All-new MG3 packs hybrid tech and 192bhp for just £18,495

• Entirely new interior and exterior
• Full-hybrid system for all models
• Priced from £18,495

Following its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, MG has announced pricing for the new MG3 supermini. The Chinese-owned brand has created a stir at the affordable end of the car market in recent years, and the new MG3 looks to continue the trend with its starting price of just £18,495. 

Undercutting both the Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio E-Tech by a chunky margin, the MG3 has stolen the crown for the cheapest new hybrid car on sale today. It’s been entirely redesigned with an all-new hybrid system, new styling and the latest interior tech, while retaining a focus on efficiency, affordability and fun.

The new model replaces the outgoing MG3 that first hit the market over a decade ago. Although the price has risen from that car’s £14,000 starting price, the new MG3 still represents impressive value-for-money given its new tech and the general step up in performance and interior design.

What do I need to know about the new MG3?

First things first, let’s cover the new hybrid system. Standard-fit on all MG3s, the self-charging system comprises a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. Unlike most hybrids, the electric motor provides most of the shove here, producing 134bhp compared to the petrol engine’s 101bhp. A combined output of 192bhp should make for a fairly athletic driving experience, with the MG3’s 0-62mph time of eight seconds undercutting most of its competitors.

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The MG3 uses a small generator to top up the battery or power the electric motor directly depending on the driving mode. It can drive short distances up to 50mph using just the electric motor, after which the petrol engine kicks in. Being a hybrid, there are no manual gears to shift yourself and drivers can switch between Eco, Standard and Sport driving modes to adjust the system’s balance between efficiency and performance.

The result of this tech is an estimated fuel-efficiency figure of 64mpg – impressive given the level of performance on offer.

What about the exterior and interior of the new MG3?

It’s a clean-sheet exterior design for the new MG3, with MG claiming the longer and wider dimensions help to improve cabin and boot space over the outgoing model. The familial tie to the larger MG4 is clear, with similar sharp headlights and bonnet creases. Things are more conventional at the rear, but buyers will have a choice of alloy wheels and six paint colours to spruce things up to their liking.

Inside appears far more sophisticated than the outgoing model, utilising a similar layout to the MG4. There’s a pair of screens – one for infotainment and one for the driver – sitting above a bank of toggle switches for controlling important functions.

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Sat-nav comes as standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, USB connectivity and rear parking sensors and camera. ‘Trophy’ models sit above the entry-level ‘SE’ trim, and add faux-leather upholstery, keyless entry, heated seats and steering wheel and a 360-degree parking camera.

How much does the MG3 cost and when can I order one?

The MG3 in entry-level SE trim starts from just £18,495 – around £3,000 less than a Renault Clio E-Hybrid or £4,000 less than the Toyota Yaris. The MG3 Trophy packs the previously mentioned additional kit and costs from £20,495. Both models come with MG’s seven-year or 80,000-mile warranty.

Order books are now open for the new MG3 and the first customers can expect their cars to be delivered later this year.

Check our list of the top 10 best hybrid cars to read up on the MG3’s competition...