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City cars, Manufacturer, MG

New MG a brilliant performer

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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
Motoring

Premium pick-up still setting the pace

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Toyota Hilux GR Sport

By Bill McCarthy

The pickup truck market is highly competitive, but one model, the Hilux, has continued to set the standard for over 50 years. The latest makeover introduced a new top-of-the-line model, the GR Sport, which adds premium touches to a vehicle known for its workhorse capabilities.

Toyota emphasizes that the GR Sport is designed for both work and leisure, offering high-quality cabin comfort, safety features, and connectivity options.

The range includes the single cab Active, starting at just over £27k plus VAT, and the more upscale Invincible. Both models are available with either a 201 bhp 2.8-litre engine or a 2.4-litre version, and feature new equipment, improved comfort, and enhanced on and off-road performance.

The latest model boasts a wider track, raised ride height, improved handling, reduced roll angle, and more precise steering response, providing the best driving experience on and off-road. It also features less noise and vibration, as well as revised suspension and brakes for better performance.

From the workmanlike single cab to the five-seater double cab, the range offers various combinations. The high ground clearance and step up to the cabin highlight the vehicle’s off-road capability. The most obvious clue to its off-road capability is the high ground clearance and clearance between wheel and wheel arch and it’s quite a step up to reach the cabin. No mean feat for my 5ft nothing wife.

The new GR Sport model features a sporty and dynamic design, with revised front ends, wheel arch mouldings, fog light surrounds, and specific 18-inch alloy wheel designs. The interior follows a sporty black monochrome theme with red accents, synthetic suede and leather seats, red seatbelts, paddle shifts, and aluminium pedals.

Equipped with the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system, the GR Sport includes an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen display, cloud-based navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. The interior also features a lockable, cooled glovebox, leather finished steering wheel, and powered windows.

The pickup’s flat bed can accommodate various shapes and sizes, with the ability to carry a full-sized pallet and optional hard top available. The 2,755cc turbodiesel unit provides 201bhp and 500Nm of torque, with the capability to tow loads of up to 3.5 tonnes and a one-tonne minimum payload capacity.

While the pickup’s economy is decent at over 30mpg, its turning circle and handling at speed may not be as impressive. However, it excels off-road with features like increased approach angle, higher ground clearance, and automatic electronic control for better traction and acceleration on low-grip surfaces.

On the road, performance is decent for such a heavy designed to go anywhere.

It can hit 60mph in just over 10 seconds, but economy is surprisingly decent given engine size and overall weight, with around 30mpg, according to WLTP figures. A figure I easily achieved and little more.

The driver can also select Eco and Power settings. Eco mode reduces power consumption for better fuel economy, while power mode initiates a sharper response to enhance the driving experience.

The almost exclusive use of eco mode proved really economical over a prolonged drive.

The turning circle is not fantastic, nor handling at speed, let’s not go there. It is hardly a silent runner with road and wind noise, particularly from the large door mirrors, intrusive at times. However once running, the engine is fairly quiet and refined. The ride, when unladen, is bouncy over rougher surfaces, but perfectly acceptable and smooth over decent surfaces. But it’s by no means uncomfortable thanks to the comfort of the high spec cabin.

The pickup also comes with safety features such as seven airbags, collision warning, traction and stability control, hill start assist, and downhill assist.

Factfile

  • Toyota Hilux GR SPORT DC 2.8D Auto
  • Price: £49,750 (inc VAT)
  • Mechanical: 201hp, 2,755cc four cylinder diesel engine driving all wheels via six-speed auto transmission
  • Max speed: 109mph
  • 0-60mph: 10.7 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 28.5-29.7
  • CO2 emissions: 242-259g/km
  • BiK rating: 37%
  • Insurance group: 45
  • Warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles