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Safe. Smart. Stylish. MG3 Has it All

The all-new MG3 offers both a petrol (manual and CVT) in entry-level Comfort and high-end Luxury trim, and a unique Hybrid+ variant in the top specification Luxury trim.

Good things come quickly in the MG3 Hybrid+. The responsive engine paired with a high-capacity battery results in one of the fastest accelerating small hybrids on the market, catapulting from zero to 100km/h in just eight seconds.

MG Pilot (MG’s in-vehicle safety system) provides a unique and extensive range of safety and technology aids not seen in vehicles at this price level.

Entire range benefits from a leading 7-year/200,000km warranty and MG’s 3-year/45,000km service plan.

Since MG Motor’s official introduction under the custodianship of SAIC Motors International in January this year, it has established itself as one of SA’s fastest growing brands, having cumulatively racked up just shy of 2000 sales in just six months. Impressive numbers considering the current range comprises just three models – ZS, HS and the very exclusive Cyberster. Concomitant growth in the dealer network has resulted in a laudable retail footprint comprising 44 dealers as at the end of July 2025, with another six waiting in the wings to open their doors before the end of the year.

And now, MG Motor has officially launched the all-new MG3 in South Africa, marking the debut of its third-generation best-selling hatch and adding a mainstream fourth model to the local MG line-up. The heritage brand offers the all-new MG3 in two variants – petrol (manual and CVT), as well as Hybrid+. There are two distinct grade options: Comfort and Luxury, each equipped with a range of high-specification features. (The Hybrid+ is exclusively attired in the high-end Luxury trim.) This clearly underlines MG’s commitment to providing top-tier technology and performance, regardless of the price point.

This latest iteration of MG’s supermini boasts a slew of enhancements thanks to a complete redesign from the ground up, including a new platform, up-to-date exterior and interior architecture, as well as superior performance, reduced CO2 emissions, and improved fuel economy. At the heart of these advancements is the introduction of a state-of-the-art, self-charging 1.5-litre Hybrid+ four-cylinder engine. For those preferring the value proposition of a normally aspirated ICE variant, this is available in both manual (Comfort trim only) and CVT in two spec grades. Value is further boosted with MG’s comprehensive seven-year/200,000 km warranty, while a three-year/45,000km service plan is included in the price.

“In line with its catchy ‘MG3 has it all’ slogan, the newcomer possesses all the attributes to go to the very top of the class. It offers customers a combination of efficiency and performance with MG’s exciting Hybrid+ powertrain crowning an already accomplished package,” comments Sky Zhang, General Manager, who heads up MG Motor in South Africa.

“Exhibiting a level of refinement unheard of in the ‘lightweight’ division while still staying true to the brand’s fun-to-drive philosophy, the MG3 is generously equipped, both with premium interior features and superior safety elements courtesy of MG’s Pilot safety system. I’m confident that the new MG3 will be a game-changer in the South African market.”

Style & Substance

Visually, the new MG3 sets itself apart in the compact hatchback segment with a bold and characterful design language. Its torpedo-inspired silhouette is anchored by a striking "sharkline" front profile featuring Projector LED headlamps (Luxury) and LED DRLs, lending the car a sense of poised aggression and aerodynamic confidence.

Importantly, the latest design direction also forges a strong familial identity with other standout MG models, including the halo Cyberster and much-admired HS, ensuring the MG3 feels right at home within the brand’s contemporary lineup. The ‘bubble butt’ rear not only enhances the MG3’s sporty stance but also hints at generous practicality within.

Perhaps most eye-catching are the standard 16-inch alloys that are a playful nod to the ‘teledial’ wheels reminiscent of Italian sports cars. They add an unmistakable Mediterranean flair to the MG3’s overall aesthetic, reinforcing its international appeal.

The colour palette for the new MG3 comprises the following hues: St. Moritz Blue, Flare Red, Morning Yellow, York White, Blade Silver, Hamstead Grey & Pearl Black.

Two Very Distinct Powertrains

MG’s Hybrid+ powertrain technology makes its debut on the all-new MG3, and is the first conventional, non-plug-in hybrid system fitted to an MG model. Despite focusing on efficiency, the electrified technology also delivers excellent performance benefits.

Producing a combined 155kW and 425Nm, the MG3 Hybrid+ returns economy figures of (4.3l/100km) and 100g/km CO2. This is aided by a 1.83kWh battery, allowing for an extensive electric-assisted driving range – significantly boosting efficiency.

The four-cylinder 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine produces 75kW, offering exceptionally high thermal efficiency at 41%. Combined with the 100kW electric motor, the Hybrid+ system provides a broad range of power across the rev range. Separate generator motors enable multiple operating modes (each automatically selected by the Hybrid+ system and dependent on the battery level at the time):

EV – Running on electric-only power for as long as the charge allows.

Series – The 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 – The engine drives the wheels, while also charging the battery through the generator.

Parallel – Both engine and electric motor power the wheels.

It’s worth noting that thanks to the powerful electric motor, much of the high-load driving – accelerating, for example – can be carried out under electric power (battery-level dependent), with the petrol engine seamlessly supporting or taking over at higher speeds. Drivers can tailor the MG3’s responsiveness with the choice of three driving modes – Eco, Standard, and Sport.

Eco mode is calibrated for optimum fuel economy and provides gentle throttle response for drivers, while Standard provides an optimum blend of economy and performance, working well for most trip types. Sport elicits a more spirited response, getting the best out of the combined power output, delivering some of the best performance figures in the hybrid B-segment hatchback class. The obligatory 100km dash, for example, is dispatched in a highly respectable eight seconds. Accelerating to highway speeds – from 80-120km/h – is equally impressive, at just five seconds.

As somewhat of a departure from the more common CVT normally used in hybrids, the new MG3 Hybrid+ features an unusual three-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is designed to provide a smooth and refined driving experience, especially under hard acceleration. The three-speed gearbox allows for a more controlled and less coarse noise and vibration quotient compared to traditional continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), which usually see service in hybrid vehicles. The transmission's ability to effortlessly glide between gears contributes to the overall performance and sporty driving dynamics of the MG3 Hybrid+.

The petrol variant is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 81kW and 142Nm. This engine is paired with either a manual five-speed gearbox or a CVT, which prioritises fuel economy, with an official rate of 6.0L/100km (totally achievable in real-world driving). Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h for the manual derivative is clocked at a respectable 10.8 seconds.

As a side note, the CVT keeps revs commendably low at higher speeds – just 2400rpm at 110km/h – which contributes to a hushed cabin environment at cruising speeds. Under heavy acceleration and off the line, the petrol-powered MG3 displays typical CVT characteristics, but commendably mitigating this is the free-revving nature of the powerplant as well as its general refinement. At elevated revs, the engine emits a rather pleasant metallic snarl as opposed to the customary coarse howl one usually associates with this setup.

With compact proportions and an agile setup, the newcomer offers a refined drive but keeps MG’s ‘fun-to-drive’ ethos at its core. Utilising a conventional MacPherson strut system up front and torsion beam in the rear, it further benefits from the employment of new ultra-high stiffness components in the chassis, while suspension elements have been designed to reduce weight and improve grip for both athletic handling and a comfortable ride, delivering new highs in refinement and noise suppression. Engineers have focused on engine and suspension mounts, sound absorbing materials, as well as transmission design to reduce noise, vibration and harshness to provide a premium driving experience.

The New Benchmark for Small Cars

Setting a new standard for compact hatchbacks, the MG3 truly impresses with its wealth of standard features, from advanced safety technologies to cutting-edge infotainment and comfort amenities.

And while value is at the forefront of the package, style is far from an afterthought. The interior showcases a thoughtful interplay of textures – soft-touch finishes sweep across the dashboard and door cards, lending the cabin an inviting, contemporary atmosphere. Every detail, from the tactile materials to the well-executed metal accents, is crafted to elevate both comfort and visual appeal, ensuring that drivers and passengers enjoy an environment that feels as refined as it is practical.

Boot capacity is generous with 293 litres of standard storage, and with the rear seats folded, there is a total of 983 litres. Within the cabin there are additional storage areas including under the front centre armrest and cup holders.

Some key standard highlights across the range include MG3 dual screen technology (7" Driver Display and 10.25" Colour Touchscreen), wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, steering wheel controls, push-button start and a rear-view camera. Other practical features offered include an alarm/immobiliser system, follow-me-home headlights, single zone automatic climate control, electric mirrors/windows, tilt-adjustable steering, a tyre pressure monitor system and cruise control. On the safety front, all models come with Traction Control, VDC, ISOFIX points, Hill Hold Control and Corner Brake Control.

Luxury Grade models really step things up with even more upgrades. These range from comfort features such as simulated leather upholstery and a six-speaker sound system (over the Comfort’s four-speaker system) to more practical conveniences like a 60/40 split rear seat, vents for the rear passengers, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

From a safety perspective, the premium grade gets a safety top-up, including items such as Intelligent High-Beam Control (IHC) and a central airbag (taking the airbag tally to seven). At this level, additional kit courtesy of MG Pilot kicks in the form of Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Recognition, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)*.

* TJA is an advanced driver assistance system that continuously measures the speed of the surrounding vehicles when Adaptive Cruise Control is switched on. That speed is compared with your own driving speed. If TJA detects many surrounding vehicles at speeds below 60 km/h – and you are therefore very likely to be in a traffic jam – the driver can activate Traffic Jam Assistance. With this, your MG partly takes over the driving. With Traffic Jam Assistance switched on, the car automatically follows the vehicle in front. It accelerates and brakes all by itself, at all speeds below 60 km/h to a standstill. In addition, the intelligent technology continuously keeps the distance you set to the vehicle in front of you. But there is more: with Traffic Jam Assistance, your MG also steers automatically to stay neatly in the middle of the lane; even in gentle corners.

Pricing:

(Includes a class-leading 7-year/200,000km warranty on the full vehicle and a 3-year/45 000km service plan. Both are transferable should the vehicle be sold within that period.)

MG3 1.5 MT Comfort R269 900

MG3 1.5 CVT Comfort R309 900

MG3 1.5 CVT Luxury* R344 900

MG3 1.5 HEV R469 900

ENDS