The next-gen, 2024 MG MG3 has been spotted testing in Australia in prototype form, ahead of its local arrival later this year.
MG revealed the new model in full just last week, but it looks like engineers are still doing some local testing on Australia roads. This prototype was spotted in Sydney today, with a label on the front door presenting the letters ’SRIH’. This refers to ‘SAIC R&D Innovation Headquarters’ (SAIC is MG’s parent company).
The new model is expected to really push the bar up for the brand and for the MG3 model line. Up until now the nameplate mainly represented budget friendliness, first and foremost, with a lower concentration on technology, safety or powertrain efficiency.
With this new model, things will be different. As with the price. However, it is expected to remain as one of the most affordable small cars on the market, even if it starts from around $25,000. Last week, an MG Australia spokesperson said:
“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.”
Local specs are yet to be confirmed, but overseas markets will be offered a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid producing a combined 143kW. That’s obviously very impressive for the compact car segment. A regular 1.5L petrol is also likely though, and we suspect this is what we’ll get in Australia. At least initially. Clue: This prototype doesn’t appear to be wearing the mandatory ‘EV’ label on the number plate.
If that’s the case, then it’ll probably be the non-hybrid model that ends up being “$5000” above the current model, and then if and when the hybrid arrives, it might push $30,000. Again, local specs are yet to be confirmed. We reached out to MG for comment. An MG Australia spokesperson said:
“The MG3 petrol and hybrid versions are planned to launch in Australia at the same time, mid-2024, though local specifications are yet to be announced.”
In the official reveal images the interior is shown with a rotary-style, shift-by-wire gear selector system, while some spy shots overseas show a conventional gear shifter stick. The regular petrol model will probably get the shifter setup.
The new model is bigger than the outgoing version, measuring 58mm longer overall with 50mm in the wheelbase. It’s also 68mm wider, which should help to open up passenger space in the back, yet the roof height is 2mm lower. Boot space drops slightly, from 307L to 293L, although it is difficult to tell what measuring standards are being used for each.
Passengers will be able to enjoy a significantly improved and updated cabin, with a 10.25-inch touch-screen and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, a rear-view camera and parking sensors, and air-conditioning are set to come as standard.
More details will be announced ahead of its Aussie launch around the middle of this year.
