The new-generation MG 3 is a huge redesign of Australia’s favourite light car, packing available hybrid power, a completely new look, and a massively expanded list of safety equipment.
This has also seen the title of Australia’s cheapest car fall back to the Kia Picanto, with the base price of the MG 3 rising from $18,990 drive-away to $23,990 before on-road costs.
While the outgoing MG 3 didn’t even offer autonomous emergency braking as an option, every new MG 3 will come standard with the safety feature – plus blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
That actually gives it a wider range of safety kit than low-level MG 4s, or any MG 5.
The MG 3 has become by far the best-selling vehicle in its segment, with a 43.3 per cent share in 2023. It remains to be seen whether it can maintain this standing over its rivals in the new generation.
It’s now priced much closer to key rivals, with the base manual Mazda 2 undercutting it on price.
However, when comparing the base MG 3 with automatic-equipped rivals, it still undercuts them. The cheapest Mazda 2 auto, for example, is $24,870 before on-road costs.
The cheapest hybrid also undercuts the entry-level Toyota Yaris hybrid by $510. The Toyota is now no longer the only hybrid model in its segment with the arrival of the MG 3 Hybrid+, which becomes the cheapest electrified car in Australia.
Pricing
Where previously MG has quoted drive-away pricing, the MG 3 has a quoted list price.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| 2024 MG 3 Excite | $23,990 |
| 2024 MG 3 Essence | $25,990 |
| 2024 MG 3 Hybrid+ Excite | $27,990 |
| 2024 MG 3 Hybrid+ Essence | $29,990 |
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Drivetrains
Two powertrains are on offer in the MG 3, with a petrol opening the range.
| Petrol | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder | 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder hybrid |
| Engine power | 81kW at 6000rpm | 75kW at 6000rpm |
| Engine torque | 142Nm at 4500rpm | 128Nm at 4500rpm |
| Total system power | – | 155kW at 6000rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | Hybrid Transmission |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
Efficiency
| Petrol | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.0L/100km | 4.3L/100km |
| Fuel type | 91 RON regular unleaded | 95 RON premium unleaded |
| Fuel tank | 45L | 36L |
| CO2 (combined) | 139g/km | 100g/km |
| Battery capacity | – | 1.83kWh |
Dimensions
| MG 3 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4113mm |
| Width | 1797mm |
| Height | 1502mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570mm |
| Boot space (seats up) | 293L |
| Boot space (second row folded) | 983L |
| Kerb weight | 1199kg (petrol) 1308kg (hybrid) |
| Maximum towing capacity | 500kg |
Servicing and Warranty
MG Australia offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for its model range, including the new MG 3.
Hybrid models have a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the high-voltage battery system as well, but you need to read the fine print if you plan to drive this vehicle for commercial use.
All versions get a seven-year roadside assistance plan included.
The brand has a capped-price servicing plan on offer for seven years, too. Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first.
2024 MG 3 service pricing:
| Service Interval | MG 3 | MG 3 Hybrid+ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year, 10,000km | $234 | $235 |
| 2 years, 20,000km | $323 | $349 |
| 3 years, 30,000km | $352 | $341 |
| 4 years, 40,000km | $536 | $628 |
| 5 years, 50,000km | $409 | $492 |
Safety
The new MG 3 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 6 airbags
- Dual front
- Dual front-side
- Dual side curtain
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Emergency lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Intelligent cruise assist
- Traffic jam assist
- Steering, acceleration, braking assistance
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Intelligent speed assist
- Reversing camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
Essence models also receive a surround-view camera.
Standard Equipment
The MG 3 range is split into base-model Excite and top-spec Essence grades, with a few minor differences between the petrol and hybrid versions.
The MG 3 Excite comes standard with the following:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Space-saver spare wheel
- Halogen headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- Automatic headlights
- Rear fog light
- Push-button start
- Electronic parking brake
- Auto hold
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
- Six-way manual driver’s seat adjustment
- Four-way manual passenger’s seat adjustment
- Tilt steering wheel adjustment
- Air-conditioning with rear vents
The MG 3 Hybrid+ adds:
- Tyre repair kit (in lieu of spare tyre)
- Auto climate control
- Dial type gear selector
- Drive modes
- Pedestrian warning sound – external speaker
The MG 3 Essence adds (over Excite):
- Projector LED headlights
- Keyless entry
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Sunroof
- Leatherette and cloth trim
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Sunglass compartment
- Rear map pockets
- Satellite navigation
- DAB digital radio
- Connected mobile services (iSmart compatibility)
Colours
Pastel Yellow and Dover White non-metallic finishes are standard.
The following metallic finishes are optional:
- Black Pearl
- Sloane Silver
- Diamond Red
- Brighton Blue
- Hampstead Grey
MORE: Everything MG 3
