The MG3 supermini takes a big step forward in this second generation form. There's now a self charging full-Hybrid powertrain, plus a higher quality cabin, more sophistication and extra interior space. In short, this is a much more credible kind of MG3. But it's still affordable.

Unlike MG's Cyberster sportscar, there's nothing particularly show-stopping about the looks of this second generation MG3, but it's a neat piece of design that for real supermini status needed to be a bit larger and wider than its predecessor - and is. Flowing bodywork sweeps into a fairly generic rear section. So the bits you'll notice here are all at the front with its swept-back LED headlights. Pronounced bonnet lines ease down into a sharp nose with a large chrome MG badge above an enormous grille flanked by large air intakes. A carbon fibre-look splitter can feature below.

The minimalist interior borrows its architecture and design cues from the successful MG4 EV and is a big step forward from this MG3 model's cheap-feeling predecessor. There's a couple of 'floating' twin monitors, a 7-inch instrument display and a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen. The software is responsive and the graphics are quite sharp. In terms of overall cabin ambience though, superminis like Peugeot's 208 have shown that it's possible to make the interior of a car in this class look more appealing than this. Still MG's value pricing may well mean you can afford better trimming - the faux-leather upholstery of the top 'Trophy' version for instance.

Cramped rear seat space was a failing of the original car. But a 50mm increase in wheelbase length (to 2,570mm) has improved things a bit. And helped boot space too. At 293-litres, the car now has one of the larger trunks in the segment.

The original MG3 had one of the oldest and most inefficient engines it was possible to buy in the 21st century's third decade. So it's something of a pleasant shock to find this new generation range headlined by a powertrain that's really quite sophisticated. It's a self charging non-plug-in Hybrid (MG's very first). Yes, like you can get in this segment (for significantly more money) with a Toyota Yaris or a Honda jazz. But this front-driven powerplant gives you a lot more power than you'd get with those established rivals (presumably because MG also wants to use it in other heavier models). It combines a 101bhp 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 107bhp electric motor to give a combined 192bhp total output. Hence the quite eager 0-62mph time of 8.0s (1.2s quicker than a Yaris).

Full-Hybrids always come only with automatic transmission, but this one is unusual because it only has three speeds (one less than the clunky auto of the old car). MG says this gives more responsive acceleration. As usual with self-charging full-Hybrids, the battery pack (1.83kWh in this case) isn't large enough to take the car very far on electric power alone. But EV assistance cuts in and out frequently during town travel to aid efficiency. The car can also be driven in Series mode with the engine acting as a generator. Or as a Parallel Hybrid where the two power sources work together to generate the full 192bhp output.

This is a very different kind of MG3 and certainly deserves a place on any supermini browser's shopping list. The Chinese brand's value pricing means you could properly get yourself this Hybrid model for the price of a European maker's supermini with a conventional engine. And that Hybrid has class-leading reserves of power.

True, this second generation design could have been given a bit more character inside and out. But it's a big step forward in every respect from the original. This might not be the supermini you'd intended on choosing. But it may very well be the one you actually need.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: MG3 Hybrid+

PRICES: £18,495-£20,495

CATEGORY: SUPERMINI / FULL-HYBRID PETROL/ELECTRIC

INSURANCE GROUP: TBC

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 8.0s / top speed 105mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 64.2mpg {combined}

BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] 293

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4113/1797/1502 mm

 

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