Smart move?
The traditional compact hatchback with combustion engines is a slowly dying breed. MG is sharpening its knives and seems to be attacking the segment in Europe with a brand new price-friendly model: the new MG 3.
MG’s drive for expansion seems to know no bounds. Literally even. The brand markets one model after another in its home country of China but also beyond. The MG 4 Electric is the most recent model in Europe and the electric Cyberster will be added in due course. But there’s more. Much more. This year, MG is launching no fewer than four new models in Europe and the Netherlands. This includes an interesting competitor for the Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa, Renault Clio/Mitsubishi Colt and Peugeot 208.
The Ford Fiesta no longer has a long life in Europe and Kia has now discontinued the Rio. Of course, there are still many B-segmenters for sale, but manufacturers in Europe seem to see a lot of interest in crossovers or compact hatchbacks with electric powertrains. MG previously announced that it would be launching a model that positions it in the heart of the B-segment. AutoWeek previously showed you that compact hatchback from all angles in a patent image. Now the manufacturer itself is releasing the first image. Our suspicions are confirmed: it is the new MG 3.
MG 3 on patent image.
The new MG 3 follows the model of the same name, which has been on sale in the United Kingdom for many years. During the Geneva Motor Show, which opens its gates on February 26, MG will launch the new 3 on the car scene. It does not have the addition ‘Electric’ after its name and that indicates that there will be no electric versions. It is likely that MG will introduce the 3 to a certain form of electrification, but do not expect full-fledged hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. It is expected to have mild-hybrid petrol engines at most. The current MG 3 is now about 13 years old. The approximately 4.05 meter long hatchback came onto the English market in 2011.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl