MG 3: pros and cons

MG 3 is a well-packaged sedan promising peppy performance

MG 3: pros and cons

Morris Garages (MG) has introduced the 3 hatchback as an attractive option for folks looking for a small but capable five-seater hatchback. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • What are the locally available variants of the Philippine-spec MG 3?

    The variants of the Philippine-spec MG 3 are the Standard, Comfort, Luxury, and Hybrid Plus.
  • What is the price range of the MG 3 in the Philippines?

    In the Philippines, the MG 3 has a price ranging from P678,888-P1,088,888.
  • As of this writing, it is the only locally available hybrid-powered subcompact hatchback model. The only other hybrid hatch in the market is the Mazda 3, which belongs to a larger vehicle segment and is offered at a much higher price point compared to the MG. 

    Speaking of which, the MG 3 is also reasonably accessible, thanks to its starting price of P678,888.

    The question now is, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the MG 3? Let’s find out to help the said model’s prospective buyers. 

    Pros

    Peppy for its size

    The all-new MG 3 is quite peppy for its size. The aforementioned is especially true for its top-spec Hybrid Plus variant, which could generate up to 187 horsepower (hp) and 250 Newton-meters of torque (Nm). With the kind of output it is capable of churning out, the top-of-the-line variant of the 3 is one of the most powerful models in its class. 

    MG 3 Photo from Jirehl Kent Flores

    Even its lower-spec internal combustion trims have notable engine outputs. The Standard, Comfort, and Luxury all use a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated mill capable of producing 118 hp and 150 Nm of torque. The said output figures place the MG 3 ICE-only models ahead of the 89-hp Honda Brio and the 82-hp Suzuki Swift

    Lots of creature comforts

    Apart from sporting a lively engine, the MG 3 likewise provides loads of creature comforts for its occupants. 

    On the model’s higher-spec trims, the 3 utilizes PVC leather upholstery combined with fabric, a manual air-conditioning system with rear vents, and a decent amount of interior storage bins and bottle holders. 

    MG 3 front cabin Photo from Cesar Guiderone Miguel

    The driver of the MG hatch also gets a lot of tools to work with. It was kitted out with a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a day and night rearview mirror, and a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. 

    Brimming with tech

    While it is compact, the MG 3 gets a substantially sized 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen on its dashboard. 

    The said display is linked to a six-piece speaker set on higher trims. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a number of USB ports. Charging can be done through the said ports, but a 12-volt accessory outlet is also available. The driver, meanwhile, has access to a seven-inch virtual instrument cluster.

    MG 3 Hybrid from Juan Paulo Papa 9 Photo from Juan Paulo Papa

    On the safety side of things, the MG hatchback likewise comes with several advanced driver-assist features (ADAS). Included in its ADAS kit is a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, a lane watch feature, and lane keep assist. 

    Easy to use

    The MG 3 is also quite easy to use, even for newbie drivers. 

    For instance, parking in tight spots is made a breeze thanks to rear parking sensors and a 360-degree-view camera. Securing the car when not in motion is done simply with its electronic parking brake - a rarity in the subcompact hatch segment. Additionally, it also gets a push-to-start button, rain-sensing wipers, and remote keyless entry.

    MG 3 Hybrid from Juan Paulo Papa 3 Photo from Juan Paulo Papa

    Visibility during dark driving situations, meanwhile, is ensured by an array of LED lighting fixtures. Plus, the vehicle was equipped with power-folding side mirrors for easier stowage.

    Cons

    Steering column could use telescopic adjustment

    The seats of the MG 3 already offer a good amount of adjustability, but its steering wheel could use a telescopic column. It does have tilt-adjustability as default, but having the ability to alter the steering wheel’s reach may be helpful for folks who are either extremely tall or short. 

    Final thoughts

    In summary, the MG 3, as it is, provides good value for the money. As established above, it is a peppy car with a decent amount of creature comforts and safety technologies. 

    As we always say, however, people who are serious about getting the MG 3 as their next ride should give the model a test drive first. Sure, reading about a car is good for initial research, but some real-life seat time will prove helpful in making a more informed purchase. 

    Model

    Standard

    Comfort

    Luxury

    Hybrid Plus

    Dimensions (mm)

    4,055x1,729x1,521

    Ground clearance (mm)

    132

    117

    Wheel size

    15-inches

    16-inches

    Lighting system

    Halogen

    LED

    Interior

    Material

    Fabric

    PVC leather and fabric

    Amenities

    • 4-way manually adjustable front seats
    • 60:40 split-folding rear seat
    • Polyurethane steering wheel
    • Lever-type parking brake
    • Dial-type manual air-conditioning
    • 2-piece speaker system
    • 12-volt accessory outlet
    • 6-way manually adjustable front seats
    • 60:40 split-folding rear seat
    • Polyurethane steering wheel
    • Electronic parking brake
    • Electronic manual air-conditioning
    • Push-to-start button
    • 4-piece speaker system
    • 12-volt accessory outlet
    • 6-way manually adjustable front seats
    • 60:40 split-folding rear seat
    • Leather steering wheel
    • Electronic parking brake
    • Electronic manual air-conditioning
    • Push-to-start button
    • 6-piece speaker system
    • 12-volt accessory outlet

    Instrument cluster

    7-inch virtual instrument cluster

    Infotainment system

    Radio

    10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

    Seating capcity

    5

    Cargo capacity

    241-liters (default)

    Powertrain

    Engine

    1.5-liter inline-4

    1.5-liter hybrid

    Fuel type

    Gasoline

    Transmission

    5-speed manual

    CVT

    3-speed hybrid gearbox

    Horsepower

    118

    187

    Torque

    150 Newton-meters (Nm)

    250 Nm

    Brakes

    Front disc/rear drum

    Front and rear disc brakes

    Technology

    ADAS

    -

    -

    • Pre-collision system
    • Lane departure alert
    • Lane watch
    • Lane keep assist

    Safety

    • Dual front airbags
    • Anti-lock braking
    • Stability control
    • ISOFIX
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Dual front airbags
    • Side airbags
    • Anti-lock braking
    • Stability control
    • Hill-start assist
    • ISOFIX
    • Reverse camera
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Tire pressure monitoring
    • Dual front airbags
    • Side airbags
    • Side curtain airbags
    • Anti-lock braking
    • Stability control
    • Hill-start assist
    • ISOFIX
    • Reverse camera
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Tire pressure monitoring
    • 360-degree view camera

    Security

    • Engine immobilizer
    • Car alarm

    Price

    P678,888

    P828,888

    P898,888

    P1,088,888

    Also read

    Check out the MG 3 hatchback’s 6 color options

    Here are the PH-spec MG 3's 4 variants

    Cabin check: What’s inside the MG 3?

    Cesar Miguel

    Cesar Miguel

    A car enthusiast who dreams to spread his love of automobiles through writing. If he isn’t penning stories about cars, he usually spends his time in the digital race tracks of Assetto Corsa.

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    Jetour Ice Cream EV ev
    Fuel Type Gasoline
    Gasoline
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    Engine 1499
    1193
    998
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    Power 118
    76
    66
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    27
    Transmission Type Manual
    Manual
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    Automatic
    Battery Capacity -
    -
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    13.9 kWh
    AC charging (0-100%) -
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    8 Hours
    Driving Range -
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