The MG 3 has solidified its position as Australia’s budget hatchback champion, offering an unbeatable combination of affordability, efficiency, and spirited performance. Launched in its third generation in August 2024, the MG 3 starts at $24,990 drive-away for the base Core variant, making it one of the most affordable new cars in Australia. With over 15,430 units sold in 2023, outpacing the Toyota Corolla hatch by 196 units, the MG 3’s momentum continues into 2025, driven by its new hybrid powertrain, updated design, and a 10-year/250,000 km warranty. Its 1.5-liter petrol and hybrid engines deliver solid fuel economy (4.3–6.7 L/100 km) and peppy power (up to 155 kW in the Hybrid+), appealing to young drivers, first-time buyers, and urban commuters. This article explores the MG 3’s standout attributes—low price, solid mileage, and peppy power—that make it a compelling choice for Australian drivers, alongside its features, trade-offs, and market position, followed by three frequently asked questions.
Low Price: Australia’s Most Affordable Hatchback
Competitive Pricing
At $24,990 drive-away for the Core variant and topping out at $29,990 for the Essence Hybrid+, the 2025 MG 3 remains one of Australia’s cheapest new cars, undercutting rivals like the Hyundai i30 ($24,000 MRLP), Toyota Corolla ($29,270), and Mazda 3 ($32,160). The previous-generation MG 3, priced below $20,000, held the title of Australia’s most affordable car until its discontinuation in 2024, and while the new model’s price has risen, it offers significantly more value. The range includes six variants—Core, Excite, and Essence in petrol or Hybrid+ configurations—providing flexibility for budget-conscious buyers.
Standard Features
Despite its low price, the MG 3 is packed with standard equipment. The base Core variant includes a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. Higher trims like the Essence add a 360-degree camera, LED headlights, keyless entry, a sunroof, and MG’s iSMART app for remote vehicle control. The Excite’s tartan-patterned interior and faux leather accents elevate its appeal, with reviewers noting that the cabin “punches above its weight” for a sub-$30,000 car. The inclusion of advanced safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, across all variants further enhances its value proposition, especially compared to the outgoing model’s lack of active safety tech.
Ownership Costs
The MG 3’s affordability extends beyond its purchase price. MG offers a 10-year/250,000 km warranty, surpassing the Hyundai i30’s five-year/unlimited km and the Toyota Corolla’s five-year/unlimited km warranties. A seven-year roadside assistance plan and capped-price servicing (every 12 months or 10,000 km) provide cost predictability, with service intervals shorter than some rivals but priced competitively. However, the lack of nationwide drive-away pricing for some variants has led to price variations of up to $5,678 in certain regions, a point of contention for some buyers. Despite this, the MG 3’s low upfront cost and long warranty make it a compelling option for cost-conscious Australians.
Solid Mileage: Efficiency for Urban and Rural Driving
Powertrain Options
The 2025 MG 3 offers two powertrains: a 1.5-liter petrol four-cylinder (82 kW, 150 Nm) with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, and a Hybrid+ system combining a 1.5-liter petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor and 1.83 kWh battery, delivering a total of 155 kW and 250 Nm. The petrol engine achieves a combined fuel economy of 6.0–6.7 L/100 km, while the Hybrid+ boasts an impressive 4.3 L/100 km, rivaling the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (3.3–3.8 L/100 km) and Renault Clio (4.2 L/100 km). Real-world testing suggests the Hybrid+ achieves around 5.0 L/100 km in mixed conditions, making it ideal for urban commuters facing stop-start traffic in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Hybrid Efficiency
The MG 3 Hybrid+ is a full hybrid, capable of short electric-only driving at low speeds, with energy regeneration during deceleration to recharge the battery. Its eight propulsion modes—ranging from pure electric to parallel hybrid—optimize efficiency by seamlessly switching between petrol and electric power. This versatility suits Australia’s diverse driving conditions, from congested urban streets to long highway stretches. The Hybrid+ emits just 100 g/km of CO2, placing it in a low tax bracket for fleet buyers and aligning with Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Reviewers at CarExpert note that the Hybrid+’s efficiency makes it a “solid choice” for those prioritizing fuel savings, though the petrol variant’s 6.7 L/100 km lags behind rivals like the Suzuki Swift (4.8 L/100 km).
Practicality for Australia
The MG 3’s fuel efficiency is particularly appealing given Australia’s high fuel prices and vast driving distances. The Hybrid+’s 36-liter fuel tank offers a theoretical range of over 800 km, ideal for regional trips. The petrol model, while less efficient, still provides a practical range of around 500–600 km, suitable for daily commutes and weekend getaways. The absence of plug-in requirements for the Hybrid+ is a significant advantage in rural areas with limited charging infrastructure, unlike fully electric rivals like the BYD Dolphin. However, the petrol model’s lack of stop/start technology and low-rolling-resistance tires limits its efficiency compared to competitors, a trade-off for its lower price.
Peppy Power: Surprising Performance for a Budget Hatch
Hybrid Performance
The MG 3 Hybrid+ delivers a combined 155 kW and 250 Nm, making it one of the most powerful superminis in its class, outpacing the Toyota Yaris (130 hp) and Renault Clio (140 hp). Its 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.0 seconds is quicker than most non-hybrid rivals, including the Volkswagen Polo (9.5 seconds), and provides ample grunt for overtaking on highways or merging onto motorways like the M1. The hybrid’s electric motor offers instant torque, delivering responsive acceleration in urban settings, while the 3-speed hybrid transmission ensures smooth power delivery. Posts on X highlight its “surprisingly punchy” performance, with users noting its ability to “make mincemeat of overtakes.”
Petrol Powertrain
The 1.5-liter petrol engine, producing 82 kW and 150 Nm, is less thrilling but adequate for a budget hatchback. Paired with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, it achieves 0-100 km/h in around 10.5 seconds, competitive with the Kia Picanto (10.8 seconds) but trailing the Suzuki Swift (9.2 seconds). The petrol model’s lightweight construction (1,177 kg) and responsive steering make it agile in city environments, though reviewers note the continuously variable transmission (CVT) can feel sluggish, sapping power during aggressive acceleration. Despite this, the MG 3’s compact dimensions (4,113 mm long, 1,797 mm wide) and hydraulic power steering provide a nimble, engaging drive, particularly for young drivers navigating tight parking spots.
Driving Dynamics
The MG 3’s suspension, tuned for Australian roads, balances comfort and handling. Its 16-inch alloy wheels and high-profile tires smooth out urban potholes, while the firm setup minimizes body roll on twisty roads like Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Auto Express praises the MG 3 as “more enjoyable to drive” than the Yaris or Clio, with “plenty of grip” and a chassis that “flows nicely through bends.” However, the petrol model’s suspension can feel overwhelmed on bumpy rural roads, and road noise is noticeable at highway speeds compared to the quieter Hybrid+. The Hybrid+’s three drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) allow drivers to tailor performance, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response for spirited drives.
Trade-Offs and Competitive Landscape
While the MG 3 excels in price, mileage, and power, it has trade-offs. Its three-star ANCAP safety rating, due to weaker adult occupant and vulnerable road user protection, is a drawback compared to the Hyundai i30’s five-star rating. The non-split-folding rear seats limit cargo versatility (293–983 liters), unlike the Dacia Sandero’s split-folding design. The CVT in petrol models feels unrefined, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto or a wireless charger is a minor inconvenience. Some interior plastics feel cheap, and the steering wheel’s lack of reach adjustment may frustrate taller drivers.
The MG 3 competes with the Suzuki Swift ($22,490), Dacia Sandero ($20,000), and Kia Picanto ($20,590). The Swift offers better fuel economy (4.8 L/100 km) and a smoother ride, while the Sandero matches the MG 3’s budget appeal but lacks hybrid options. The Picanto’s superior build quality comes at a higher price. The MG 3’s hybrid powertrain and extensive features give it an edge over non-hybrid rivals, while its price undercuts the Yaris ($26,990) and Clio ($28,990). MG’s sales growth—81,000 units globally in 2023, a 64% increase from 2020—reflects its rising popularity, particularly in Australia, where it ranks among the top 10 brands.
Future Outlook
MG plans to enhance the MG 3’s safety rating with software updates in 2025, addressing ANCAP concerns. A pure petrol model with a lower starting price (potentially $22,000) is expected later in 2025, further boosting affordability. As Australia’s electrified vehicle market grows—20% of 2024 sales were hybrids or EVs—the MG 3 Hybrid+ is well-positioned to capture eco-conscious buyers. MG’s expanding dealer network (over 50 locations in Australia) and focus on aftersales support address concerns about long-term reliability compared to Toyota or Hyundai.
Looking Forward
The 2025 MG 3 is a standout in Australia’s hatchback market, offering a low starting price of $24,990 drive-away, solid mileage of 4.3–6.7 L/100 km, and peppy power up to 155 kW in its Hybrid+ variant. Its generous standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen and advanced safety tech, combined with a 10-year warranty, make it a value-packed choice for young drivers, first-time buyers, and urban commuters. While its three-star ANCAP rating and some interior compromises are drawbacks, the MG 3’s affordability, efficiency, and performance outweigh these for budget-conscious Australians. As MG continues to refine its offerings, the MG 3 is poised to remain a top contender, delivering big value in a compact package.
FAQs
1. How does the MG 3’s fuel economy compare to its rivals?
The MG 3 Hybrid+ achieves 4.3 L/100 km, competitive with the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (3.3–3.8 L/100 km) and Renault Clio (4.2 L/100 km), while the petrol model’s 6.7 L/100 km lags behind the Suzuki Swift (4.8 L/100 km) and Kia Picanto (5.4 L/100 km). The Hybrid+’s efficiency is ideal for urban and highway driving, offering a range of over 800 km.
2. Is the MG 3’s low price worth the trade-offs in safety?
The MG 3’s $24,990 starting price undercuts rivals like the Hyundai i30 ($24,000 MRLP) and Toyota Corolla ($29,270), but its three-star ANCAP rating is a drawback compared to their five-star ratings. It includes AEB, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, but weaker crash protection scores may concern families. MG plans safety upgrades in 2025, making it a strong value proposition for budget buyers.
3. How does the MG 3 Hybrid+’s power benefit Australian drivers?
The Hybrid+’s 155 kW and 250 Nm provide a 0-100 km/h time of 8.0 seconds, quicker than the Yaris (9.7 seconds) and Clio (9.3 seconds). This peppy performance ensures easy overtaking on highways and responsive acceleration in city traffic, ideal for Australia’s diverse driving conditions, from urban commutes to regional roads.