how is it going and how much does it cost – -

We drove the small car in Emilia Romagna, testing its efficiency and driving dynamics. Here’s how it goes

Bologna — Convenience and efficiency are the cornerstones of the MG3 Hybrid+, the compact car that comes from China (how much history behind this brand, and how many changes of hands in 100 years of life) welcomed with interest since its presentation at the Geneva Motor Show , where it put really interesting features on the table: a few centimeters more than its competitors (17 more than the Toyota Yaris and 6 more than the Renault Clio, 411 cm in total length), an advanced hybrid systema balanced design, complete features and 293 liters of luggage space.

Big battery

The MG3 offers a comfortable ride, supported by effective suspension and is also fun thanks to the response of the powertrain that combines a 1.5-liter combustion engine with a 136 horsepower electric one. The strong point is the 1.83 kW/h battery, large for its category, which allows you to drive in electric up to 50 km/h and in series (with the thermal that recharges the electric) up to 80 km/ h.

It goes electric a lot

«Mild hybrids are a marketing gimmick, ours is a true hybrid car» explains Andrea Bartolomeo, country manager for Italy, in a challenging tone. On the ups and downs of the Bolognese hills, you actually have to push on the accelerator to bring the 4-cylinder petrol engine into play. The electrical component prevails and works well. The 3-speed automatic transmission can be improved (it drags a little during acceleration), but the interiors are pleasant, the plastics are of good quality, the seats are comfortable, and two color displays stand out on the dashboard (the larger one for infotainment) which open up to a full range of driving assistance starting from the entry version which costs 19,990 euros – which makes it the cheapest full hybrid -, from which 3,500 euros of incentives must be subtracted.