2024 MG3: Australian pricing and specs

MG Motor Australia has released pricing and specification details for the third-generation 2024 MG3 hatch, which goes on sale tonight with a bigger focus on safety and technology and the option of hybrid power for the first time.

The first all-new MG3 since 2011 is priced from $23,990 plus on-road costs, marking a $5000-plus price increase over the outgoing model, which was priced from $18,990 drive-away.

First released in Australia in 2018 (the original MG3 was never sold here), the second-generation MG3 has been the nation’s top-selling light-car for several years – with a dominant 43.3 per cent segment share in 2023 – thanks to bargain-basement prices.

But the more expensive new MG3 now leaves the Kia Picanto (from $17,890 plus ORCs) as the only sub-$20,000 new car remaining on sale in Australia.

Nevertheless, with a base price of under $24,000 plus ORCs, the new MG3 still undercuts the Mazda2 (from $24,870 plus ORCs) and Toyota Yaris (from $25,880 plus ORCs, until non-hybrid variants are discontinued), with the Kia Rio now gone and only the new mild-hybrid Suzuki Swift expected to match or better its base price when it arrives later this week.

Spotted testing in Australia since late last year , the 2024 MG3 rides on a new platform, brings new exterior and interior designs, and comes with much more safety and tech equipment.

There are two different trim levels – Excite and Essence – and the choice of two engines, making for four different MG3 grades in total.

The entry-level MG3 Excite opens proceedings at $23,990 plus ORCs, while the higher-spec Essence commands a $2000 price premium at $25,990 plus ORCs.

Both versions are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which sends 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque to the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission.

For reference, the non-hybrid Yaris is powered by a higher-output 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while the Mazda2’s similar powertrain also outmuscles it at 82kW/144Nm.

Meanwhile, the first hybrid-powered MG3 is priced from $27,990 plus ORCs for the Hybrid+ Excite, while the flagship MG3 Hybrid+ Essence tops the line-up at $29,990 plus ORCs, marking a hybrid price premium of $4000.

The Hybrid+ version combines a 75kW/128Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100kW electric motor that draws energy from a 1.83kWh battery. Total combined power is listed at 155kW (no torque figure has been provided), while combined fuel consumption is list at 4.3L/100km.

Given the Yaris Hybrid is priced from $28,500 plus ORCs and powered by an 85kW/141Nm 1.3-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric system that consumes 3.3L/100km, the new MG3 Hybrid+ undercuts its only direct rival on price by $510 and offers a big 70kW more power, but remains 1.0L/100km less efficient.

In terms of standard equipment, Excite versions of the new MG3 score 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, a six-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat, four-way manually-adjustable passenger seat, electric windows with one-touch functionality and single-zone air-conditioning.

The Essence grade adds LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry, rear-seat reading lights, rain-sensing wipers, fabric seat trim with a synthetic insert, leather-clad steering wheel and more.

As for infotainment, all versions introduce a new 10.25-inch central touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, plus an AM/FM radio and six-speaker audio system.

The infotainment suite is accompanied by two USB ports up front – one of them USB-A and the other USB-C – with a separate USB port integrated into the rear-view mirror for dash-cams, and another located in the rear.

Unlike its aged predecessor, which remains ‘unrated’ by automotive safety authority ANCAP, the 2024 MG3 range is fitted as standard with a host of safety equipment, although it is yet to be independently crash-tested.

All models feature autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, speed sign recognition, lane keep assist, lane departure alert and driver attention monitoring.

There’s also hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring, a reversing camera and front/rear parking sensors. The MG3 comes with six airbags, but no front centre airbag.

Only the Essence grade offers a 360-degree camera, while hybrid versions add a pedestrian warning sound function that offsets the drivetrain’s lack of noise at low speeds.

There are seven different exterior paint colours available for the new MG3. Dover White and Pastel Yellow are standard, while Black Pearl Metallic, Sloane Silver Metallic, Diamond Red Metallic, Brighton Blue Metallic and Hampstead Grey Metallic all attract an additional $700 fee.

The 2024 MG3 is backed by MG Motor Australia’s generous seven-year/unlimited-km factory warranty and capped-price service program, which in this case costs $2045 for the first five years or 50,000km of ownership.

One caveat is the MG3’s 10,000km service intervals are markedly shorter than the industry standard.

How much does the 2024 MG3 cost?
Excite – $23,990
Essence – $25,990
Hybrid+ Excite – $27,990
Hybrid+ Essence – $29,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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