car’s suspension to feel nimble and fun without being stiff or jarring. For a car that’s fairly swift it’s judged well. Steering feedback is decent enough too and the turning circle is good as well.
What’s odd about the driving experience is the way the hybrid engine delivers its power. The petrol engine is naturally aspirated, but the electric power comes in like an old-school turbo does – with lots of lag – if you put your foot down to accelerate or overtake. It’s not bad, but it takes some getting used to.
What is less than great is the infotainment system. MG has loaded the 3 with lots of tech, some of which is best turned off to stop it either interfering with the driving experience or bonging annoyingly. The trouble is, the touchscreen is slow to respond and as a result you can end up pressing the control more than once, thinking that it hasn’t noticed the first press, only to find you’ve turned it off and then on again.
Apple CarPlay is standard, however, because almost all controls are accessed by the screen, the heating and ventilation controls aren’t readily available with CarPlay operating.
Build quality and materials quality in the cabin are good for the price point, but not overly impressive against legacy brand rival cars (admittedly at a higher price point).
The MG 3 also has limited rear leg and head room in the rear seats if there’s a taller driver up front.
Overall, for those that need a small petrol supermini, the MG 3 is an attractive option for the money.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The MG 3
Great value, well equipped and efficient but with an annoying infotainment system.
MG 3
- Model: 3 Hybrid+ Trophy
- Power: 194hp
- Torque: 425Nm
- Max speed: 106mph
- 0-62mph: 8.0 seconds
- Official efficiency: 64.2mpg
- Test efficiency: 54.3mpg
- CO2 emissions: 100g/km
- BIK tax band 2022/23: 25%
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