The smallest, cheapest car MG makes now has picked up electric assistance - and a probable price increase.

HERE ‘later this year’ (we suspect June-July) and - because it has, as expected, a hybrid drivetrain - set to carry a premium over the current type’s $20,000 budget buyer siting.

That’s the sum total of MG New Zealand comment about the new MG3, in reference to its overnight unveiling at the Geneva motor show.

A hybrid powertrain producing a combined 143kW is the sole choice for the impending car, which replaces (and to extent bases off) a predecessor that has been around since 2011.

MG’s plan is to place as a price-advantaged competitor for the popular Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which kicks off at $32,490, and Honda Jazz, which starts petrol-electric in the $36,700 RS. However, the gap will be narrower than exists with the current car. Some overseas’ markets, including Australia, have notified a 25 percent increase on present pricing.

MG’s powertrain comprises a four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine producing, in isolation, 75 kW, and a single electric motor producing 100 kW. The latter feeds off a 1.83 kWh battery.

Intriguingly, and outwardly somewhat yester-yeary, the automatic gearbox is a three-speed. 

The driver has Eco, Standard, and Sport modes, the latter allowing a 0-100 kmh acceleration in eight seconds. Combined fuel consumption is put at 4.4 litres per 100km and it emits 100 grams per kilometre of CO2. MG has not specified what measuring tools were used to establish the consumption and emissions. If the WLTP measure was applied, the economy is 1.4L/100kms short of the cited optimal for the thriftiest Yaris Hybrid, the hatch.

Unsurprisingly, the petite hatchback’s new lines follow those of the MG4 electric, with more aggressive facial features and sculpted bodywork this time around. Though MG maintains enough of an English heritage to keep a styling studio in Longbridge, the United Kingdom, this model was shaped at its main Shanghai headquarters.

In measuring 4113 mm long, 1797mm wide, and 1502 mm tall, the new MG3 is slightly longer, wider, and lower than the current car, now on runout.

The make says the increased footprint results in a more spacious cabin and a 293 litre boot.

The fully digital cockpit comprises a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard with navigation and Android Auto / Apple CarPlay connectivity. There are toggle-style switches on the centre console, four USB ports, and more buttons on the steering wheel. 

Safety equipment includes the MG Pilot ADAS suite with systems like adaptive cruise control.

MG engineers have used the current car’s chassis but added new “ultra-high stiffness components” which together with a new suspension setup bring improvements in handling, ride refinement, and noise insulation compared to what is available presently.

At this point of time, the MG3 presents with a full recommended retail of $20,490, before on roads. However, a ‘Factory Bonus’ promotion is knocking $1000 off the price.

In supplied comment, a spokesman for MG NZ said: “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 New Zealand later this year.

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

“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.

“More details will be shared closer to the local launch later this year.”