When it was presented, the MG3 caused a sensation. Today, we are looking at the entry-level city car.
A hybrid city car with almost 200 hp of power for less than €20,000 seems almost impossible. However, the manufacturer MG now offers its MG3, equipped with a 195 hp full hybrid engine from €19,990! But apart from its engine, at this price, what does this supercharged versatile city car offer us?
MG3: attractive style, even entry-level
To benefit from the MG3 at €19,990, you will have to opt for the standard finish. It offers steel rims with 15-inch hubcaps, which, for an entry-level model, are quite successful. The standard color is “Dover White”, a bench that appears slightly broken. Otherwise, you will have to add €650 to the bill to benefit from a different color. Although the standard finish does not offer dark-tinted rear windows, you will still find the very aggressive lines and grille of the city car. Last surprising point regarding the exterior, the standard version does not have a rear window wiper. It is only available from the comfort finish.
Inside, the MG flatters at first glance with a modern and well-designed dashboard, decorated with stitching and a “Scottish” pattern facing the passenger. The digital interfaces with fine graphics give a touch of modernity to this harmonious design. But the cheap materials prove susceptible to scratches, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen lacks responsiveness. It also remains a necessary step to access the air conditioning controls. The driving position is correct, even if the non-reach adjustable steering wheel limits the range of adjustments.
Exceptional performance for a city car
Obviously, with 195 nags under the hood, the MG3 has energy to spare. It is a 102 hp in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engine, and a 136 hp electric unit, for a total power of 195 hp. With this city car, 0 to 100 km/h is done in 7.4 seconds, and 80 to 120 km/h are done in just 6.6 seconds. No problem overtaking on the highway for example. In addition, she appears rather sober. Count on average 5.4 L per 100 kilometers, with 4.7 L per 100 kilometers on the road, 6.1 L on the highway and 5.3 L in the city. In this last zone, it can even travel all-electrically at up to 60 km/h.
Behind the wheel, the MG3 is agile, with an eye-catching front end. Driving sensations also made possible by its low mass, contained at 1,304 kg. A great performance from MG which therefore offers an interesting weight/power ratio. However, it tends to tack during deceleration phases that are a little too strong. Its automatic transmission has only three gears. When you use the accelerator a little too much, this city car tends to be too noisy. Finally, last good point, you can adjust the energy recovery on three levels via the touch screen.
Overall, even entry-level, the MG3 has the same agility and power as the highest finishes. Its standard equipment is more than sufficient for daily journeys, in addition to a few trips during the year. The lack of rear wipers could still prove annoying in the event of heavy rain. And in addition to displaying an affordable cash rate, in LLD, after a first rent of €5,0000, it is available from less than €100 per month over 37 months, with an annual mileage of 10,000 km.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
