All-new 2024 MG3 hatch leaked

The next-generation version of Australia’s top-selling light car, the MG3, has been leaked ahead of its global unveiling and expected local launch later this year.

Photographed in China without any camouflage and posted to the Cochespias website, the new 2024 MG3 appears to have been inspired by the latest MG4 small car, particularly in regards to the headlight clusters and front apron.

The all-new light hatchback has been undergoing testing in Australia and was spotted in Sydney late last year, wearing more camo than Arnie in 1987’s Predator.

Despite this, the major details align, with the leaked MG3 image lining up with the spy photos taken in Australia, both sporting the same design for the headlights, front bumper and alloy wheels.

The next MG3 is expected to be more expensive than the current model, moving above $20,000 at the entry level, not least because it’s set to adopt important new safety systems.

It’s also due to offer a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain alongside new combustion engines.

The base-grade MG3 Core is currently priced at $19,990 drive-away in Australia, while the MG3 Excite starts from $20,990 drive-away.

The current first-generation MG3 dates back to 2011 and was introduced in Australia in 2016, quickly filling a void in the market left by former budget car brands like Mitsubishi and Kia.

The new MG3 will still be ‘affordable’, according to MG executives, with a new 89kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine expected to power entry-level cars.

The more expensive hybrid models are likely to use a 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery and e-motor (70kW/200Nm) for a combined 130kW output.

Equipment highlights are tipped to include larger digital screens, possibly the 10.25-inch display from the MG4.

Like many other Asian brands, MG is planning to grow its portfolio and sales in Australia, with MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao recently confirming three all-new models.

“[There’s] the new-generation MG3, new-generation HS [mid-size SUV] and one more SUV. And in quarter four, the Cyberster,” he said, the latter referring to a reborn electric sports car set to cost around $100,000.

Chinese car sales overtook Korean-built vehicles in the Australian new car market in 2023, and the all-new MG3 will be an important driver of further growth for MG – the seventh best-selling brand in 2023 with 58,346 deliveries.

The MG3 accounted for 15,430 of those, outselling all other cars in the light hatch segment.