The MG3 Solved Its Predecessor's Biggest Problem Almost Completely
All three reviews reference the same starting point: the previous MG3 was genuinely bad, and this generation represents one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the supermini class.
Illustration for editorial purposes
From Punchline to Genuine Recommendation
Few cars have needed as complete a reinvention as this one did. Reviewers keep opening by acknowledging just how weak the outgoing model was, before pivoting to explain why this replacement deserves to be taken seriously.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Supermini hatchback |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.5L petrol (113bhp), Hybrid+ (192bhp combined) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (petrol) or 3-speed hybrid transmission (Hybrid+) |
| 0–62mph | 10.8 sec (petrol) to 8.0 sec (Hybrid+) |
| Boot space | 293 litres |
| Price range (new) | From around £17,495 |
Full Review Summary
Auto Express
Auto Express praised the Hybrid+ version's electric motor as the genuine headline act rather than a secondary assist, giving it instant, EV-like response off the line that leaves the equivalent Toyota and Renault feeling lethargic by comparison. They found the powertrain's flaws surface at motorway speeds, where a "dimwitted" three-speed transmission hesitates before the petrol engine takes over, and rated the MG3 as having won their Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year award more than once thanks to strong value combined with genuinely impressive interior quality for the price.
What Car?
What Car? measured the Hybrid+ version's combined 192bhp output as more than enough to keep most small car buyers satisfied, while noting the base petrol model remains untested by their team. They found rear-seat shoulder room tight with three aboard, though rated the 293-litre boot as competitive against the Renault Clio hybrid, and flagged the MG3 placing near the bottom of the small car category in their 2025 Reliability Survey as a genuine concern worth weighing against the car's obvious value.
Carwow
Carwow was blunt that the previous-generation MG3 was one of the worst cars they'd ever reviewed, making this replacement "a world apart" by comparison. They strongly recommended the Hybrid+ over the cheaper petrol manual, describing the hybrid as peppy and genuinely fun on twisty roads, while flagging the infotainment system's menu structure as a genuine headache despite a decent-sized screen, and rating interior plastics as feeling cheap in places even by supermini standards.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
The pure-petrol version is manual-only and restricted to base SE trim — Hybrid+ is the only way to get an automatic gearbox or Trophy specification.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG3 Petrol SE | 1.5L 4-cyl petrol, FWD | 113bhp | 5-speed manual | Hatchback | 10.8s |
| MG3 Hybrid+ SE / Trophy | 1.5L petrol + electric motor, FWD | 192bhp | 3-speed automatic (dedicated hybrid transmission) | Hatchback | 8.0s |
Trim walk runs SE → Trophy, with Trophy exclusive to the Hybrid+. A handful of exterior colours are offered. Check MG's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely strong value, especially in Hybrid+ form
- Punchy, EV-like acceleration from the hybrid powertrain around town
- Generous standard equipment for the price
- Fun, confidence-inspiring handling for a small car
Weak points
- Hybrid transmission hesitates at motorway speeds
- Placed near the bottom of What Car?'s reliability survey for the class
- Interior plastics feel cheap in places
- Fiddly, menu-heavy infotainment system
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want genuine hybrid value in a small car and prioritise price over the strongest reliability record in the class. The Hybrid+ is worth the premium over the base petrol across every review — the punchy, EV-like power delivery is the car's clearest strength.
More MG Reviews
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MG3 review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)