2024 MG3

Boot space is improved over the previous model, with MG claiming a cargo capacity of 293 litres with the seats up.

It’s certainly a decent size given the compact dimensions of the car, and it has a light and shopping bag hook to keep things in check.

But take note that there is no spare wheel offered in the hybrid model, due to the placement of the hybrid battery pack – under the floor is just a tyre repair kit. If you buy the petrol MG 3, you get a space-saver spare.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 6 airbags
  • Dual front
  • Dual front-side
  • Dual side curtain
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Intelligent cruise assist
  • Traffic jam assist
  • Steering, acceleration, braking assistance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Intelligent speed assist 
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring

Essence models also receive a surround-view camera.

MG 3 Petrol

• Fuel consumption (combined) 6.0L/100km
• Fuel type 91 RON regular unleaded
• Fuel tank 45L
• CO2 (combined) 139g/km

MG 3 Hybrid

• Fuel consumption (combined) 4.3L/100km
• Fuel type 95 RON premium unleaded
• Fuel tank 36L
• CO2 (combined) 100/km
• Battery capacity–1.83kWh

All MG3’s need servicing every 12 Months months or 10,000km km, whichever comes first.

MG 3 Petrol

• Engine 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder
• Engine power 81kW at 6000rpm
• Engine torque 142Nm at 4500rpm
• Transmission CVT
• Drive type Front-wheel

MG 3 Hybrid

• Engine 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder hybrid
• Engine power 75kW at 6000rpm
• Engine torque 128Nm at 4500rpm
• Total system power– 155kW at 6000rpm
• Transmission hybrid transmission
• Drive type Front-wheel

The hybrid version drives more like a Toyota Corolla Hybrid than Yaris Hybrid, despite playing at the same price point as the latter. This car is more refined than a Yaris, which has a far raspier drive experience, courtesy of its three-cylinder engine.

This car is smooth in its behaviour and has a level of refinement that’s surprising in the context of the previous model and very much in line with what we’ve seen from the larger MG 4.

It’s zippy, eager in its responses, and actually hustles along if you’re in a hurry. And it does all of that without much fuss.

Pastel Yellow and Dover White non-metallic finishes are standard.

The following metallic finishes are optional:

• Black Pearl
• Sloane Silver
• Diamond Red
• Brighton Blue
• Hampstead Grey

MG Australia offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for its model range, including the new MG 3.

Hybrid models have a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the high-voltage battery system as well, but you need to read the fine print if you plan to drive this vehicle for commercial use.

The new MG 3 is vastly better than its predecessor, with a more loveable cabin, greater levels of safety technology, and a hybrid powertrain that makes it a very urban- or commuter-friendly choice for a number of different buyers.

Cheap and cheerful? You bet – but it’s also compelling and competitive for this class, too.