The new MG 3 was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show. This model will be targeted for sale in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, marking SAIC's first hybrid model, equipped with a combination of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor.
The name MG 3 was first used in the Streetwise version of the old Rover 25 produced by NAC, and SAIC adopted the name for a new model launched in 2011. This all-new design of the MG 3 replaces the long-awaited old version and showcases significant visual changes.
The new car has a sporty appearance with sleek lines and sports headlights. In line with the traditional fuel models of MG, the MG 3 features a large grille with air intakes shaped like arms on both sides. Despite its carbon fiber appearance, the front lip is likely made of other materials to reduce costs.
Inside, the MG 3 shares a design similar to the electric MG 4, featuring a separate LCD instrument cluster and a central display. The steering wheel is almost identical to that of the MG 4; however, the MG 3 includes a row of physical buttons beneath the main screen. The interior is black with diamond-stitched upholstery.
The old MG 3 originally came with engine options of 1.3 or 1.5 liters, although the smaller engine was dropped in its second facelift. The new model will launch with a hybrid system powered by a 1.5-liter engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. SAIC refers to this system as Hybrid Plus.
The engine produces 75 kilowatts when combined with a 100-kilowatt electric motor, resulting in a total output of 143 kilowatts. Using a 1.83-kilowatt-hour battery, SAIC claims that the MG 3 offers excellent range with fuel consumption figures of 4.4 liters per 100 km and 100 grams per km of carbon dioxide emissions.
According to Zhao Aimin, Deputy General Manager of SAIC International, the system is two generations ahead of Japanese counterparts. The hybrid system operates in several different modes.
