MG has set its sights on Toyota and Renault with a new generation of the MG3. The car replaces its gasoline-only range with a hybrid driveline that is more powerful and has a more extended electric range than its contenders. Simultaneously, ambitions are expanding, as MG will introduce the previously UK-only city car in other European markets.

MG unveiled the new MG3 Hybrid+ at the Geneva Motor Show press day. According to the manufacturer, it showcases a hybrid system that surpasses the performance of similar offerings from Toyota and Renault – equipped with a 75-kilowatt electric motor.

In its Yaris Hybrid, Toyota deploys a motor of 59 kW. This additional power and the battery pack of 1.83 kWh enable the MG3 to reach speeds of up to 80 km/hour solely on electric power.

Three-speed gearbox

A generator connected to a 1.5-liter gasoline engine (75 kW) makes the electric-only operation possible. A parallel mode combines power from the electric motor and combustion engine to the wheels. With a total output of 192 hp, the MG3 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/hour in just 8 seconds.

The vehicle employs a three-speed gearbox, which MG claims offers quicker response times than continuously variable transmission (CVT) systems, as found in the Toyota system. Renault uses a clever claw clutch inspired by its Formula 1 technology.

The MG3 fails to beat its rivals in CO2 emissions, which come down to 100 grams per kilometer or 4.4 l/100 km. This a tangible improvement over the current MG3, which emits 147 g/km, but the Renault Clio E-Tech and Toyota Yaris Hybrid emit 95 g/km and 91 g/km, respectively.

Extensive suite of driving aids

MG didn’t disclose whether it will add other powertrains to the line-up in a later phase and has yet to reveal pricing. The outgoing MG3 was a price-beater in the UK, but the cost of a hybrid system will likely change that.

Toyota decided to focus on hybrid-only for the Yaris in Europe and recently pulled the regular combustion-engined versions from its configurator. The Yaris is also the number one-selling hybrid in the EU city car segment (127,947 units).

Dimension-wise, the new MG3 is 55 mm longer and 68 mm wider than its predecessor, measuring 4,113 mm in length and 1,797 mm in width. Inside, the car has twin digital screens, including a 10.25-inch central touchscreen. The MG Pilot suite offers lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and traffic jam assist.

Full-scale model offensive

In addition to the MG3 Hybrid+, MG unveiled new details about the Cyberster at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. The convertible does 0-100 km/hour in 3.2 seconds with a dual electric motor and all-wheel drive.

Power is 544 hp (400 kW) with a maximum torque of 725 Nm. The single motor version produces 340 hp (250 kW) with a maximum torque of 475 Nm and achieves 0-100 km/hour sprint time in 5.2 seconds.

The Cyberster spearheads a full-scale model offensive at MG Europe, which will further launch the MG4 Electric Xpower accompanied by two models from its international portfolio: the MG7 sedan and the all-electric MG9, a 7-seat luxury MPV.