MG3, the car that can break through the B segment in Italy

MG3 Hybrid+ it is the latest small car to arrive from China, thanks to the Saic, and is ready to conquer the Italian audience. Some are already whispering that this innovative model could be the “Fiat Punto” of the future, for style, quality and economy. It is no coincidence that the MG3 is offered at a very competitive list price, as we will explain later. Around her there are all the ingredients to witness a resounding success.

“With MG3 Hybrid+ we arrive on the market with the first MG hybrid, a full hybrid that we define as + (plus) because it allows us to raise the standards of a technology that has reached incredible levels in our market and continues to grow“, says Andrea Bartolomeo, Vice President and Country Manager of SAIC Motor Italy who adds ”MG3 Hybrid+ is a product of great importance for our market, over 20% of cars in Italy are B segment and within it at least 40% are hatchbacks, a decisive reason for considering the MG3 Hybrid+ the key to getting on the podium. A city car with extraordinary contents that will allow MG to strengthen its presence on the Italian market and grow further towards a new goal of 3% market share”, concludes Bartolomeo.

The full hybrid system of the MG3 Hybrid+

The. debuts on the new MG3 Hybrid+ first non-plug-in hybrid system of the Chinese brand of British origin. This system is made up of five elements: internal combustion engine, transmission, battery, electric motor and generator. The MG Hybrid+ propulsion system guarantees the MG3 brilliant behavior: acceleration 0-100 km/h in less than 8 seconds. On the motorway, however, acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h can also be achieved in just 5 seconds.

With a system power of up to 143 kW (195 HP), the MG3 Hybrid+ offers very interesting consumption: 4.4 l/100 km and emissions of 100 g/km of CO₂. Furthermore, the 1.83 kWh battery It allows a high driving range in electric-only mode, with a positive impact on efficiency. In detail, the new MG small car is equipped with a 1.5 liter petrol engine of 75 kW (102 HP) and a electric motor of 100 kW (136 HP), as well as a separate generator to provide energy during the most demanding phases of the powertrain.

Depending on charging conditions, acceleration and speed, the MG3 Hybrid+ offers the following system operating modes:

• EVelectric-only operation subject to battery charge status, available up to 50 km/h;
• Seriesthe combustion engine delivers power to the generator, which powers the electric motor for traction, between 50 and 80 km/h;
• Series and Refill series driving, also allows the generator to recharge the battery when the state of charge is low, between 50 and 80 km/h;
• Driving and Chargingthe combustion engine, combined with the three-speed gearbox, transfers power directly to the wheels, while also charging the battery through the generator.
• Parallelboth the combustion engine and the electric motor transmit power to the wheels.

MG3 Hybrid+ engine composition

The 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine develops 75kW (102hp) and offers a very high thermal efficiency of 41%. In combination with the 100 kW (136 HP) electric motor, the Hybrid+ system provides different levels of power depending on the engine speed. The combustion engine is combined with a three-speed automatic transmission, which allows for an efficient and pleasant driving experience, keeping on-board noise low. The driver can customize the response of the MG3 by choosing between three driving modes: Echo, Standard And Sport.

The car is designed on a chassis in which the use of new highly rigid components has been maximised, while the suspensions have been designed to lower weight and improve grip, even during the most engaging driving. Thanks to the highly developed electrical part, the hybrid system allows a high mileage in totally electric mode, with wheelieexcellent acoustic comfort. The engineers focused on the engine and suspension mounts, the sound-absorbing materials and on the design of the transmission to reduce NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels, containing noise, vibrations and the perception of road roughness and offering a premium level driving experience.

Very rich equipment

The new MG3 Hybrid+ offers ergonomic interior space for the occupants, with twenty-five storage compartments and a boot that is at the top of the category of B-segment hybrid cars. The passenger compartment is modern and can be seen from the dual-screen cockpit. The driver has a 7-inch digital screen and a central infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touch display at his disposal. MG engineers worked on the graphics and responsiveness of the two screens, while a series of piano key controls were retained on the central console to increase safety and convenience while driving.

The following are present as standard on the car:

• the air conditioning;
• the audio system with Bluetooth connection;
• four USB ports;
• rear parking sensors;
• the camera.

Higher trim levels add trims”leather-free”, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel and 360-degree camera. The car also features security systems (ADAS) valuable, such as

• The lane keeping system (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW);
• The adaptive cruise control (ACC) also with intelligent cruise assist (ICA) function, forward collision warning (FCW);
• the traffic assistance system (TJA).

The price of the MG3 Hybrid+

For the launch of the new small car, MG has established an attractive offer, with a price list starting from 19,990 euros for the entry version, the MG3 Hybrid+ Standard. The Comfort version, however, rises to a price of 21,490 euros to reach 23,490 euros for the Luxury version. All three versions are the subject of a promotion and can benefit from state car incentives, the ecobonus, which could debut in a few weeks.

For those who choose MG Boost financing, an offer with is available on all trim levels monthly installment of 99 euros, which allows the Luxury version to have the same fee as the Standard and Comfort. In short, MG3 is ready to revolutionize the small car sector in Italy, filling the void left by the farewell of the Fiat Punto several years ago.