First Drive: 2024 MG3 Hybrid - A hatchback that's both frugal and exciting

Our first impressions of the MG3 Hybrid

Crossovers and SUVs may be all the rage today, but there are still brands that continue to offer the humble yet sporty hatchback. Even more impressive is the fact brands like MG Philippines which now offer EVs have decided to join the hybrid arena with the MG3 electrified hatchback.

Revealed back in June 2024, the MG3 is available with either an electrified or naturally-aspirated 1.5L four-cylinder engine. But with the prospect of attracting customers who wish to have a hybrid vehicle that's affordable and coding-exempt, MG Philippines decided to give us the keys to the MG3 Hybrid+ to find out just how nimble, fuel efficient, and surprisingly quick the stylish hatchback is.

1.5L Hybrid Heart

As mentioned earlier, the MG3 Hybrid+ we recently drove has a 1.5L inline-four that's assisted by an electric motor and a 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The engine alone makes a decent 102 PS and 128 Nm of torque. But thanks to the electric motor, the MG3 Hybrid+ actually makes a combined 190 PS along with a generous 250 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to the front wheels via a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

While it seems like it's too good to be true for a hybrid hatchback making that kind of power, we were more surprised that despite the weight penalty of having an extra battery, the electrified MG3 hatchback is sports car quick. Yes, it makes nearly 200 PS and has 250 Nm of pull that's immediately available on tap, but it was how it delivered the power to the pavement which also surprised us further.

Fast & Fun

Like most hybrids, the MG3 Hybrid+ starts in EV mode with a push of a button – a reminder of its electrified powertrain. Setting the transmission to Drive, the hatchback advances quietly and smoothly, accompanied only by the quiet hum of the electric motor. With enough charge, the MG3 Hybrid+ can cruise on just battery power alone which saves on fuel.

But if you think the MG3 Hybrid+ is all about fuel efficiency, you're mistaken. If you happen to find yourself on a deserted road, bury your foot on the accelerator and you'll be greeted by instantaneous torque and speed as both the engine and electric motor work in unison. Combined with the intelligent DHT ensuring the powertrain delivers all its power, you'll be hitting highway speeds in no time.

Set the drive mode to Sport and the MG3 Hybrid+ comes alive even more as acceleration becomes sharper while steering becomes slightly heavier. Bring the MG3 Hybrid+ to some turns and it will reward the drivers with agile handling. It's no hot hatch by any means but props to MG for making an everyday hatchback into something that performs like one.

Easy Rider

With its agile handling, some might say the MG3 Hybrid+ will deliver a harsh ride. That couldn't be further from the truth as MG's newest five-door actually delivers a pliant ride. We were already expecting a somewhat jarring ride given the MG3's short wheelbase but to our surprise, it was the complete opposite.

We were four in the car and were already bracing for the worst but the MG3 took on every pothole, speed bump, and pock-marked streets like a champ. The suspension system also didn't bottom out despite the countless undulations the hatchback had to go through. Perhaps the only complaint I have with the MG3 Hybrid+ (for now at least) is the limited cabin space and headroom. Yes, it can seat a total of five people, but if any of the occupants inside the vehicle are over 6 feet tall, they have to get creative on how they will fit inside the MG3 Hybrid+.

Fuel Sipper

With a claimed average fuel consumption of up to 23 km/L, we were curious if we could replicate the results in real-world driving situations. In true hybrid fashion, the MG3 Hybrid+ delivered low fuel consumption in dividends.

Without even trying to be as fuel efficient, we were able to get around up to 23 km/L on the highway. In light city driving, the figure slightly went down to around 20 km/L which again impressed us. To see just how fuel-efficient the system is, we tried to be as hard on the powertrain by doing multiple (safe) overtakes on the highway. Despite doing all that, the MG3 Hybrid+ was still able to deliver around 17 km/L.

Combined with the regenerative braking system that can top up the battery while on the go, the hatchback can easily recoup energy aside from relying on the engine. Again, we have to remind you that there were four of us in the vehicle when we did the fuel efficiency tests.

Is it worth it?

After spending almost the entire day with the MG3 Hybrid+, we were thoroughly impressed with the electrified hatchback. Not only did they demonstrate that hatchbacks can still be fun to drive in the age of crossover SUVs, but MG also proved that hybrid vehicles need not be boring or slow.

Yes, there's still that notion that hybrids are dull to drive and are quite sluggish. But the MG3 Hybrid+ was able to show that you can still have fun behind the wheel while saving on gas bills. It may not be the most spacious in terms of cabin and luggage space, but it can easily seat up to five people in relative comfort.

Last but not least, it has 190 PS with 250 Nm of torque which means it's no slouch and could even embarrass bigger-engined cars without even breaking a sweat or consuming more fuel.

We plan on doing a proper review of the MG3 Hybrid+ in the future but if you plan to have PHP 1,088,888 to spend on a fun-to-drive hatchback that's coding-exempt and will sip fuel every day, why not test drive the MG3 Hybrid+ and see for yourself?