2024 MG3 Hybrid+ launched in Thailand; Will it come to Malaysia?

KUALA LUMPUR: Introduced at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show in March, the all-new third-gen MG3 has now made its way to Thailand. The new MG3 features a sleek and modern design and stands out with its impressive HYBRID+ technology. It is the brand’s first hybrid model to be locally produced in Thailand.

Let’s check out the 2024 MG3 Hybrid+ in detail.

Price and variants

MG Thailand offers the 2024 MG3 Hybrid+ in two variants - D and X, priced at THB 559,900 (RM 72k) and THB 599,900 (RM 77k), respectively. 

Engine 

Both variants of the hatchback come equipped with the brand’s HYBRID+ technology combining a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle inline four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. The engine produces a maximum power of 102 PS and a peak torque of 128 Nm while the e-motor is tuned to generate 136 PS and 250 Nm. The combined system output is rated at 194 PS. Also part of the mechanical setup is a three-speed E-AT automatic and a 1.83-kWh lithium-ion battery.

The Hybrid+ tech has five different modes that can operate automatically, without any manual driver adjustment. These include - 

• EV: Electric-only power
• Series: Engine powers the generator, which drives the electric motor
• Series and Charge: Similar to Series but charges the battery in low-load situations
• Drive and Charge: Engine drives the wheels while charging the battery
• Parallel: Both the engine and electric motor drive the wheels

Fuel efficiency and acceleration

The MG3 Hybrid+ offers an impressive fuel economy of 26 kmpl. This figure is backed by a test conducted by the automaker in Thailand, where a full tank of petrol allowed the vehicle to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, achieving the same fuel consumption rate.

Speaking of performance, the hatchback runs from zero to 100 kmph in 8 seconds and clocks an electronically-limited speed of 170 kmph. 

Dimensions

The MG3 Hybrid+ is a B-segment hatchback measuring 4,113 mm in length, 1,797 mm in width, and 1,502 mm in height and spans a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. The boot is estimated at 293 litres, expandable to 1,037 litres. These dimensions make it a direct competitor of the Honda City Hatchback and Toyota Yaris.

Exterior

Designed by MG’s Shanghai studio, the new MG3 features a new sporty design with the new-generation DNA. It incorporates a large front grille framed within the bumper along with sharp LED projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights. Adding to the hatchback’s modern look are 16-inch alloy wheels and new LED tail lights.

Five available colour options are - St. Moritz Blue, Pastel Yellow, Scarlet Red, Arctic White, Black Knight, and Metal Ash Grey.

Interior

The interior exudes premium quality with a stylish 2-tone design and sporty details, highlighted by a distinctive Tartan pattern on the console panel. The feature kit includes -

• 7-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Automatic air-conditioning with PM2.5 filter
• Keyless entry and start
• Electronic parking brake
• Six speakers 
• Three drive modes - Eco, Normal, Sport
• Synthetic leather/fabric upholstery
• Reverse camera (360-degree camera with top-spec variant)
• Wireless charging pad (with top-spec variant)
• 6-way adjustable driver seat
• 4-way adjustable front passenger seat

Safety

Depending on the variant chosen, the new MG3 comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. The pack comprises adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, and automatic high beam.

Will the MG3 Hybrid+ come to Malaysia?

As of now, MG Motor Malaysia has not revealed any plans to bring the MG3 Hybrid+ to the Malaysia shores. It is currently preparing to launch the MG5 GT and HS facelift later this week.

Also read: MG Motor Malaysia teases two upcoming models; MG 5 GT and MG HS launching soon?