What was once Australia’s cheapest small car has had a price rise, but adds hybrid technology and more safety for the first time
MG Australia has confirmed local pricing and specifications for its new-generation MG3 hatch, which introduces the marque’s first-ever self-charging petrol-electric hybrid.
Competing against the likes of the Kia Picanto and the Mazda 2, the new MG3’s pricing will begin at $23,990 before on-road costs for the entry petrol Excite and will top out at $29,990 before on-road costs for the hybrid Essence.
Price of entry is up $5500 on the outgoing generation, but the model now features the option of a mild-hybrid setup, as well as more features, safety and technology than before.
However, this puts the MG3 at a higher price point than one of its core rivals, the Kia Picanto, which starts from $17,890 for a manual Sport variant. The Kia Picanto is yet to receive any form of hybridisation.
The new MG3 will go on sale in Australia shortly, joining the existing range of products including the MG4 electric, the ZS small SUV, HS midsize SUV and the MG5 sedan.
Two powertrains will be available for the new MG3 in Australia for 2024.
The first engine is a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 81kW/142Nm and is mated exclusively to a CVT automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Claimed combined fuel economy for this petrol engine is 6.0L/100km.
The second engine is a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid engine that produces combined outputs of 155kW/128Nm and is automatic only, using MG’s hybrid transmission.
MG states that this new hybrid powertrain has a claimed combined fuel economy of 4.3L/100km. Fitted to hybrid variants is a small 1.83kWh battery pack. MG claims it is the first conventional, non-plug-in hybrid system fitted to an MG model.
On the base Excite grade, the MG3 will come fitted with the following features:
Jumping into the Essence, owners will gain:
As for the hybrid variants, the electrified Excite will add:
The flagship Essence hybrid adds:
All new MG3s will come standard with MG Australia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Servicing the petrol MG3 will cost $1854 over a five year period, while hybrid variants will cost $2045 over five years.
The 2024 MG3 is yet to be tested by Australian safety body ANCAP.
The new MG3 comes well equipped from the factory with safety systems, and as standard features:
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
Latest news
About Chasing cars
Chasing Cars reviews are 100% independent.
Because we are powered by Budget Direct Insurance, we don’t receive advertising or sales revenue from car manufacturers.
We’re truly independent – giving you Australia’s best car reviews.