Motoring

Coming soon? MG3 makes surprise debut at Simola Hillclimb

Smallest model in the brand's export model range seemingly looks set for South Africa despite not having been mentioned upon its return announcement in October last year.

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By Charl Bosch

2 hours ago

MG3 makes surprise South African market showing

Having gone quiet since relaunching its local market operations earlier this year, MG sprung an expected surprise by showcasing the new generation 3 at the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna this past weekend.

Sign of things to come?

Joined by the all-electric Cyberster sports car, the 3 hadn’t been mentioned as one of the models earmarked for South Africa following the Chinese-owned British brand’s return announcement in September last year.

ALSO READ: Prices revealed as MG officially relaunches in South Africa

Seemingly no longer the case, the 3 debuted sporting the Hybrid+ nomenclature that identifies it as being motivated by a self-charging hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.83-kWh battery pack and a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine.

*_{Standard across all models is a 10.25-inch infotainment system plus a seven-inch instrument cluster display. Image: MG Motor UK}*

Paired to a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, the former produces 100kW/280Nm and the latter 75kW/128Nm, which, in combined form, outputs 143 kW, allowing for a top speed of 170 km/h and 0-100 km/h in eight seconds.

*_{Hybrid+ combines a normally aspirated petrol engine with a 1.83-kWh battery pack for a total output of 143 kW. Image: Charl Bosch}*

An alternative is the standard combustion engine model, which loses the electric hardware and, therefore, produces 81kW/142Nm delivered to the front wheels either via a five-speed manual or a CVT.

Stay tuned

Entered in the standard road car class along with the Cyberster at the event, official details surrounding the MG3 weren’t disclosed at all, though its presence all but suggests a local market launch to be imminent.

*_{Eventual introduction will see the MG3 take on the Suzuki Celerio, Toyota Vitz and possibly even the slightly bigger Volkswagen Polo Vivo. Image: Charl Bosch}*

Set to become MG’s only other passenger vehicle, and below the ZS SUV that currently opens its product range up, speculation has also pointed to a significantly lower sticker price than the R289 900 of the base-spec ZS Comfort.

As is stands though, no definitive details, however, and as mentioned, expect a possible announcement from importer, Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), within the coming weeks.

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