2024 MG3 combines hot hatch looks with 194 PS hybrid engine

All-new MG3 B-segment hatchback looks great but will PH get it?

MG Philippines may be known for having crossovers, sedans, and EVs in the Philippine market. But in other markets, they are also known for making hatchbacks. Take for example the MG3 which is now on its third generation, and boy did it get a glow-up.

Revealed at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, the 2024 MG3 gets a sporty new look along with a hybrid powertrain under the hood. Looking a lot like MG took inspiration from Mazda, the front end of the MG3 gets a distinct wide front grille along with a pair of sharp LED headlights. If anything the front fascia looks to have also been inspired by the MG GT.

Towards the side, the sporty hatchback gets smooth curves and distinct lines which are then accompanied by diamond-cut alloy wheels. Last but not least are the aggressive wraparound LED taillights which appear to resemble the ones on the older Mazda2 hatchback. Despite some quaint similarities with Mazda, the all-new MG3 can stand out with its hot hatch-like looks.

Size-wise, the MG3 measures 4113mm long, 1797mm wide, 1502mm tall, and has a 2570mm wheelbase. It also has a 293-liter cargo space and a curb weight of nearly 1,300 kg.

Step inside the MG3 and the electrified hatchback welcomes occupants into a stylish cabin. There’s a pair of displays on the dashboard which consist of a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. But whereas most brands nowadays are switching towards a fully digital setup, the MG3 still comes with physical buttons and toggle switches.

There’s also a rotary-style gear selector on the center console along with an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function, a drive-mode selector (Eco, Standard, & Sport), and a center glovebox with a center armrest. Other key features available in the 2024 MG3 include a 6-speaker sound system, leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera, and a host of intelligent driver aids like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and traffic jam assist.

Under the hood, the all-new MG3 is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s assisted by an electric motor and a 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The engine alone makes a decent 102 PS with 128 Nm of torque while the electric motor puts out 136 PS and 250 Nm of pull. The result is a combined system output of 194 PS. Power is then sent to a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

The hybrid hatchback can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds while emitting only 100g of carbon per kilometer. It also has a top speed of 170 km/h and a claimed average fuel economy of nearly 23 km/L.

Besides giving it a high-tech hybrid powertrain, MG engineers also made some changes to the chassis by giving it “ultra-high stiffness components” which work together with a new suspension. Not only do these help in giving the MG3 better handling, but MG says these also deliver better refinement and improved Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) deadening.

For now, it looks like the European market (and the UK) will be the first to get their hands on the all-new 2024 MG3. As for the possibility of the MG3 hatchback making its way here, there is no word yet from SAIC Motor Philippines Inc. if they will be bringing the all-new MG3 here as they are focusing more on crossovers and fully electric vehicles. But who knows, perhaps they might pull a surprise and launch this in the future.