2025 MG3 hybrid revealed! Big price increase confirmed for new hatchback upon Australian launch this year

The next-gen MG3 hatch has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, with the brand’s local arm locking in a mid-year launch for the budget-friendly hatchback.

The 2025 MG3 is set to introduce a hybrid drivetrain that builds on the 1.5-litre petrol engine offered in the car, set to continue through the new model too.

But the addition of a hybrid drivetrain along with new safety features means the small MG will no longer hold its place as a sub-$20,000 offering in the Australian market.

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“MG can confirm that, due to advancements in technology, safety and specification, the new MG3 revealed at the Geneva Motor Show will mean the popular model will no longer be a sub-$20,000 car when it launches in Australia this year,” a spokesperson said.

While there will still be a non-hybrid base model, as previously confirmed to CarsGuide by an MG spokesperson, the additional safety features for the MG3 will mean it’s a more advanced model (and safer, the brand says) than the relatively rudimentary car it replaces.

“There will be a price increase of around $5000 associated with the new model, thanks to the introduction  of new world-class technology, safety updates and all-new specification.”

A price increase of such will bring the MG3 closer in line with rivals like the Kia Rio and Suzuki Swift, both of which are available from the low-to-mid $20,000 range.

The 2025 MG3 is set to introduce a hybrid drivetrain, with the model show sporting a ‘hybrid’ badge on its posterior.

On top of the base price increasing to the mid-$20,000s, it’s likely the hybrid drivetrain in the ‘Hybrid+’ equipped variants will increase costs again by a few thousand, leading to pricing close to $30,000 for the new MG3.

For that, European specifications revealed overnight show the car will come with a 1.5-litre four cylinder engine - likely developed from the previous generation - albeit with a 100kW electric motor assisting and drawing from a 1.83kWh battery.

Total output comes to 143kW, with MG claiming fuel economy figures of 4.4l/100km and emissions of 100g/km CO2.

The front-wheel drive car is equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission.

For reference, the MG3 currently runs on a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 82kW and 150Nm, though specifications of the upcoming car are yet to be confirmed.

Inside, new images reveal a simple but more modern design.

As well as the drivetrain and safety updates, the design and interior of the light hatch also score a revamp, with the exterior of the MG3 updated to align with the design language seen on the related MG5 and, to some extent, even the MG4 electric car.

Inside, new images reveal a simple but more modern design. Updated elements include a central touchscreen for multimedia with physical climate controls underneath, a digital driver display, and USB-A and -C ports, as well as wireless phone charging.

Safety additions via the brand’s MG Pilot technology suite which include lane keep assist with lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist.

MG says pricing and offers for the current MG3 on run-out will mean customers might be able to pay ‘used’ prices for a new one.

“The current MG3 is at the end of its lifecycle which means that now is the best time to buy a brand-new car for the price of a used one, before the new model hits our shores.”

Stay tuned for further information as it’s confirmed for the Australian launch of the MG3.

UPDATED FROM: 26/02/24