Can the all-new 2024 MG3 stand out in PH hatchback segment?

The next-generation MG3 hatchback has been released for the global market and it gets vast improvements for its exterior styling, a new hybrid powertrain, and more high-tech safety features.

2024 MG3

To put things in perspective, the all-new MG3 is slightly larger than the Honda Brio but smaller than the Honda City Hatchback. With that said, the MG3 might fit the bill as a key hatchback market shaker.  

In the context of the Philippine market, do remember that MG Philippines did say that it’ll be launching eight new models in the Philippines by 2025–among those is the Cyberster and the recently launched MG One. It wasn’t confirmed by the brand just yet, but we’re hoping that this all-new version of the MG3 might be one of those eight upcoming cars. 

So, how does it compare with the current members of the local hatchback segment like the Honda City Hatchback, Mazda2, and others? 

It gets a pretty detailed front fascia

Where power is concerned, the next-gen MG3 takes the advantage over locally available hatchbacks due to its 1.5-liter hybrid engine. Alone, its internal combustion four-banger can churn out 100 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque. This is then supported by a 100kW electric motor that can output 134 hp and 250 Nm of torque. This comes out to a total of 191 hp of total output. 

With the exemption of high-performance hatchbacks in the vein of the Toyota GR Yaris, the MG3 beats most locally sold hatchback models in terms of power. 

For reference, the Honda City Hatchback makes 119 hp, and the Mazda2 outputs 108 hp. Of course, it also trumps the smaller hatchbacks like the Honda Brio, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Wigo, Suzuki Celerio, Suzuki S-Presso, and Mitsubishi Mirage in terms of engine output. 

If MG PH moves fast enough to bring in the MG3, it’ll also become the first hybrid hatch in the market. This affords it other advantages like having a pure electric vehicle mode and a claimed fuel economy of 22 km/l. Compare that to the Honda Brio, which returned 20.7 km/l on the highway during Philkotse’s driving tests. 

MG3 from the rear

With regards to safety, this all-new MG gets pretty extensive as well. It gets adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and traffic jam assist. 

The only locally available hatchbacks that can keep up with its wide array of driver-assistive features are the Mazda2 with its i-Activesense suite, the high-end models like the ones from Mini, the Toyota GR Yaris, and the Audi A1. 

On top of all those, the MG3 gets a pretty swank interior with leather-style upholstery, a sizable 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-piece speaker system, a seven-inch digital driver’s display, a 360-degree view camera, among others. 

Inside the MG3

For pricing, MG is yet to officially release details for this, but sources from the Oceanian market are saying that it’ll be priced above AUD 20,000 (around Php 730,000 at current exchange rates). 

What’s clear to see just from its specs alone though, is it does have the bits to make it stand out in the local hatch segment. But what do you think? Should MG PH bring in the 2024 MG3? 

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