MG3 Hybrid+

By Bill McCarthy

The first time I drove an MG3, it was a bit underwhelming, despite the rock bottom price. Now Chinese owned, the name MG has a proud heritage as a sporty and desirable vehicle.
The firm now produces value for money cars, which are practical and well equipped and with some industry leading offers.
The new hybrid model is an altogether different proposition from the original and, says the company, represents a landmark in MG’s powertrain development, as the first pure hybrid model to be launched. There are two models, and both are packed with kit you would expect on more expensive rivals. 
It delivers an advanced hybrid system that  includes a separate generator, allowing for multiple hybrid modes. 
Starting at  £18,495 OTR, it is available in SE or Trophy specifications and both come with the seven-year/80,000 mile warranty.
Prices are still low and you get plenty from this impressive supermini. It also looks good, with a full frame grille, sporting the larger, iconic MG badge and other neat style touches in the rear such as high-mounted tail lamps.
To be fair, it blew me away, a supermini almost defying the description, with a large interior and excellent boot space.

It delivers a unique hybrid system that  includes a separate generator, allowing for multiple hybrid modes which include:

• EV – Running on electric-only power for as long as charge allows
• Series – Engine runs through to the generator, which powers the electric motor for drive
• Series and Charge – Series driving, plus topping-up the battery when under low-load
• Drive and Charge – Engine drives the wheels, while also charging the battery through the generator
• Parallel – Both engine and electric motor power the wheels

The hybrid 1.5 internal combustion engine and 100kW electric motor deliver an excellent drive and can pretty astonishing economy figures of nearly 70mpg reported by colleagues. I managed ‘only’ 63mpg, nearer the official figure and this was with predominantly motorway driving. Impressive or what? It is bigger than before with good interior space and an excellent stowage area.
It now features  a twin-screen cockpit with a seven-inch digital instrument screen and a 10.25-inch central infotainment system which also controls navigation and connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Other high end equipment includes air conditioning, six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connection, four USB ports, and rear parking sensors and camera, while this range topper  add leather-style upholstery, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, and 360-degree camera. The spacious cabin offers excellent headroom, while legroom is reasonably good as well.
You will not find high quality soft touch finish, but the plastic finish is hard wearing and easy to keep clean, particularly with young children in the car. Boot space, like most hatchbacks, space can be increased by folding the rear seats. 
Despite the huge economy, it still delivers a sporty performance with good handling which came into play on twisty Devon roads.
 There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard and Sport, with the latter powering the car to 60mph in just eight seconds. The chassis and suspension has also been specifically tuned for UK roads according to MG.
However, hit a pothole or uneven surface where the car is unsettled by imperfections and can be uncomfortable until you are on a better surface.

A bigger, better, high quality little car, but still  a real snip of a price.
The new car is packed with safety kit including rear view camera and MG Pilot technology, which includes a full set of airbags, lane dpearture warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist.

A brilliant little performer that wears the MG badge proudly.

• Factfile
• MG3 3 Hybrid+ Trophy
• Price: £20,495
• Mechanical: 143PS, 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine and 100kW electric motor combined, driving front wheels wheels via auto gearbox
• Max speed: 128mph
• 0-60mph: 8 seconds
• Combined mpg: 64
• Insurance group: 24
• CO2 emissions: 100g/km (provisional)
• Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles