2024 MG3: First UK reviews

MG is a far more advanced car maker than when the current MG3 was first produced in 2011, and as a result will no longer solely focus on price for the model that is currently Australia’s cheapest new car.

While local specification is yet to be confirmed, the 2024 MG3 brings significantly more driver assistance technology, much of which was almost unthinkable a decade ago.

In Europe, it has been launched with hybrid powertrains alongside entry-level petrol models, with MG Australia yet to reveal if both will arrive down under.

With larger dimensions – albeit a smaller boot – a quantum-leap in cabin design, fit and finish includes a colour touchscreen, digital instruments and higher levels of safety equipment.

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In Australia in 2023, MG sold 15,430 of the outgoing MG3, making it the brand’s second-best seller behind the MG ZS SUV.

In the UK, MG is targeting 10,000 sales per annum – a match for the Toyota Yaris’s volume and more than double the previous MG3’s 4000 yearly average.

Part of that goal, says the British media, is fuelled by Ford’s decision to drop the Fiesta, ending production last July after 47 years – a car that had topped UK sales charts for 12 consecutive years until 2020.

Released in hybrid guise, with the petrol models to follow, Autocar, Auto Express and What Car? were among the first media in the world to drive the second-generation MG3.

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Auto Express said the MG3 was ‘among the most fun to drive, comfortable and best equipped cars in its class’, achieved while priced from £18,495 ($35,490) – considerably cheaper than key rivals such as the Renault Clio hybrid.

Price and equipment levels were universally praised, with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows, adaptive cruise control and rear-parking camera and sensors as standard.

Inside, there’s also a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth and sat-nav standard across the line-up, with the up-spec ‘Trophy’ costing £2000 ($A3838) more adding leather seat trim among its extra equipment.

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While the exterior was criticised as appearing fussy and still ‘under wheeled’, the road testers at Autocar reported improvements in leaps and bounds inside the MG3’s ‘mature’ cabin.

The fit, finish and touchscreen were praised – with points deducted for the air-conditioning functions not being accessed by physical buttons – as was the ‘clever’ surround view camera on up-spec models.

The 10.25-inch infotainment was praised by Auto Express, with What Car? saying it had reasonable response with only sporadic touchscreen delays.

A simple ‘fine’ was the response from Auto Express, saying the much-improved interior was effectively in-line with rivals in the cost-conscious supermini segment.

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What Car? had difficulty in sorting a comfortable driving position with the six-way adjustable driver’s seat, but said it was one of only a few foibles with the second-generation MG3.

While it says a six-foot driver can be easily accommodated, What Car? suggested a Clio is likely more comfortable on longer trips.

It also said the rearward vision from the MG3 was hampered by the wider C-pillars intruding into the rear windscreen.

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It delivers distinct driving and brake regeneration modes offering noticeable differences in driving character, the latter enabling ‘near’ EV-like one-pedal driving.

Auto Express backed that up by saying the MG ‘behaves more like an EV’ with instant throttle response on the whole with only occasional lag when the combined power from both the petrol engine and electric motor were called upon.

Autocar achieved 44.8mpg (6.3L/100km) in testing – a far cry from the claimed 64.2mpg (4.4L/100km) – although Auto Express reported a ‘roughly 55mpg’ (5.1L/100km) during its time with the car.

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What Car? said the hybrid powertrain has ‘plenty of oomph’, but the MG3’s steering is ‘quite slow’ and ‘heavy around town’ but provides good feedback.

Autocar noted a similar steering feel, describing it as ‘springy’, with the MG3 having more body roll than key rivals.

Yet while it was "firmly sprung" it was "never uncomfortable" according to What Car? easily dismissing potholes – something Autocar agreed with, praising the hatchback’s ‘comfortable’ ride.

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What Car? also enjoyed the urban refinement, given the MG3 hybrid’s ability to drive around town using only the electric motor and 1.83kWh battery pack.

The rear seat's lack of flexibility is an issue for What Car?, with no 60:40 split, and when the one-piece bench seat is folded, a lip means there is no flat floor.

The boot is 293L – some 14L down on the previous model’s – but a competitive match for the Yaris and Clio’s according to Auto Express, but can’t match the Skoda Fabia’s 380L jobbie, making it too small in What Car?'s book.

Scoring was high across the board. What Car? gave the new MG3 four stars, Autocar rated it 4.5 stars, while AutoExpress gave the little MG a maximum five stars.

In Australia, pricing is expected to start above $20,000 – with the outgoing MG3 offered from $18,500 – when it arrives in local showrooms later in 2024.