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IThe fascinating thing about the MG3 Hybrid+ is that it is one of the smallest and cheapest cars, but also one of the most technologically advanced on the market, and these three achievements are, of course, somewhat related.
Although compact, this new MG3, which replaces a relatively mediocre predecessor, is in fact a “self-charging” hybrid (that is, it does not have a plug-in device to recharge the battery), but it is far from being a conventional model.
Typically, these hybrids primarily use the gasoline engine for propulsion, while the batteries supply the electric motor for smooth, quiet operation in the city, for example, and extra power when needed at higher speeds. There are variations on this theme (Toyota uses a different system than Honda, for example), but most commonly the internal combustion engine is the dominant partner in the double act: a gasoline-powered car with an electric motor attached.
The MG, on the other hand, is more of an electric car with a built-in gasoline engine, which seems logical given current trends.
The “+” in MG3 Hybrid+ refers to the highly versatile way in which the electric motor, battery pack and gasoline engine interact, and the result is a highly accelerative product, making the most of the nearly 200 horsepower at its disposal.
Thus, the MG can operate as a pure battery electric car, as a pure gasoline car, as a gasoline car feeding the electric motor with energy, and as a more conventional hybrid, with all the systems working together.
The power on offer is such that it only needs a three-speed automatic transmission, but also a lot of clever software. It sometimes fails to meet the demands of enthusiastic drivers, but that's really the only flaw. As happens so often in today's market, drivers can switch between Eco, Standard and Sport modes as they please.
The MG3 Hybrid+, currently made by SAIC Motor in Shanghai (its British roots long since abandoned), is, in its own way, a symbol of China's technical and industrial prowess.
Not that any of that should worry the MG driver, who can let the car think for itself and enjoy all the performance at its disposal, with impeccable handling to match. It's like one of those “family cars” we used to have in abundance when cars were smaller and less pretentious than they are today.
THE SPECIFICATION
MG3 Hybrid+ Trophy
Price: £20,495 (range starts at £18,495)
Engine capacity: 1.5 l gasoline engine, 4 cylinders, 3 speeds, automatic + electric
Output power (PS): 191
Maximum speed (mph): 105
0 to 60 (seconds): 8.0
Fuel Economy (mpg): 53
CO2 emissions (WLTP, g/km): 100
This MG doesn't aspire to be anything more than a practical means of transport that can make virtually any trip (not to a funeral, obviously) more fun than it has any right to be. It certainly compares well to the mainstream version of the Toyota Yaris and the Skoda Fabia, two close competitors, in terms of price, comfort and performance.
The latest Suzuki Swift and the facelifted Kia Picanto will also have to work hard to keep up with the MG. Unintentionally, SAIC Motor has reincarnated, probably by accident, the 1980s MG Metro, but with two more doors and no oil leaks.
It's also a handsome little car, far more distinctive than its predecessor, with a firmer front end, a more muscular stance and what appears to be a bright, high-quality paint job. Fit and finish is on a par with the competition, and all models get a full suite of driver aids, plus a 10.25-inch touchscreen, sat-nav and front and rear electric windows.
For £2,000 more, the Trophy version comforts you with heated seats, reassures you with a 360-degree colour camera and “leather-style” seats.
The touchscreen is complemented by a series of piano-style switches for climate, radio volume and defogging controls, which adds to the safety. Integrated satellite navigation comes as standard, as does smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the car has good, up-to-date connectivity.
It's a bit of a stretch to consider it a five-seater vehicle for adults, but there's plenty of room in the back for two. Obviously, most will be rented out, but for the long-term buyer there's the peace of mind of a fully transferable 7-year/80,000-mile warranty as standard.
Not that it's necessarily a cause for concern, but this model has yet to get an NCAP crash test result. To be honest, the main risk with a new MG is geopolitical: trade tensions with China, although that's true for many Chinese-made cars from European brands (e.g. Volvo EX30, Dacia Spring, Citroën C5 X).
MG (originally “Morris Garages”) is celebrating its centenary this year, and it would have been nice (to say the least) if the brand still made its vehicles in the UK, or even in Abingdon, its long-time headquarters until its closure during the Thatcher recession in 1980.
The current products, all made in China, are certainly world class, from the strikingly styled and efficient MG4 to the new MG HS SUV and the spectacular new Cyberster sports car, in the best MG tradition, both “pure” battery electric vehicles.
For the consumer, the MG's revival is a marvel, but from a British industrial point of view, it raises many questions about what might have been. The sweet little MG3 has a slightly bitter edge.
