The MG3 made its South African debut with a launch event that brought together excitement, style, and plenty of gratitude for the team behind it.

• The all-new MG3 makes a bold entry in South Africa’s fiercely competitive compact hatchback segment, blending striking design with a fun-to-drive character.
• From its “Hunted Eye” LED headlights to the Hybrid+’s impressive acceleration, the MG3 balances urban agility and weekend getaway practicality.
• Offering a range of petrol and hybrid powertrains, the MG3 stakes MG’s claim for a fun, safe, and value-driven comeback in the hatchback game.
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The compact hatchback has long been the bread-and-butter of the South African car market. Affordable, practical, and often the first step into new-car ownership, it’s a fiercely competitive space where brand loyalty is earned — and easily lost. Enter the all-new MG3, the third-generation supermini from MG Motor, and the brand’s latest attempt at making small cars fun again — without compromising on value, tech, or safety.

While this is the MG3’s South African debut, the nameplate itself isn’t new. Its roots stretch back to the early 2000s before being rebadged as the MG3 in 2008. Now, under the stewardship of Chinese giant SAIC, the third-generation MG3 arrives as a clean-sheet design. MG has already enjoyed rapid local growth — nearly 2,000 sales in just the first six months of 2025, driven by only three models: the ZS, HS, and the exclusive Cyberster roadster. With the MG3 now in play, the brand expects those numbers to rise even further.

The new MG3 wears its ambition on its nose. A “sharkline” front profile, projector LED headlights, and what designers call “Hunted Eye” lamps (inspired by a leopard’s gaze) give it a wide, assertive stance. Bonnet creases add muscularity, while a rising shoulder line and rear diffuser lift it out of “budget hatch” territory into something far more dynamic.

And fun is exactly what MG has dialled in — especially in the Hybrid+, which claims to be one of the fastest-accelerating small hybrids on the market. At the media launch in the Western Cape, The Sandton Times put the MG3 through its paces along sweeping coastal roads and the iconic Franschhoek Pass — the kind of route guaranteed to expose both strengths and shortcomings.

Proportions strike a balance between compact agility and everyday practicality. All models ride on 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, with styling nods to classic Italian teledials. Colours range from bold St. Moritz Blue and Flare Red to the playful Morning Yellow, while staples like Blade Silver, Pearl Black, and Hamstead Grey cover the classics.

Inside, the MG3 surprises again. This isn’t a stripped-down econobox. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired), paired with a 7-inch driver display, dominate the dash. The software experience could be smoother — particularly when switching between menus — but the tech offering is generous for the segment.

Even base models feature gloss black trim, metallic accents, and a flat-top, flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel straight out of a hot hatch. Seating is generous for the class, with 982mm of headroom and 1’065mm of legroom up front, while the rear comfortably accommodates adults. Boot space measures 293 litres, expanding to 983 litres with the seats folded — enough for a weekend getaway.

The Comfort trim offers cloth upholstery, while Luxury adds simulated leather, keyless entry, a six-speaker sound system, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. Lane-keep assist could benefit from further calibration, but overall, equipment levels are impressive.

The range is straightforward:
• 1.5-litre petrol (81kW/142Nm): Offered with a 5-speed manual (Comfort) or CVT (Comfort & Luxury). Economy sits around 6.0L/100km, with 0–100km/h in 10.8 seconds (manual). At highway speeds, the CVT keeps revs low at just 2,400rpm at 110km/h.
• Hybrid+: A 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol (75kW/128Nm) combined with a 100kW electric motor and 1.83kWh battery. Total output is a stout 155kW and 425Nm. MG quotes 0–100km/h in 8.0 seconds, though independent tests suggest closer to 6.5 — hot-hatch territory. Real-world fuel consumption dips into the low 4L/100km range.

The Hybrid+ uses a unique three-speed hybrid transmission, avoiding the droning CVT feel and delivering a more natural shift. The petrol-to-electric transitions are near seamless, with only a faint growl when pressed hard. Drivers can toggle between Eco, Standard, and Sport, while in town, EV-only running keeps things quiet and efficient.

MG’s engineers in both the UK and China clearly put in the hours. The ride is pliant enough to soak up potholes, yet firm enough to inspire confidence on a mountain pass. Steering is light but accurate — easy in the city, engaging on the open road. Cabin refinement is impressive too. With over 80% high-strength steel, a laser-welded roof, and upgraded NVH materials, road and wind noise are well suppressed, even at freeway speeds.

Every MG3 is packed with safety kit, including traction control, VDC, hill-hold assist, corner brake control, and ISOFIX. Step up to Luxury or Hybrid+ and you unlock the full MG Pilot suite: adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and even Traffic Jam Assist, which manages acceleration, braking, and steering under 60km/h. With seven airbags (including a central unit), the MG3 punches well above its weight for safety.

Some may question the usability of advanced driver aids in South African conditions, but that’s an argument for another day.

Every MG3 comes standard with a 7-year/200,000km warranty and a 3-year/45’000km service plan. Pricing is as follows:
• MG3 1.5 MT Comfort – R269’900
• MG3 1.5 CVT Comfort – R309’900
• MG3 1.5 CVT Luxury – R344’900
• MG3 1.5 Hybrid+ Luxury – R469’900

The pricing might invite some debate. In South Africa’s brutally competitive market, with a growing number of Chinese rivals, buyers will weigh every cent against brand, taste, and perceived value. The all-new MG3 isn’t just another budget hatchback though. It’s MG’s comeback statement — a small car that’s fun to drive and backed by a cheeky warranty. The petrol models will appeal to budget-conscious buyers, but it’s the Hybrid+ that delivers the wow factor: hot-hatch pace with hybrid efficiency.

With good looks, strong equipment levels, and some good value, the MG3 makes a strong case as a compelling new small car in South Africa. In short: MG is back in the hatchback game, and this one is worth watching.

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