2024 MG3 enters hatchback arena, starts PHP 678,888

MG Philippines joins the hatchback segment with electrified powertrain

After giving the public a sneak peek at its upcoming B-segment hatchback at this year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), MG Philippines has officially revealed the 2024 MG3.

Aimed squarely against the likes of the Honda City Hatchback and Mazda2, the MG3 combines hot hatch-like looks, a feature-packed cabin, and the option to get it as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). You read right, the MG3 is available with an electrified 1.5-liter engine in the top-of-the-line variant.

First things first, let's talk about the MG3's stylish exterior. The five-door hatch gets a wide front grille that's complemented by a pair of sharp headlights. Depending on the variant, the MG3 can come with either halogens or full LED lighting. All in all, the front fascia appears to have been inspired by the MG GT sports sedan.

Around the back, the MG appeared to have taken inspiration from Mazda in designing the MG3's rear, particularly the wraparound LED taillights. High-grade variants of the MG3 come with 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels wrapped in 195/55/R16 tires. On the other hand, the base model gets 15-inch steelies (with cover) wrapped in 185/65/R16 tires.

Size-wise, the MG3 measures 4055mm long, 1729mm wide, 1521mm tall, and has a 2570mm wheelbase. With the rear seats deployed, the MG3 has a cargo space of 261 liters. Fold those down, however, and luggage space increases to 948 liters.

Open the doors and the MG3 welcomes passengers into a sleek and stylish cabin. Greeting the driver & front passenger are a pair of displays – one is the 7-inch instrument cluster while the latter is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The media display supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Depending on the variant chosen, the MG3 can come with 2, 4, or 6 speakers.

MG3 dashboard with CVT

Also available inside the MG3 are leather-fabric seats, an electronic parking brake (manual on the base model), remote keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control with rear vents, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, push-button start, and leather-wrapped steering wheel on higher variants.

MG3 dashboard with DHT

Under the hood, the MG3 is available with a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine as well as a 1.5-liter inline-four hybrid. The former makes 120 PS with 150 Nm of torque and is paired with either an 8-speed CVT or a 5-speed manual gearbox in the entry-level variant.

The latter, meanwhile, is assisted by an electric motor that puts out 136 PS and a 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The result is a combined system output of 190 PS with 250 Nm of torque and is connected to a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). MG claims the MG3 HEV is capable of averaging up to 23 km/L.

When it comes to safety features, the MG3 is available with intelligent driver aids such as a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, lane watch, lane-keep assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Other available safety systems include; hill-start assist, a 360-degree camera (reverse camera on lower variants), rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock brakes, and a host of airbags.

Pricing for the 2024 MG3 is as follows:

1.5 STD M/T - PHP 678,888

1.5 COM CVT - PHP 828,888

1.5 LUX CVT - PHP 898,888

1.5 HEV+ DHT - PHP 1,088,888