THE NEXT-GENERATION MG 3 will feature a full-hybrid powertrain, rather than a mild-hybrid unit, in a bid to maximise efficiency, reduce emissions and slash running costs.
Sources indicate that MG does not intend the next 3 to be comfortably among the cheapest cars on sale, as its 10-year-old, pure-combustion predecessor has been.
That car’s non-electrified naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine returns just 43.3mpg on the WLTP combined cycle while emitting 147g/km of CO2 – figures that are considerably bettered by its newer rivals and on which the new car is expected to improve drastically.
The move to a substantially electrified powertrain means the new supermini will command a significant premium over the outgoing car. Autocar understands a starting price of around £21,000 is likely, cementing it as a rival to the similarly sized Renault Clio E-Tech and Toyota Yaris hybrids.
MG plans for the new 3 to be a competitive proposition in terms of its specification and equipment offering and the fact that it has been designed and engineered primarily for European motorists is seen as a boon in that regard.
The new MG 3 will be followed into dealerships shortly after by the second-generation HS, which adopts a striking new look and – Autocar has learned – a new plug-in hybrid powertrain that is tipped to offer the longest electric-only range of any car at its planned price point.
