Ian Lamming drives the latest supermini from MG and finds it to be the perfect partner for a wallet under the cosh
THE figure 65.7 shines out from the virtual dashboard; that’s job done then in these days of financial challenges.
Who says motoring has become ridiculously expensive – not MG for sure. The Chinese-owned proudly British brand represents amazing value for money because it’s not simply affordable and economical but is also genuinely able.
Prices of this well-made and attractive supermini start at just £18,495 and the figure of65.7 is its miles per gallon reading, making it just the ticket in economically difficult times.
But I know what you are thinking; it’s all very well being cheap but that must surely mean it isn’t any good, right – wrong!
MG3 is an absolute cracker. Firstly it looks smart with a tidy rear, deeply sculpted suage lines and a smart sporty nose featuring the 100-year-old iconic MG octagonal badge. It is a well-proportioned and a very attractive five door hatchback.
The interior is equally impressive with a quality feel, perfect ergonomics and seemingly endless specification. It has everything you could possibly require.
The chunky steering wheel apes the badge which makes it great to hold and look at and the dashboard is spot on. There’s a twin-screen cockpit with a 7in digital instrument panel and a 10.25in central infotainment system.
Graphics and responsiveness are excellent and thankfully there is a bank of piano-key switches on the centre console to maximise safety as they allow you to keep your eyes on the road instead of swiping through countless touchscreen menus.
Many new models have dropped satnav in favour of using the Google maps on your phone But satellite navigation is fitted as standard on MG3 so you aren’t reliant on 4G. It does still feature smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the MG iSMART system provides all the connectivity features you could ever want.
As long as there’s Bluetooth for my phone and Spotify I’m happy and my sounds play well through the six-speaker audio system.
Other equipment highlights include air conditioning, four USB ports and rear parking sensors with camera.
Brand new from the ground up, the MG3 is longer and wider than the previous model allowing for more interior space for occupants and the largest boot space in the hybrid B- segment class.
The overall quality feel is reflected in the fact that the ‘3’ comes with a seven year 80,000 mile warranty so you can expect this MG to be very reliable and have decent second hand value. Just imagine, you’ll be able to buy a three year old MG3 in years to come and still have four years left of the warranty.
All good so far but is the MG3 any good to drive? The answer soon becomes apparent from the second you press the starter button.
MG’s self-charging Hybrid+ powertrain technology is debuted in the ‘3’ and it is a beauty. Because it runs for longer on the electric motor the fuel consumption figures are amazing.
Nothing seems to happen at first because the MG starts on the electric motor. Just turn the gear selector to D and press the throttle and off you go. It’s every bit as quiet and refined as a full EV. When the 1.5 litre petrol motor does kick in it remains unobtrusive, quiet and refined.
When they work together the result is astounding. I pull out to overtake a slow mover, put my foot down and whoosh the MG3 absolutely flies. That’s because the 1.5 litre petrol engine has the willing support of a 100kW electric motor. Combined there is 145PS and 250Nm of torque to delve into which is a lot of power for accelerating, climbing and cruising. It doesn’t feel like a small car but those fuel economy figures tell you differently and that has to be good for the finances.
Fact File
MG3 Hybrid
Engine: 1.5 litre petrol plus electric motor
Power: 145PS
0-60mph: 8 secs
Top speed: 106mph
Combined MPG: 53
Transmission: three-speed automatic
CO2 g/km: 100
Price: from £18,495.00
