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MG MG 3 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2013
Engines: Hybrid gasoline, Gasoline
Body style: Hatchback
MG 3 photo gallery

The British brand owned by the Chinese auto giant SAIC unveiled the supermini hatchback MG3 Hybrid + with an electrified drivetrain at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show.

SAIC bought the MG brand in 2007, and for a while, these old British marque products’ were no longer available in mainland Europe. But then, in 2022, it returned and scored big numbers on the EU market. After selling crossovers and EVs, MG introduced the B-Segment MG3 Hybrid+ at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, almost a century after the brand’s registration in the UK, on May 1st, 1924. The new vehicle came fitted with a gas-electric drivetrain that challenged other similar cars on the market, especially the Yaris from Toyota.

The car’s front fascia was dominated by a wide grille adorned with a 3D pattern, flanked by a pair of side scoops. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker installed a lip spoiler in the center area with a slim, trapezoidal-shaped air intake. The LED headlights mounted above the bumper were swept back and had a triangular shape, while the automaker installed the octagonal MG badge between them. Despite the car’s small size, it looked sporty and aggressive.

From its profile, the mix of curved panels and sharp lines created a dynamic look for the vehicle. Its sculptured doors featured an upper crease stretched from the front fenders towards the rear quarter panels, while on the lower area, the automaker added a few additional lines. It was a complicated design. The rear end featured a raked-forward tailgate adorned by a roof spoiler on its upper side that integrated the third brake light. While most car manufacturers preferred to install small taillights on their B-segment vehicles, the MG3 Hybrid+ featured elongated ones, stretched from the rear fenders onto the tailgate.

Inside, customers found an octagonal-shaped, two-spoke steering wheel that resembled the brand’s badge. Fronting the driver was a seven-inch configurable display for the instrument cluster. Atop the center stack, in a free-floating position, MG placed a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system that featured standard navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A set of seven physical buttons were found under the center display, and two of them were for the volume. This feature was appreciated by customers, especially by those seated in the passenger’s seat. Between the front occupants, on the center console, the automaker installed a rotary knob for the transmission, the button for the electronic parking brake, and a couple of cup holders. In addition, there was also an armrest with a storage area underneath it. In the back, the automaker installed a split-folding bench seat, while the trunk behind it provided 293 liters (10.3 cu-ft.) of space.

But the most significant part of the car was under the hood. MG installed an inline-four gasoline engine running in the Atkinson cycle. It was paired with a generator that produced the electricity for the motor to move the car. Another unique and unusual feature for a 2024 vehicle was the three-speed automatic gearbox that sent the power to the front wheels.

full description and technical specifications
hybrid gasoline engines:

MG 3 1.5L Atkinson 3AT FWD (194 HP)

MG 3 photo gallery

Although the MG brand was no longer produced in Longbridge, Birmingham in the U.K., the name still had a very profound sound in British automotive history. But the MG3 was made in China.

When the world economic crisis struck in 2007, some glorious brands ceased to exist and others were bought by foreign companies. MG-Rover group was purchased by SAIC, a Chinese state-owned automotive company. When it did the acquisition, only the MG name was sold. The Rover brand was kept by Jaguar-Land Rover, who was bought by Tata Motors, an Indian company.

The first generation of the MG3 was a Rover Streetwise with a different badge on it. The second generation was introduced in 2013 and it was developed on that platform, which was the same for the Rover 25 and it was based on an older Honda platform. Its styling was more angular, with sculptured doors and sharp-looking headlights. The mesh-grille and the front bumper had an aggressive style.

The cabin was a completely new design with a big infotainment system on the center stack. It had an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The instrument cluster still had some design cues that resembled the older MG brand. Being a supermini vehicle, it offered limited room for the rear seats, but it was just like the other supermini on the market.

Under the hood, there was an updated version of the older 1.5-liter gasoline engine from General Motors. It didn't feature direct fuel injection or light pressure turbo. It was an old-school, chain-driven unit that produced 105 hp.

full description and technical specifications