Setting emissions ‘benchmark’
MG Motor has officially launched the all-new petrol MG3 and MG3 Hybrid+ down under to mark the debut of its third-generation best hatch.
Each variant comes in two grades, the Excite and Essence, each kitted out with a range of high-specification features.
Since its inception, the MG3 has grown in popularity and held a 27.3 per cent share of its segment in 2023.
MG Motor NZ has sold some 2,814 units of the previous generation compact hatchback.
This latest iteration has been redesigned from the ground up with a new platform, new exterior and interior design superior performance, reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy.
At the heart of these advancements is the new 1.5-litre Hybrid+ four-cylinder engine that charges while being driven.
Peter Ciao, MG Motor Australia and New Zealand’s chief executive officer, says: “The MG3 has been redesigned from the ground up, and sets a new standard for hybrid and small petrol vehicles in New Zealand.
“MG has brought together a brilliant mix of affordability, range and quality for drivers in the all-new MG3 range.
“If you don’t have a driveway, live in an apartment or you’d rather not plug in a charging cable at the end of each journey, our all-new MG3 Hybrid+ makes perfect sense.
“The all-new MG3 Hybrid+ promises impressive fuel economy without the environmental concerns of pure combustion power.
“Our MG3 Hybrid+ offers class-leading technology and a large 1.83kW battery which can be used to drive the car using the battery only. It is also capable of accelerating from 0-100kph in just eight seconds.”
The all-new MG3 Hybrid+ sets a benchmark in its category with CO2 emissions of 111g/km with a combined fuel consumption of 4.8l/100km and a kerb weight of 1,298kg for the Hybrid+ Excite, 1,308kg Hybrid+ Essence and MG3 petrol 1,199kg.
The Excite grade includes halogen headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and connectivity options, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among others.
The Essence grade further enhances the offering with additions like a sunroof, LED headlights, 360-degree camera, and the ability to remotely turn on and off the air conditioner or heater via MG iSmart.
As MG Motor celebrates 100 years of presence in the market, this new model introduces iSmart connected services free of charge for one year from the vehicle’s registration date.
The spacious interior features a high-quality cockpit and a 10.25-inch infotainment display as standard. Safety has also been a focal point with enhancements, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot detection.
Pricing starts at $25,990 plus on-roads for the petrol MG3 and rises to $31,990 for the MG3 Essence Hybrid.
