MG Philippines has unveiled the country’s first-ever subcompact hatchback with a hybrid drivetrain. The new MG3 will compete with the likes of the upcoming facelifted Honda City Hatchback, as well as its sedan sibling, along with the Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera, and thanks to the entry price of the non-hybrid model, even cars like the Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Wigo despite being a bigger car.
Yes, apart from an MG 3 hybrid (marketed as HEV), there are also non-hybrid models on order. The hybrid, which starts at P1,088,888, comes with a series-parallel hybrid drivetrain (basically the same system found in Toyota and Honda hybrids) that combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor, which results in a system output of 192 horsepower. However, it would be interesting if the Sino-British automaker simply added the two powertrain sources (which Toyota avoids doing to its series-parallel hybrids). Whatever the case, this drives the front wheels via a three-speed automatic.
On the other hand, the non-hybrid MG 3 uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 120 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. This likewise drives the front wheels via a CVT.
As for its design, the MG 3 utilizes the brand’s latest design language, which is characterized by a wide grille flanked by slim LED headlights (halogens for the base STD and COM) and a nice pair of LED daytime running lights. The MG 3 also has a sculpted side profile with a curved roof and 16-inch wheels (15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps for the STD). Finally, LED taillights complete the sporty exterior of the MG 3.
Moving inside the MG 3, you’ll find a generous serving of features that you’ve come to expect from the Sino-British automaker. The base STD comes with fabric seats, remote keyless entry, a mechanical handbrake, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster (segment/DOT matrix type), a single USB port, a 2-speaker sound system, and an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth. Up next is the mid-spec COM, which gives you a push-button start, a large 10.25-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4-speaker sound system, a reverse camera, tire pressure monitoring, and an electronic parking brake.
Finally, the range-topping LUX adds combination vinyl and fabric upholstery, a leather steering wheel, four USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, a 360-degree camera system, smart entry, and a few advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and a blind-spot camera.
Pricing for the MG 3 is expectedly very competitive, undercutting most of the subcompact competition:
- STD MT – P678,888
- COM CVT – P828,888
- LUX CVT – P898,888
- HEV – P1,088,888
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