Since its reintroduction to South Africa under SAIC Motors International six months ago, MG Motor has notched up nearly 2 000 sales from the ZS and HS SUVs and the Cyberster EV sports car. A fourth model has been added to the local line-up, the third-generation MG3 hatchback. I headed to the Western Cape to drive the B-segment hatchback.
Fast Facts
Pros:
Attainable entry price
Practical for its segment
Hybrid model is good to drive
Cons:
Autonomous safety systems are poorly calibrated
- CVT gearbox can be irksome
The infotainment system is unnecessarily difficult to use
Only entry-level models are worth consideration
Model range
MG3 1.5 MT/CVT Comfort: Many potential buyers will find the best value within this entry-level model.
Infotainment: Dual-screen technology with a 7.0-inch driver display and a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen.
Connectivity: Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Practicality: Push-button start, rear-view camera, single-zone automatic climate control, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control.
Safety: Traction Control, VDC, Isofix points, Hill Hold Control, Corner Brake Control, four airbags.
Design: 16-inch alloy wheels, Projector halogen headlights, and LED Daytime Running Lights.
MG3 1.5 CVT Luxury: Building on the Comfort model, the Luxury model costs R35 000 more.
Interior Upgrades include artificial leather upholstery, a six-speaker sound system, 60/40 split rear seats, and rear passenger vents.
Convenience: Keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera.
Safety: Intelligent High-Beam Control (IHC) and a total of seven airbags, thanks to the addition of a central airbag. It also features the MG Pilot safety suite, which includes Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Recognition, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.
Lighting: Upgraded Projector LED headlamps.
MG3 1.5 HEV Luxury The flagship of the MG3 range, the Hybrid+ is only available in the Luxury trim. It inherits all the high-end features of the Luxury CVT model, with a few notable differences and additions related to its powertrain.
Powertrain Specifics: Features Hybrid+ system, which includes a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor. It is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
Safety: MG Pilot suite and seven airbags.
Driving impression
Having had the opportunity to spend time behind the wheel of both the petrol and Hybrid+ Luxury derivatives of the MG3, it’s clear that MG has created a car with two distinct personalities, but neither of these derivates are what I wanted to drive, I was after the Comfort models, which represent what most of us would go out and look at buying. Before we get into the driving, I found the general fit and finish inside the MG3 suitable for the segment, with decent materials and what initially appears to be a well put together package.
The Hybrid+ model is the star of the show, but looking at its price, I don't envision it to be the variant consumers are after. Its combined output of 155kW and 425Nm gives it strong acceleration. Our real-world fuel consumption was 4.3L/100km, which is what the brand claims. The best compliment I can pay the three-speed automatic gearbox is that I didn't really notice it, meaning that it is doing its job. The hybrid provides an EV-like driving experience in low-speed environments and feels punchy and refined at freeway speeds.
I then swapped into the normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol variant, paired with a CVT. The engine is responsive and free-revving, but the CVT was irksome, with an audible drone despite a step function which imitates real gear shifts. At low speed and with more deliberate throttle applications, the petrol-only model settles down and will make for a reasonable commuter. Our real wol;rd consumption sat at 6.8 L/100km, more than claimed, but reasonable.
Some frustrations are common to both cars I drove, namely, with the infotainment and ADAS. Inside, the dual-screen setup, while modern in appearance, is clunky and unintuitive to use. The lack of physical buttons for functions like climate control is a significant oversight. You often have to navigate through multiple screen menus to adjust the fan speed or temperature. This process becomes even more frustrating when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as some functions become inaccessible.
The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, a headline feature on the Luxury models, is a mixed bag. While a welcome addition for safety, some systems, like the Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, were found to be overly sensitive. They can intervene with a jarring and annoying physical or auditory warning, even when there is no immediate danger. This lack of fine-tuning makes them more of a nuisance than a helpful aid, and I found myself wanting to switch them off.
Rivals
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX manual (R319 900): The Baleno is a segment leader known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The top-of-the-range GLX model offers a similar level of standard equipment to the MG3 Comfort, but at a slightly higher price. While the MG3 offers the convenience of a CVT at this price point, the Baleno counters with a more traditional manual transmission, a factor some drivers prefer.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Style (R324 400): The Polo Vivo is a perennial best-seller in South Africa, thanks to its strong brand reputation and resale value. The 1.6 Style derivative, R324,400, is R14 500 more expensive than the MG3.
Mazda Mazda2 1.5 Active (R321 500): The Mazda2 is renowned for its premium feel, stylish design, and engaging driving dynamics. The 1.5 Active model, priced at R321,500, sits slightly above the MG3. It offers a sophisticated alternative but may lack some of the outright standard features and space the MG3 provides.
Verdict
The MG3 is a good addition to the local automotive environment, placing some pressure on the established rivals in the B-segment with good entry-level pricing. If you're looking at an MG3, I would recommend the Comfort-spec models that do without the ADAS systems and come in at around the R300 000 mark, which is where the true values lies. I will endeavour to source a Comfort CVT model to compare with some established rivals on our YouTube channel soon!
