All-new MG3 breaks cover

MANILA: The all-new MG3 has been unveiled.

In a statement, the Chinese-owned British car brand shared that the all-new MG3 features  a larger battery, a more powerful electric motor, and better interior space.

“With all the attributes to become a leader in its class, the all-new MG3 will offer customers a combination of efficiency and performance with MG’s exciting Hybrid+ powertrain,” MG Nordic and Benelux Chief Executive Officer Aiden He commented.

“More refined, yet also bringing MG’s fun-to-drive philosophy to the market, the MG3 is excellently equipped, both with premium interior features and MG Pilot safety systems,” he added.

 

Hybrid+ powertrain

At the core of the all-new MG3 is the brand’s Hybrid+ powertrain.

Per the carmaker, the Hybrid+ powertrain — consisting of the engine, transmission, battery, electric motor, and generator — is the first conventional, non-plug-in hybrid system fitted to an MG model.

While the powertrain system focuses on efficiency, it still delivers excellent performance benefits. As an example, the Hybrid+ powertrain consumes just 4.4 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers. Still, it is able to produce decent power that allows the vehicle to zoom from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in just eight seconds.

Performance-wise, the all-new MG3 draws 100 horsepower (hp) from its four-cylinder 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, while it gets 134 horses from its electric motor. Combined, the hot hatch makes as much as 234hp with a broad range of power across the rev range.

“The all-new MG3 features a 75kW (kilowatt) 1.5-liter gasoline engine and 100kW electric motor, as well as a separate generator motor which enables a wide variety of powertrain operating modes. This not only provides class-leading performance figures for a hybrid B-segment hatchback but also allows for flexible running no matter the driving environment,” MG wrote in a press release.

The MG3 is also equipped with five different drive modes, allowing the driver to select a driving style depending on the situation. The said modes are listed below:

• EV: Running on electric-only power for as long as the battery charge allows.
• Series: The engine runs through to the generator, which powers the electric motor to drive.
• Series and Charge: Series driving, plus topping-up the battery when under low-load.
• Drive and Charge: The engine drives the wheels, while also charging the battery through the generator.
• Parallel: Both engine and electric motor power the wheels.

Dynamic, refined

The all-new MG3 is dynamic as it is refined. Its chassis, for example, has been fine-tuned by MG’s engineers in both Europe and China.

Further, the latest iteration of the MG3 also benefits from the use of new ultra-high stiffness components in the chassis, while suspension elements have been designed to reduce weight and improve grip for both athletic handling and a comfortable ride.

“As well as offering an ideally balanced set-up between comfort and dynamism, thanks in part to the new hybrid powertrain with its ability to run on electric power for short periods, the all-new MG3 also delivers new highs in refinement and noise suppression,” the company wrote.

“Engineers have focused on engine and suspension mounts, sound absorbing materials, and transmission design to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness to provide a premium driving experience,” it added.

Well endowed

The all-new MG3 also gets a handful of outstanding equipment.

Facing the driver is a seven-inch digital instrument panel while at the middle of the dashboard sits a 10.25-inch central infotainment system. According to MG, the graphics and responsiveness of the screens — the infotainment system in particular — have been enhanced by MG engineers.

Additionally, a bank of piano-key switches has been retained on the center console to maximize safety and convenience while driving.

The MG3 — the carmaker pointed out — also benefits from the latest advanced driver assistance systems delivered through MG Pilot technology. These include lane keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and traffic jam assist.

According to MG, the MG3 — which was previously only available in the United Kingdom — will be retailed across Europe.

Photos from MG

Also read:

MG Motor PH offers free safety checkup, discounted services this holiday season

MG PH introduces the ‘One’

MG GT scores zero stars in latest ANCAP test