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.
This is the new 2024 MG3
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.
What powers the new MG3 for 2024?
Both petrol and petrol-hybrid engines will be available at launch
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.
The MG3 hybrid claims a combined fuel economy of just 4.3L/100km
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.
Grade by grade walk for the new MG3 hatch
On the base Excite grade, the MG3 will come fitted with the following features:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Halogen headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- Fabric seat upholstery
- Manual driver and front passenger seats
- Electric folding side mirror
- PU steering wheel
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
- Push button start
- Six -speaker sound system
- USB C and USB A ports
The 10.25-inch touchscreen looks very similar to the electric MG4
Jumping into the Essence, owners will gain:
- Projector LED headlights
- PU and fabric mix seat upholstery
- Rain sensing wipers
- Sunroof
- Leather steering wheel
- Sunglasses box
- Rear map/magazine pocket
- Keyless entry
- DAB digital radio
- Satellite navigation
This is the first-ever hybrid MG3
As for the hybrid variants, the electrified Excite will add:
- Pedestrian warning sound
- Electronic rotary gear shifter
- Drive mode button
The flagship Essence hybrid adds:
- 360-degree camera
- Rear reading lights
- Keyless entry
The new MG3 range will go on sale shortly in Australia
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.
How safe is the new MG3?
The 2024 MG3 is yet to be tested by Australian safety body ANCAP.
The MG3 is yet to be tested for safety by ANCAP
The new MG3 comes well equipped from the factory with safety systems, and as standard features:
- Front, side and curtain airbags
- Rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Intelligent cruise assist
- Blind spot detection
- Rear cross traffic assist
- Hill hold control
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Lane departure warning
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Intelligent speed assist
- Lane keep assist
- Emergency lane keep assist
- Reversing camera
- 360-degree camera (Essence only)
A 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster is standard
MG3 2024: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- Excite petrol: $23,990
- Essence petrol: $25,990
- Excite hybrid: $27,990
- Essence hybrid: $29,990