Small hybrid from €22,769
In fact, a Dacia Sandero is more than €5,000 cheaper. But with richer equipment and almost twice as much engine power, MG is now putting forward a surprisingly strong competitor. Will the MG 3 Hybrid+ become the new king of the affordable little ones?
So there is a market for such affordable cars?
It is telling that the Dacia Sandero is currently the best-selling new car in Europe. This indicates that thousands of car buyers are queuing up for a compact car that nevertheless offers sufficient space for five occupants, offers reasonable standard equipment and – above all – is not too expensive. It is therefore not surprising that MG is targeting the more price-conscious audience, who currently mainly enter the Dacia showrooms.
Is the 3 also the smallest MG?
The new MG 3 is the most compact model of the Chinese brand, which has been back on the Dutch market since 2019. Unlike other recently introduced models such as the MG 4 and 5, the 3 is not fully electric, but has a hybrid drivetrain. And unlike the MG ZS EV, the EHS and the Marvel R, the 4.11 meter long 3 is not an SUV, but a compact hatchback with five doors. Exactly like the three centimeter shorter Dacia Sandero.
How much does the MG 3 cost?
Although the average purchase price of a new passenger car in the Netherlands is currently around €46,000, that amount is far too high for many private buyers. That partly explains Dacia’s success with that buyer group. Anyone who wants can pick up a new Sandero for €17,500, although you will get the rather sparsely equipped Essential with only the bare necessities. For that money you do get cruise control and parking sensors in the rear bumper, but your own smartphone serves as a navigation screen, for example.
So what’s in it?
An impressive amount. The combination of its price with above-average standard equipment is without a doubt its greatest asset. At first, the entry price of €22,769 seems considerably higher than the Sandero, but the Chinese offer much more technology, luxury and comfort features in return. In addition to a considerably more potent hybrid powertrain than almost all its competitors, but more about that later.
Is there anything else to choose from?
The MG 3 Hybrid+ is available as Standard, Comfort and Luxury, but even the least luxurious version is equipped with a 7-inch digital color instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen with a diameter of 10.25 inches. Navigation is standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration – albeit still with a cable. Also always present are automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, electrically operated windows front and rear, lane keeping assistant and adaptive cruise control. For the latter, you still have to pay extra for an Audi A3 of €41,000. For €24,296, the Comfort adds 16-inch alloy wheels, electrically folding exterior mirrors, a start button, a more extensive audio system and air conditioning vents for the rear passengers. In the extremely complete Luxury you will also find LED headlights, a 360-degree camera system, heated seats, keyless entry and a heated steering wheel. The Luxury (from €25,769) is also equipped with blind spot warning and a system that warns of crossing traffic behind the car. MG has a fantastic price package on offer.
What is the hybrid powertrain like?
Another major strength – quite literally – lies in the drivetrain. MG always supplies the 3 as Hybrid+, which means that a 1.5-liter petrol engine of 102 hp works together with an electric motor (100 kW) and a second, smaller electric motor that serves as a starter motor and generator. This results in an above-average powerful unit, with a total power of no less than 192 hp. For comparison: the Toyota Yaris Hybrid produces 116 hp for more than 26 grand, while the Yaris in 130 hp hybrid gear costs more than €33,000.
And what does the Dacia Sandero offer in return?
The strongest Dacia Sandero has to make do with 110 hp and costs €22,535. Then you get a manual gearbox, while the MG 3 has an automatic transmission on board as standard. If you choose the Dacia Sandero with CVT gearbox, you will spend at least €23,835. As mentioned: the MG offers a very strong ratio between its price and equipment level.
What’s next for the MG 3?
The automatic transmission in the MG is a special case: it has only three gears and two clutches, but feels more like a continuously variable transmission while driving. Particularly when accelerating slightly, you notice that the 3 has a lot of power available at low revs: press the accelerator and the Hybrid+ drivetrain immediately responds nicely, alertly, without being nervous. Accelerating from 50 to 80 kilometers per hour is very smooth and without drama.
Is it economical?
Yes, but also fast because the MG completes the 0-100 sprint in 8 seconds and its top speed is 170 kilometers per hour. If you take off at full throttle, the engine roar will remain neatly in the background, but you will feel a slight dip in the power delivery during gear changes. It then seems as if the engine slows down for a moment, and then accelerates further. That takes some getting used to. It is also possible to regularly drive short distances electrically, thanks to a compact 1.83 kilowatt-hour battery pack under the rear seat. MG promises a practical consumption of 4.4 liters per hundred kilometers (1 in 22.7), during our first test drive the figures from the on-board computer came to an average of 4.6 liters.
Is it a typical budget car?
At least as interesting with a cheaper car: what do you notice about the cost savings? Not so much while driving: MG has the (sound) insulation of the cabin in good order to begin with. At most, you may hear some driving noises from the rear wheel arches at higher speeds and poorer road surfaces, but that is not a huge nuisance. It is striking that the chassis is quiet and mature: the MG 3 springs pleasantly smoothly and can handle cobblestone roads, speed bumps and short bumps in a surprisingly controlled manner.
What is disappointing about the MG 3?
The downright poor seating position is annoying, especially for above-average tall people. The seats are fine despite a somewhat short seat, but the adjustability of the steering wheel is far below par. The steering wheel can only be adjusted minimally in height and not in depth, which makes you sit significantly worse than in many European competitors. Knees soon become a problem; for drivers over 1.90 meters this can be the biggest turn-off. Elsewhere in the car, the space available is very reasonable: the back seat is spacious enough for three people, provided they are not too large. The legroom is acceptable, the headroom and entry give no reason to complain. The luggage compartment of the MG 3 can accommodate 293 liters, which means it has to tolerate the Dacia Sandero (328 liters) and the Volkswagen Polo (355 liters), but it beats the hybrid Toyota Yaris, which can take 286 liters. Although the test car has a one-piece rear seat backrest, MG promises that the final production versions will have a two-piece folding rear seat as standard.
Does it feel cheap inside?
Finally, the use of materials in (and the finish of) the MG 3 are in line with what you would expect in this price segment. It is certainly acceptable, although you can feel crackling hard plastic on the dashboard and the design is not very inspiring. The Luxury gets artificial leather and a Scottish diamond pattern on some panels, but at the same time the small sliding panel with which you can cover the center tunnel turns out to be downright rickety. For this amount of money you cannot have a front row seat in all areas. Nevertheless, the MG by definition has good chances of success on the Dutch market. The Dacia Sandero has already shown the relevance of this segment, but the MG 3 has better credentials in various respects.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl