2024 MG3 Hybrid Review

Did you know you can still buy Australia’s cheapest new car - the last-generation of MG3? 

You can buy the Core trim for just $19,990 driveaway while stock is available.

Alas, that cut-throat pricing doesn’t extend to the all-new MG3 range, which now starts at $24,990 including on-road costs for the entry level Excite Petrol (non-hybrid) and extends to a hefty $28,990 including on-road costs for the top-spec MG3 Hybrid+ Essence we’re reviewing today.

This means the MG3 has pivoted away from its previous association with being Australia’s cheapest new car (and not great to drive, to be frank…) to a premium hybridised small city hatchback.

And frankly for such a dramatic shift? The all-new MG3 Hybrid has mostly nailed the brief.

Let’s talk about that in today’s review!

How much does the MG3 cost?

‍The MG3 has grown significantly in price for the base spec, which doesn’t score the Hybrid engine.

But if you buy one now versus before, you’re in luck - petrol variants have actually reduced in price already since launch due to “strategic pricing adjustment”.

Ultimately, if you want the best deal possible - check out our 100% free for you car buying service, CarSauce.com/buy.

Sadly, the Hybrid variants did not receive the same drive-away pricing offering.

2024 MG3 Pricing

• 2024 MG3 Excite Petrol - $24,990 driveaway
• 2024 MG3 Essence Petrol - $26,990 driveaway
• 2024 MG3 Excite Hybrid - $27,990 before on-road costs
• 2024 MG3 Essence Hybrid - $28,990 before on-road costs

What’s the exterior like of the MG3?

‍Talk about a ‘glow-up’.

The 2024 MG3 looks really smart, with a huge open grille (that’s mostly blocked up for aerodynamics) and a very aggressive looking nose.

Although Excite trims get halogen lights, the fully LED headlights for the Essence trim we’re reviewing today are very bright indeed - though the halogen turn signals do cheapen the look somewhat.

The new MG3 is tiny in size, being just 4,113mm long, 1797mm wide and 1502mm tall. 

Which means the 16” wheels as standard don’t look too small, and the thick rubber around them help to smooth out road imperfections.

The cuts and creces in the side are very aggressive, but again just look… cool.

The rear is conversely totally normal, if not a little boring, with mostly LED taillights, MG3 and Hybrid badging, and an exhaust-less design.

Overall, the design of the new MG3 does look very suave indeed.

What’s the interior like of the MG3?

‍The interior of the 2024 MG3 has seen substantial updates, reflecting MG’s intent to bring a more contemporary feel to this compact car.

One of the first things you'll notice is the reworked layout, which prioritises functionality while adopting a more modern aesthetic. The dashboard has been simplified, with the 10.25-inch infotainment screen now taking centre stage.

Although it doesn’t support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system is responsive and user-friendly, allowing for straightforward operation on the go. The climate controls have been revamped with a digital-analogue design, featuring a combination of physical buttons and touch-sensitive controls.

This setup offers a good mix of tactile feedback and modern styling, making it easy to adjust the temperature without distraction. However, some might find that the reliance on touch-sensitive controls can be less intuitive compared to traditional knobs, particularly while driving.

One noticeable downside in the interior is the extensive use of hard, scratchy plastics throughout the cabin.

While these materials are durable, they detract from the overall feeling of quality, reminding occupants that this is still a budget-conscious vehicle.

Storage space in the MG3 has been thoughtfully improved. The glovebox is reasonably spacious, and the centre console provides a large storage area, though it does lack rubberised padding, which means items can slide around during sharp turns.

The door bins are deceptively roomy, easily holding large bottles, which is a practical touch for everyday use.

The steering wheel has also been updated to a more minimalist design. It’s a flat-bottomed wheel that feels comfortable to grip, with buttons that are logically placed for controlling media, cruise control, and the digital instrument cluster.

The instrument cluster itself, while not overly detailed, presents all necessary information in a clear and concise manner.

Seating in the 2024 MG3 is another area where improvements are evident. The seats provide good comfort with supportive cushioning, making longer drives more manageable.

Although the driver’s seat only offers manual adjustments, it’s still possible to find a comfortable driving position. The fabric used is durable and feels decent, though it lacks the premium touch of higher-end models, which might be a downside for some buyers.

In summary, the interior of the 2024 MG3 is a well-balanced space, blending modern design with practical features.

While it doesn’t offer the most luxurious materials or the latest in-car technology, it succeeds in creating a comfortable and functional environment.

The updates bring a noticeable improvement over previous models, though some elements, like the absence of wireless connectivity and the extensive use of hard plastics, serve as reminders of its budget-oriented nature.

What about back seats?

‍The back seats of the 2024 MG3 offer a surprisingly decent amount of space for a compact hatchback.

At 5’10”, my legroom is adequate, even for taller passengers, with enough room to sit comfortably without feeling too cramped. Headroom is also generous, thanks to the car’s boxy roofline, which helps to create a more open and airy feel in the rear cabin.

The seats themselves are reasonably comfortable, with enough cushioning to provide support during longer journeys. However, like the front seats, the materials used are more on the budget side, with hard-wearing fabric that feels durable but lacks the plushness of more premium vehicles.

One drawback is the absence of a centre armrest, which could be missed by passengers on longer trips. Additionally, the rear cabin is dominated by hard plastics, much like the front, which can detract from the overall sense of comfort.

On the positive side, the back seats do offer some practical features. There are map pockets on the backs of the front seats, providing a handy storage option for smaller items.

You’ll also find a couple of air vents to keep rear passengers comfortable, although the lack of rear USB ports might be a slight inconvenience for those who need to charge devices on the go.

In terms of space and practicality, the 2024 MG3’s back seats are well-suited for everyday use, particularly for shorter trips or for carrying children.

What’s boot space like in the MG3?

‍The 2024 MG3 provides a respectable amount of boot space for a car in the compact hatchback segment.

With 293 litres of cargo capacity, the MG3’s boot is capable of accommodating everyday items like groceries, small luggage, or a few shopping bags without much difficulty. The space is well-shaped and easy to access, making it practical for day-to-day use.

One advantage of the MG3’s boot is its low loading lip, which makes it easier to lift heavier items in and out of the car.

However, the space can feel a bit limited when it comes to larger items or packing for a longer trip, particularly if you’re planning to carry more than just the essentials.

For those times when you need more storage, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area.

While the seats don’t fold completely flat, the expanded space does provide significantly more room, allowing you to transport bulkier items when necessary. It’s worth noting, however, that the rear seats fold as a single bench rather than a split-fold design, which limits flexibility if you need to carry both passengers and larger cargo simultaneously.

Under the boot floor, there’s a small storage compartment, which is handy for keeping smaller items out of sight or storing the vehicle’s puncture repair kit.

This extra space is a nice touch, although it’s not as spacious as some might hope, particularly for those who prefer to have a spare tyre on hand.

What’s under the bonnet of the MG3?

‍The 2024 MG3 offers two engine options, with only one being Hybrid.

The first option is a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and is heavily based on the previous generation of MG3, down on power and torque.

It’s an inline 4-cylinder unit that produces 81 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. 

This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and has a combined fuel consumption rate of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The second option is the Hybrid+ variant which we’re driving today, and features a 1.5-litre petrol engine generating 75 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 128 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. 

This engine is combined with a 100 kW electric motor and a 1.83 kWh battery, delivering a total output of 155 kW of power and 425 Nm of torque. 

The Hybrid+ model achieves 0-100 km/h claimed in eight seconds and has a combined fuel consumption rate of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres, with an urban consumption rate as low as 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

Both variants are front-wheel drive, and the steering is managed by an electric power steering system.

How does the MG3 Drive?

‍The driving experience of the 2024 MG3 offers a mixed bag of performance characteristics, particularly depending on the powertrain chosen.

We haven’t had the opportunity to drive the non-hybrid powertrain in this new generation, but based on the previous generation’s performance, it wasn’t particularly impressive. The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 81 kW of power and 142 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT. This combination provides smooth and predictable acceleration, which is adequate for urban driving, though it might feel somewhat underwhelming under heavy acceleration.

The Hybrid+ variant, however, delivers a more dynamic driving experience. Combining a slightly smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor, the Hybrid+ produces a total of 155 kW of power and 425 Nm of torque.

This setup allows the MG3 Hybrid+ to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds during our testing, which is quick for a compact hatchback. The hybrid system enhances low-speed acceleration, making it feel more responsive in urban environments.

One of the distinctive aspects of the Hybrid+ is its power delivery. The electric motor doesn’t fully engage until the car reaches about 50 km/h in second gear. This results in an inconsistent power feel—at times, it’s very responsive, but in other situations, especially at lower speeds, the acceleration can feel less immediate until the motor kicks in.

This behaviour gives the MG3 Hybrid+ a unique driving character that might take some getting used to, especially for those unfamiliar with hybrid systems.

In terms of handling, the MG3’s electric power steering provides precise control and a light steering feel, making it easy to manoeuvre in city settings.

The suspension setup, featuring a MacPherson strut at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, offers a balance between comfort and stability. While the ride is generally comfortable, the rear suspension can feel slightly unsettled on rougher roads, which is typical for a torsion beam setup.

The Hybrid+ offers three driving modes—ECO, Standard, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the car’s performance to their needs.

In our testing, the actual fuel economy for the Hybrid+ variant averaged 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres, which is commendable given the vehicle's power and performance capabilities.

Noise levels in the cabin are relatively low, especially at lower speeds, though under hard acceleration, the CVT causes the engine to rev higher, leading to increased engine noise. This is typical for CVTs and might be noticeable for those who prefer a quieter cabin during spirited driving.

In summary, the 2024 MG3 provides a varied driving experience. The non-hybrid petrol engine is likely similar to its predecessor, which wasn’t great, while the Hybrid+ variant offers a more engaging drive with improved acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Both versions provide a comfortable ride with light, responsive steering, making the MG3 a practical choice for city and suburban driving, albeit with some quirks, particularly in the hybrid’s power delivery.

What do you get with the MG3?

2024 MG3 Excite Petrol

• 1.5-litre petrol engine (81 kW, 142 Nm)
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Projector halogen headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (wired)
• 7-inch cluster screen
• 6 speakers
• Fabric seats
• Rear parking sensors
• Reverse camera
• Rear fog light
• Electric adjustable auto fold side mirrors with heating
• Front and rear electric windows with one-touch down
• Manual air conditioning with single-zone electronic auto control
• Front centre armrest with storage
• Front cup holders
• ISOFIX - two rear side seats
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Anti-braking System (ABS)
• Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Corner Brake Control (CBC)
• Front and rear disc brakes
• Central locking and engine immobiliser
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Rear A/C vent
• Space saver spare tyre
• Rear boot cover

2024 MG3 Essence Petrol adds:

• LED projector headlights
• Leather steering wheel
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Keyless entry system
• Satellite navigation
• DAB digital radio
• MG iSMART compatibility (1 year)
• PU & fabric seating
• Sunroof
• 360-degree camera
• Electronic rotary gear shifter
• Three drive modes (ECO, Standard, Sport)
• Rear reading lights
• Rear map pocket
• Sunglasses box on roof
• Adjustable front and rear headrests
• Manual anti-glare rear view mirror

2024 MG3 Excite Hybrid+

• 1.5-litre petrol engine (75 kW, 128 Nm) paired with 100 kW electric motor
• Combined output: 155 kW, 425 Nm
• 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery
• Hybrid transmission
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Projector LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED high-mounted brake light
• Rear fog light
• 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (wired)
• 7-inch cluster screen
• 6 speakers
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Leather steering wheel
• Keyless entry system
• Satellite navigation
• DAB digital radio
• MG iSMART compatibility (1 year)
• Sunroof
• 360-degree camera
• Electronic rotary gear shifter
• Three drive modes (ECO, Standard, Sport)
• Rear reading lights
• Rear map pocket
• Sunglasses box on roof
• Adjustable front and rear headrests
• Manual anti-glare rear view mirror
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot detection (BSD)
• Rear cross-traffic assist (RCTA)
• Intelligent speed assist (ISA)
• Lane keeping assist (LKA)
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Forward collision warning (FCW)
• Pedestrian warning sound

2024 MG3 Essence Hybrid+ adds:

• PU door trim and armrest
• Pedestrian warning sound system
• Rear reading lights
• Rear map pocket
• Sunglasses box on roof

Is the MG3 safe?

‍The 2024 MG3 comes equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features across all trims. 

Standard safety features include: 

• Six airbags
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Rear parking sensor
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Assist (RCTA)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

While these safety technologies provide a strong safety foundation, it’s important to note that the 2024 MG3 has not yet been tested by ANCAP, so its crash safety rating remains unavailable.

How much does it cost to run the MG3?

‍The MG3 now comes with Australia’s best new car warranty: 10 years or 250,000 kms, whichever comes first.

This is up from a previous 7 years, unlimited kilometers of coverage.

• Service Interval: 1 year, 10,000km
  • MG 3 Petrol: $234.00
  • MG 3 Hybrid+: $234.00
• Service Interval: 2 years, 20,000km
  • MG 3 Petrol: $323.00
  • MG 3 Hybrid+: $348.00
• Service Interval: 3 years, 30,000km
  • MG 3 Petrol: $352.00
  • MG 3 Hybrid+: $340.00
• Service Interval: 4 years, 40,000km
  • MG 3 Petrol: $536.00
  • MG 3 Hybrid+: $627.00
• Service Interval: 5 years, 50,000km
  • MG 3 Petrol: $393.00
  • MG 3 Hybrid+: $459.00
• Service Interval: 6 years, 60,000km
  • MG 3 Petrol: $442.00
  • MG 3 Hybrid+: $454.00
• Service Interval: 7 years, 70,000km
  • MG 3 Petrol: $234.00
  • MG 3 Hybrid+: $234.00
• Total Servicing Cost over 7 Years: MG 3 Petrol
  • $2,514.00
• Total Servicing Cost over 7 Years: MG 3 Hybrid+
  • $2,696.00

Final thoughts on the MG3

‍The 2024 MG3 Hybrid+ represents a significant departure from its budget-friendly roots, stepping into a more premium market segment. With the introduction of the hybrid powertrain, MG has successfully improved both performance and fuel efficiency, making the MG3 Hybrid+ a more attractive option for urban drivers.

The interior has seen notable improvements, offering a more modern and functional layout, although the extensive use of hard plastics can detract from the overall sense of quality. The driving experience, especially with the Hybrid+ variant, is more dynamic, but the inconsistent power delivery, particularly at lower speeds, might be a challenge for some drivers.

Safety is a strong point for the 2024 MG3, with a comprehensive suite of features standard across all trims. However, the lack of ANCAP testing leaves a gap in understanding its crash safety performance.

Overall, the MG3 Hybrid+ is a solid choice for those looking for a small, efficient city hatchback with modern features. But potential buyers should be mindful of its quirks and the higher price point compared to previous generations.

Looking to buy a MG3 or any other car, for the best price and with cars actually in stock? Check out CarSauce.com/buy!