MG MG3 XPower hot hatch imagined, 1.5 turbo hybrid with AWD

What a weird and wonderful timeline we find ourselves in, readers. Leaving aside some of the more dystopian aspects of this era, who would’ve guessed we’d have the power to conjure up something as quickly as we envision it.

In a world where the voices of car enthusiasts are seemingly drowned out by those of bean-counters, shareholders and the SUV-ification of the car market, AI can offer a glimpse into another world where this is turned on its head, and we get to call the shots.

It’s in this spirit we are trying something different to bring ideas to life. Ideas we wish manufacturers would take notice of. Welcome to our new section called Imagination Lab, where we envision, with the help of AI, what cars we’d like to see on the market. Feedback encouraged.

The first candidate is a ‘2026 MG3 XPower’ hot hatch. The MG3 small car is charged with almost single-handedly keeping the Light Car segment afloat since 2020 in Australia. With fewer players than ever, it is now starting to feel the pinch with an August result of 418 cars – a 54.7 per cent decline for the month. Year-to-date is showing 27.6 per cent underwater (VFACTS, August 2025). Yikes.

By contrast, the Hyundai i20 N is up to 945 units sold for the year – a 374.9 per cent year-to-date resurgence, proving there is an appetite for involving, fun-to-drive manual small cars. Let’s make that our target for this exercise.

Now, it would be all too tempting to jump the shark on this one and include quad turbocharging, rear-steer and green indicator fluid . For the purpose of this exercise, we will try to use as many off-the-shelf parts as possible and at least some production feasibility.

A perusal of MG’s UK website reveals something we miss out on – manual transmission MG3, ZS and even HS. The latter combines a 1.5-litre turbo four with a six-speed manual. In that application, it manages a yawn-inducing 9.4 second 0-100km/h via 125kW and 275Nm. This engine isn’t going to cut it, so more boost would be needed. Realistically, adding boost via a smaller and more robust turbocharger would boost power and torque to around 150kW and 320Nm. A freer-flowing twin exit exhaust could give it some zing, too.

Additionally, a shorter shift action for the six-speeder and a titanium gear knob would uprate its sporting credentials, while a Quaife helical limited-slip differential (LSD) would get that extra power to the road for that delicious cronch.

We’re going to get a bit tricky for the rear end, so bear with us. The entire alloy rear multi-link subframe and 125kW e-drive unit from the MG4 Excite 51 meets with the 1.83kWh lithium-ion battery pack from the MG3 Hybrid+. The rear module from the MG4 would provide wider track, regenerative braking and the addition of rear-drive to the MG3 XPower. This would necessitate the addition of a 48V integrated starter generator at the ICE motor to supply the battery, however.

The rear e-motor would only be called into duty for one of three scenarios; a temporary e-boost in sport mode, drift mode, or traffic jam assist combining with existing ADAS hardware to take the burden off the 1.5 turbo engine. Alternatively, ‘Pure’ mode leaves you with good old-fashioned petrol power. Applying the 85 per cent total system output rule of thumb for parallel hybrids, this would give a total system output of 233kW when used in unison.

Here is a diagram of the two platforms mated together. This borrows a leaf out of Akio Toyoda’s book, combining the rear module of one platform to another to create a sports car (aka Lexus LBX Morizo RR).

To maximise driftability, the front tyres we nominate grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4’s, while the rear’s would be Michelin E-PRIMACY for lower rolling resistance. Sport Cup 2R’s would be optional all round for club racing and track days.

Additional welds, strut bracing, Eibach shocks and the Cyberster’s 324mm, four-piston front and 310mm rear discs with Brembo calipers would pull the little bugger up nicely. Like the MG4, chassis tuning courtesy of Spanish firm IDIADA’s proving ground would ensure crisp handling. If you haven’t driven a rear-drive MG4 in the wet, give it a try and you’ll see what we mean.

Speculative Specs (Est):

Feasibility: 8/10

While all of these parts are off the shelf, chucking them together and hoping for the best isn’t how life works, unfortunately. The concept of a front-driven, manual car integrating with a rear hybrid drive system is unprecedented and contentious. With a lot of tuning and determination, well, stranger things have happened. All the hardware exists and that’s half the battle.

Market appeal is another kettle of fish. That depends down on appearance, marketing and apetite. If our rendering is a bit sedate, here’s a more radical iteration.

Unfortunately, the current-gen MG4 will be replaced by a more market-friendly front-driven model next year. That has never stopped Chinese carmakers from continuing old models concurrently before, but it’s a practical consideration.

Probability 3.5/10

After spending a long time building an affordable bread-and-butter range, SAIC has tapped into the MG’s British heritage with cars like the Cyberster, upcoming CyberGTS Coupe and MG4 XPower. The results were mixed, with demand tapering off somewhat for the brilliant MG4 XPower recently.

Hyundai’s success with the i20 N shows there is an appetite for a raw hot hatch and this would definitely lift the appeal of the MG3. A non-hybrid entry model with torsion beam for under $30,000 drive-away would sell like hotcakes.

So what’s the likelihood of something like this happening? Early on, a sporting version of the current-gen MG3 was ruled out by local staff, but it’s worth remembering a few things. Firstly, the hybrid version is actually quite a fun car to drive with its instant power delivery often overwhelming the front wheels – so the bones are there.

Secondly, Australia was one of the main voices who persuaded SAIC to develop a second-gen MG3. It could be argued the increased cost of entry is the only thing deterring potential drivers.

What it really boils down to is SAIC’s willingness to take a punt on a small market. Say what you will about Chinese cars but if they create something even remotely similar to this, we’ll be cheering from the rooftops.

Thanks for reading and if you have any thoughts or ideas, we’d love to hear them because we can make them happen (ish).