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By Carsales Staff
You win some and you lose some. That’s the case for the next-generation MG3, which is set to gain a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain but will relinquish its role as Australia’s most affordable new car when it arrives in local showrooms in the middle of 2024.
Unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show, the third generation MG3 promises to set new standards for performance, efficiency and refinement but is expected to cost around $5000 more than the outgoing version which currently sells for less than $20,000 driveaway.
That will leave the recently facelifted 2024 Kia Picanto (from $17,890 plus on-road costs) as the only new car remaining on sale in Australia from under $20,000.
The MG3 is expected to be available with two powertrain options, either with a conventional petrol motor or a petrol-electric hybrid with the latter likely to command a significant premium of up to $5000.
Final specifications and prices have yet to be confirmed for Australia, but eagle-eyed car spotters have already captured camouflaged pre-production models undergoing testing and evaluation on local roads.
But MG Motor Australia confirmed in a statement “…that, due to advancements in technology, safety, and specification, the new MG3 revealed at the Geneva Motor Show will mean the popular model will no longer be a sub-$20,000 car when it launches in Australia this year.
“There will be a price increase of around $5000 associated with the new model, thanks to the introduction of new world-class technology, safety updates and all-new specification.”
According to specifications revealed for European versions, where the MG3 will exclusively be offered with the hybrid set-up, the powertrain will link a lean-burning 1.5-litre petrol engine that generates 75kW/128Nm with a 100kW electric motor powered by small 1.83kWh lithium-ion battery.
Together, they produce a combined maximum output of 143kW while consuming an average of 4.4L/100km.
The powertrain drives the front wheels through a three-speed – yes, three speed – automatic transmission, with MG claiming the electric motor is responsible for most of the ‘high load’ driving, such as initially moving away from a standstill and heavy bursts of acceleration with the petrol engine merely supporting it before taking over at higher and constant speeds.
By comparison, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is more efficient (with an average fuel consumption figure of 3.3L/100km) but generates significantly less power (at 85kW).
Along with the extra performance, the new MG3 is physically larger than the car it replaces in almost every dimension and now measures 4113mm (+58mm) long, 1797mm (+68mm) wide and 1502mm (-7mm) high, while riding on a 50mm-longer (2570mm) wheelbase.
With more space inside for occupants and cargo, MG says the new city-hatch now has the largest boot in its class (293 litres).
In Europe, the new MG3 will be offered in three well-equipped grades – Standard, Comfort and Luxury – but even the most basic versions will offer a twin-screen dashboard with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster combined with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Both are said to benefit from enhanced graphics and improved responses. A row of piano-key shortcuts below the touchscreen have been retained to reduce driver distraction on the move.
Sat-nav is now also standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the car-maker’s MG iSMART connectivity system.
There are also four USB ports, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Higher grades add leather seat trim, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus a 360-degree parking display.
Coming from the lowest base (with ANCAP controversially not rating the ageing existing MG3), the new model offers significant improvements in safety technology with the addition of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.
More sound deadening are new engine and suspension mounts are said to reduce noise, vibration, and general harshness levels, while a stiffer chassis and lighter suspension components are claimed to improve grip and agility.
Europe’s new MG3 will be available with a choice of new alloy wheel designs and a fresh colour palette including York White, St Moritz Blue, Flaming Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, Blade Silver, and Hampstead Grey.
The first MG3 launched in China in 2008 was never sold in Australia, and its 2011 successor only arrived here in 2016, when it became one of the cheapest new cars available and quickly outsold the Toyota Yaris, Mazda2, Suzuki Swift and Volkswagen Polo.
The third generation MG3 is expected to go on-sale in Australia by the middle of 2024.
Disclaimer: Images supplied by MG Australia.
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