The subsequent technology of one among Australia’s greatest promoting automobiles, the MG 3, has been spied testing on European roads.
The present MG 3 has been in manufacturing since 2011, making it effectively overdue for substitute.
While the spied mannequin has not been confirmed to be an MG 3 substitute, the mannequin has appeared in a European patent submitting sporting an MG badge and sporting MG design language.
Images by Daniel Balogh for SH Proshots depict a light hatch that includes aggressive physique traces, a extra aggressive entrance fascia and tail lights extra paying homage to the MG ZS crossover.
Also seen via the windscreen is an lively security module, doubtless housing cameras and sensors.
In addition, the brand new mannequin options rear disc brakes and a sunroof.
Currently the ageing MG 3 doesn’t function any lively security driver aids like autonomous emergency braking, and options rear drum brakes.
While the inside of the spied mannequin isn’t seen in these photographs, one other not too long ago spied prototype offers extra path on the brand new mannequin’s inside.
The lively security module is once more seen behind the rear-view mirror, whereas there’s sharper creasing on its door trims and diamond-patterned fabric upholstery. Unfortunately, the prototype’s dashboard was utterly shrouded.
The next-generation MG 3 will provide a hybrid powertrain however received’t provide a completely electrical model.
Details on the hybrid drivetrain are but to be revealed by MG, nonetheless it does provide a hybrid model of its ZS-based VS SUV
The VS marries a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 80kW and 142Nm with a 70kW/200Nm electrical motor and a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery.
The hybrid crossover has a mixed energy output of 130kW, with claimed gasoline consumption as little as 5.8L per 100kms.
Speaking about not growing an MG 3 EV, Guy Pigounakis advised Autocar that “growing a small electrical automotive is barely marginally cheaper than growing an even bigger automotive.”
“Then half the worth is battery so it turns into a £25,000 [A$44,000] automotive which is unaffordable,” he added.
The new MG 3 is ready to supply extra security equipment, as hinted in these spy photographs. However, MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao says it’s unlikely to earn a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
“It will certainly be a hybrid and it’ll have much more security tools, too, but it surely received’t get a five-star security score,” Mr Ciao advised CarExpert.
“It’s vital that MG Australia presents among the most reasonably priced automobiles within the segments we compete in and we need to proceed that with the brand new MG 3,” he added.
Autonomous emergency braking will likely be normal, because it has been obligatory on all new automobiles in Australia since March 2023.
It’s unclear what different lively security tech will likely be provided, because the bigger MG 5 has been launched regionally with out aids like lane-keep help and blind-spot monitoring.
Despite its age and the dearth of an ANCAP score (solely an expired three-star score from Euro NCAP in 2014), the MG 3 has grown in recognition. It’s far and away the best-selling automobile in its section.
It’s additionally the second most cost-effective automobile in Australia, behind solely the bottom Kia Picanto.
Though it entered manufacturing all the way in which again in 2011, the present technology solely arrived right here in 2016. It obtained a facelift in 2018.
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