This is the new MG 3, should it be launched in PH?

You may have forgotten about the MG 3 but it was actually available in the Philippine market, though only for a limited time, when the MG brand first entered under its previous distributor. Well here’s something worth looking out for as the small hatchback has just received a new generation.

Revealed at the Geneva International Motor Show, the all-new MG 3 takes on a whole new direction with a completely new look inside and out, as well as a new hybrid powertrain under the hood.

When it comes to design, the all-new MG 3 is no slouch, wearing a similar design language as other models in the British-Chinese automaker’s lineup albeit a bit simpler. The front fascia features sleek triangular wraparound headlights, with large openings, both real and fake, below. The side is rather simple but various character lines do mix it up over here. As for the rear, it’s familiar MG.

Moving inside, it’s a huge departure from the outgoing MG 3 with a more modern design made apparent by the new 7-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch central touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets a six-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, and heated front seats.

Powering the all-new MG 3 is MG’s new Hybrid+ powertrain composed of a 1.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine that runs on the Atkinson-cycle and produces 102 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque, paired to a 100 kW electric motor and 1.83 kWh battery. Combined, the new hybrid powertrain produces a total of 194 horsepower. This allows it to go from 0 to 100 kph in eight seconds and have a rated fuel economy figure of 22.73 km/L.

The Hybrid+ powertrain also features five different modes. These are EV which allows for a full-electric drive if the battery is fully charged, Series where the engine runs the generator which powers the electric motor, Series and Charge which allows for series driving while charging the battery, Drive and Charge where the engine powers the wheels while charging the battery, and Parallel where both the engine and electric motor power the wheels.

In terms of safety, the all-new MG 3 is also well-equipped with available advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) known as MG Pilot technology. This means it gets Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Traffic Jam Assist.

There is no news yet as to whether the all-new MG 3 will make its way into the Philippine market. Given the popularity of small hatchbacks despite the strong demand for crossovers and SUVs here, it could still make sense.