GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: All-new 2024 MG3 Hybrid+ revealed

The third-generation 2024 MG3 has been unwrapped at the Geneva motor show and the first Hybrid+ petrol-electric version is promised to set new standards for performance, efficiency and refinement when it arrives here around mid-year.

However, MG Motor Australia says the all-new replacement for Australia’s top-selling light car and the Chinese brand’s smallest and cheapest model will be about $5000 more expensive than the model it replaces ($19,990-$20,990 drive-away).

That will leave the recently facelifted 2024 Kia Picanto (from $17,890 plus on-road costs) as the only new car remaining on sale in Australia from under $20,000.

We understand the first all-new MG3 hatch in 13 years will be priced from about $24,990 drive-away for the petrol version, making it as expensive as the larger MG5, and that the hybrid could command a premium of up to $5000 at around $30K.

Pricing and specs are yet to be confirmed for Australia, where a camouflaged new MG3 has already been spied on the road, but both hybrid and petrol versions – the latter to replace the long-serving old naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder – are expected to arrive by mid-2024.

The first MG3 launched in China in 2008 was never sold in Australia, and its 2011 successor only arrived here in 2016, when it became one of the cheapest new cars available and quickly outsold the Toyota Yaris, Mazda2, Suzuki Swift and Volkswagen Polo.

But ahead of its high-tech replacement’s reveal, MG Motor Australia said in a statement: “MG can confirm that, due to advancements in technology, safety and specification, the new MG3 revealed at the Geneva Motor Show will mean the popular model will no longer be a sub-$20,000 car when it launches in Australia this year.

“There will be a price increase of around $5000 associated with the new model, thanks to the introduction of new world-class technology, safety updates and all-new specification.”

Revealed in Europe as standard with an advanced hybrid powertrain that pumps out an impressive 143kW, the 2024 MG3 Hybrid+ can provide brief burst of all-electric driving and is claimed to average 4.4L/100km (WLTP).

For reference, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is priced from $30,190 plus ORCs and delivers a combined output of 85kW but consumes just 3.3L/100km.

The new MG3 grows in size in almost all directions and now measures 4113mm (+58mm) long, 1797mm (+68mm) wide and 1502mm (-7mm) high, riding on a 50mm-longer (2570mm) wheelbase.

With more space inside for occupants and cargo, MG says the new city-hatch now has the largest boot in its class (293 litres).

In Europe, the new MG3 will be offered in three well-equipped grades – Standard, Comfort and Luxury – but even the most basic versions will offer a twin-screen dashboard with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster combined with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch-screen.

Both are said to benefit from enhanced graphics and improved responses. A row of piano-key shortcuts below the touch-screen have been retained to reduce driver distraction on the move.

Sat-nav is now also standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the car-maker’s MG iSMART connectivity system including Bluetooth.

There are also four USB ports, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Higher grades then add leather seat trim, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus 360-degree cameras.

Safety has also been drastically boosted over the current MG3, which is unrated by ANCAP, with the addition of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.

But the big news is beneath the bonnet, where the Hybrid+ combines a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine – which alone produces 75kW/128Nm – with a 100kW electric motor powered by small 1.83kWh battery.

Driving the front wheels via a three-speed – yes, three-speed – automatic transmission, the hybrid powertrain produces a surprisingly punchy 143kW total output, providing exceptionally brisk (for the segment) 0-100km/h acceleration in eight seconds. Top speed is 170km/h.

MG also said the new powertrain’s electric motor is responsible for most ‘high-load’ driving, including hard acceleration, with the petrol engine merely supporting it before taking over at higher speeds.

In addition to higher levels of comfort and refinement without sacrificing its fun-to-drive character, MG says the new Hybrid+ can travel on pure-electric power alone for short distances.

More sound deadening are new engine and suspension mounts are said to reduce noise, vibration and general harshness levels, while a stiffer chassis and lighter suspension components are claimed to improve grip and agility.

Europe’s new MG3 will be available with a choice of new alloy wheel designs and a fresh colour palette including York White, St Moritz Blue, Flaming Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, Blade Silver and Hampstead Grey.