2024 MG MG3 Hybrid+ Review

The MG 3 is currently blowing its competitors out of the water in the light car segment, undercutting major rivals on price and outdoing them on the features list and warranty front.

MG is giving buyers the choice of two MG 3 Hybrids within the range, which begs the question of whether it’s worth the upgrade, or saving yourself some cash with a base model.

Let’s look closer at the MG 3 Hybrid to find out how it stacks up as one of Australia’s most affordable hybrid cars on sale in 2024. 

MG 3 Hybrid Competition

How Much Does the MG 3 Hybrid Cost?

Prices for the 2024 MG 3 Hybrid range kick off from $27,990 for the entry-level Hybrid+ Excite variant, rising to $29,990 for the range-topping MG 3 Hybrid+ Essence.

For reference, the petrol-powered MG 3 range is priced from $23,990 for the entry-level MG 3 Exicte, while the MG 3 Essence is priced at $25,990.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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MG MG3 Hybrid+ Excite Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the MG 3 Hybrid Have?

The entry-level MG 3 Hybrid+ Excite comes riding on a set of 16-inch alloys and receives halogen headlights with LED running lamps, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery, climate control, a rotary gear selector, push-button start, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, rear fog lights and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat.

Stepping up to the MG 3 Hybrid+ Essence adds a set of projector LED headlights, keyless entry, a surround-view monitor, leatherette upholstery with a leather steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof and some added infotainment features.

MG 3 Hybrid Connectivity & Infotainment Features 

Both the MG 3 Hybrid+ Excite and Essence range receive a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display sitting atop the dashboard.

It’s a major upgrade from the previous MG 3’s display and gives the cabin a much more modern vibe overall.

DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation are reserved for the range-topping MG 3 Hybrid+ Essence, as well as connectivity with MG’s iSmart application.

Buyers of the range-topping Hybid+ Essence receive a 12-month subscription to the iSmart app, which offers remote vehicle location, information and diagnostics, while a subscription after one year passes is priced at $50.

Does the MG 3 Hybrid Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

MG’s updated infotainment system does offer smartphone mirroring for both Android and iPhone users, though it will require you to connect your smartphone via a USB port.

This is because the MG 3 Hybrid range does not offer wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support, with the company sticking with a wired connection, instead.

At the very least, the wired connection does ensure a more stable connection between the infotainment system and your music, podcasts, phone calls and contacts while you’re on the move.

Is the MG 3 Hybrid Comfortable to Drive?

Typically, manufacturers take a very vanilla approach to hybrid versions of their best-sellers.

MG, however, has chosen to buck the trend with the MG 3 Hybrid+ range, installing a brand-new hybrid engine that kicks out a hefty amount of power.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find the MG 3 Hybrid picks up a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which is paired with an electric motor.

Combined outputs are a very impressive 150kW of power and 250Nm of torque that is channelled to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.

While the MG 3 Hybrid range picks up an added 100kg over the standard car, it remains a lightweight package and, with the instant torque from its electric motor, now offers some spirited acceleration off the line.

The update has seen the MG 3 in hybrid form become even more impressive around town, with its zippy handling and now some added perk from the hybrid powertrain making it a great little city car.

The steering isn’t quite as light as its major rivals, though it’s still easy enough to wrangle the steering wheel and squeeze the MG 3 into virtually any vacant spot thanks to its stout wheelbase.

The MG 3 Hybrid picks up a regenerative braking system that captures energy otherwise lost during braking and feeds it back into the 1.87kWh battery pack.

It takes a bit of time to get acquainted with the regenerative braking feeling, though it can be adjusted in three levels to help find your preferred amount of stopping power when lifting off the throttle.

In and around the urban jungle, the MG 3 drives confidently, soaking up bumps thanks to its suspension package and more accommodating tyres, making it a particularly user-friendly city car.

Pick up the pace and the MG 3 doesn’t remain quite as composed, with the suspension struggling to handle some of the rough and tumble that Aussie B-roads can throw up.

The same goes for the steering as you hit higher speeds, with a noticeable lack of feedback through the steering wheel that might be a let-down for purists, though the vast majority of drivers won’t notice.

On the highway, the MG 3 is fairly comfortable, with a decent amount of attention paid to noise, vibration and harshness at high speeds and on rougher surfaces.

The end result is a reasonably smooth and particularly quiet driving experience behind the wheel, with the MG 3 not shy from tackling a long journey down the highway.

All up, the upgrades for the MG 3 Hybrid are significant and make for a serious upgrade over the outgoing MG3 and a well-accomplished city car package overall.

Is the MG 3 Hybrid Fuel Efficient?

Of course, one of the major considerations of an all-new hybrid take on a popular model is just how dramatically fuel economy figures have dropped.

On paper, the MG 3 Hybrid range offers some serious fuel savings over the standard petrol-powered MG 3.

The company says that fuel economy figures for the MG 3 Hybrid stand at 4.3L per 100km on a combined cycle.

This is a nearly 30 per cent increase in fuel efficiency for the MG 3 Hybrid+ range over the standard MG 3 petrol, which consumes 6.0L per 100km on a combined cycle, though matching MG’s official claims can prove somewhat difficult.

How Much Fuel Does the MG 3 Hybrid use Around Town?

• MG 3 Hybrid+ City Consumption: 0.9L per 100km

• MG 3 Petrol City Consumption: 7.8L per 100km

How Much Fuel Does the MG 3 Hybrid use on the Highway?

• MG 3 Hybrid+ City Consumption: 6.3L per 100km

• MG 3 Petrol City Consumption: 4.9L per 100km

Is the MG 3 Hybrid Practical and Spacious?

It takes just a few seconds sitting behind the wheel to see that this is a major upgrade from the outgoing MG 3.

While the previous model was showing some serious signs of its age, the MY24 MG 3 range is a significantly sharper, more modern and attractive proposition inside the cabin.

Headlining the upgrades is a new dashboard design, a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver, the large infotainment system and a redesigned centre console that culminates in a tech-heavy, clean cabin arrangement.

The seating position is fairly accommodating for tall drivers, with the large steering wheel offering tilt adjustment, but no reach adjustment.

Storage options in the MG 3 Hybrid are great, with the bulky centre console offering a pair of cupholders flanked by a large storage tray, two tiers of storage in front of the folding armrest and sizable door bins on either side of the cabin.

Solid marks for storage and practicality up front, then.

Move to the rear of the cabin and the MG 3 remains one of the most spacious in the segment.

The MG 3’s rear bench has no problem comfortably accommodating adults, which is something you can’t say for every member of the light car segment.

Headroom is fine, though taller rear passengers might feel a little cramped on longer journeys, while the addition of rear air vents and a USB port makes it feel like the MG’3 second row is more than an afterthought.

The MG 3 comes with a rear bench fitted with two pairs of ISOFIX anchors, with three top tether mounts fixed to each of the rear seats to accommodate forward and rear-facing child seats.

Overall, then, the upgraded MG 3 range is a strong contender in the segment for outright space and practicality in both the first and second rows of the cabin.

How Big is the MG 3 Hybrid’s Boot?

The MG 3 doesn’t change the game when it comes to boot space, though figures are healthy for the pint-sized segment.

With the rear seats standing, the MG 3’s boot measures 293L, which is more than you’ll find in the Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto, close to par with the Toyota Yaris, but smaller than the Volkswagen Polo.

Fold down the rear seats and the MG 3’s boot expands to 983L when you need to lug around some bulky gear.

Is the MG 3 Hybrid Safe?

The MG 3 Hybrid’s safety equipment list is also massively upgraded over the previous generation MG 3, which remains one of the most comprehensive for the price.

As standard, the MG 3 Hybrid+ Excite picks up active safety tech like autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and intelligent cruise assist.

You’ll also pick up adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, lane-departure alerts, speed assist and six airbags.

The only feature reserved for the range-topping MG 3 Essence is a surround-view camera, which is nice to see MG throwing in a whole heap of safety tech in the base model.

Does the MG 3 Hybrid Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The MG 3 is yet to be officially put under the microscope by the team at ANCAP.

This means that it does not have a current ANCAP safety rating and remains untested.

What Warranty Does the MG 3 Hybrid Come With?

MG is sticking by its long warranty coverage with the MG 3 Hybrid range. 

Buyers pick up a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty for both the MG 3 and its electrical hybrid components.

This means the MG 3 continues to lead the charge, alongside the Kia Picanto, when it comes to lengthy warranty coverage.

You’ll also receive seven years of roadside assistance and five years of capped-price servicing.

Five capped-price services for the MG 3 Hybrid+ range are slightly more expensive than their petrol-powered siblings, totalling $2,045 compared to $1,854 in the standard MG 3.

Our Verdict: Is the MG 3 Hybrid Worth It?

The updated MG 3 range is a major step forward over the previous generation.

Both its looks inside and out, safety equipment lists and technology packages have been massively upgraded, while few potential buyers will complain about a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain option.

While it’s not the most well-rounded on the road, the MG 3 does remain user-friendly behind the wheel and makes for an outstanding value proposition in the world of small, affordable hybrid-powered motoring.

If you’re in the market for a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price.

Five MG 3 Hybrid Specs You Need to Know

1. 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol + electric motor produces 150kW/250Nm

2. 4.3L per 100km claimed fuel economy figures

3. 293L boot space expands to 983L with rear seats folded

4. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty

5. Unrated by ANCAP