2025 MG 3 Hybrid+: Hot hatch for the electrified age
In linguistics (particularly semantics), metaphors remain one of the most novel means of using language.
It’s somewhat like being a spy who uses codewords to pass on secret information – metaphors convey meaning from a deliberately non-literal interpretation of a completely different thing. Our classic example in language studies is “time is money,” which implies that the abstract concept of time can be spent, saved and valued like money.
Temperature is also a popular metaphorical well in the English language. “He gave me the cold shoulder” pertains to being intentionally ignored or snubbed, while “our relationship is heating up” could refer to people who are going from merely friends to something more intimate (and perhaps “steamy,” to use yet another temperature-related metaphor).
Indeed, the idea of a “hot” hatch doesn’t refer to a car that has been sitting too long in the sun – it pertains to a hatchback with exhilarating performance. Vehicles like the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Yaris and Volkswagen Golf GTI come to mind.
And then there’s the 2025 MG 3 Hybrid+. This top-of-the-line variant of the Chinese carmaker’s subcompact hatchback packs a mighty electrified powertrain that, on paper, should stir your soul with an electric whisk.
Unassuming appearance
Although car manufacturers have wisely ridden the wave (another metaphor!) of demand for crossovers, it’s nice to see that traditional small cars remain an accessible option for people who don’t want to drive on stilts (also a metaphor).
The MG 3 Hybrid+ doesn’t entirely blend into the background, thanks to an aggressive face that includes immensely powerful and pointy LED headlights, a huge grill and a faux carbon-fiber bumper lip. Prominent character lines streak across the flanks for a more muscular look, complimenting the polished 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 series tires.
Finally, the back end seems very generic European – a pert bumper, a steeply raked windscreen and large LED taillights that jut over the license-plate holder. Perhaps the only chink in this little MG’s armor is that it looks a bit unexciting in our test unit’s non-descript Moon White paint job.
Hues like the optional St. Moritz Blue, Morning Yellow and Extreme Speed Red seem to suit this car better.
Uninspiring cabin
Where the MG 3 Hybrid+ really needs a picker-upper is its interior.
Although you get adequate room for five passengers and reasonably simple controls, things like full leather upholstery and splashes of color are strangely missing for a car in this price point. The hard and scratchy plastics on the dashboard and door cards also don’t help in making the car feel top-of-the-line.
Other rather perplexing things include the lack of telescoping function for the steering wheel, along with a rear bench that neither splits nor folds flat. Although the 241-liter cargo area is average for the class, rivals like the Honda City Hatchback RS with its Utility-Long-Tall rear seat make it a more capable load-lugger.
Indeed, the most interesting aspects of this hatch’s cabin are the 7-inch digital gauge cluster, the rotary gear selector, the powerful climate-control system with rear vents and the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – that last item also projects a clear view from the 360-degree camera.
Overall, the MG 3 Hybrid+ is a functional hatchback, but rivals like the Mazda2 are more inviting places to be in.
Speed, glorious speed
Where the Chinese upstart really fights back is its trailblazing powertrain.
This little car packs one hell of a punch – a combined output of 187 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters of torque are courtesy of a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Acceleration is truly unmatched by anything in this little MG’s class, even nudging into the territory of so-called sports cars.
And unsurprisingly, fuel consumption is class-leading. We averaged 17 to 20 kilometers per liter, whether we were pootling around the city or enjoying its effortless acceleration on vast expanses of expressway.
However, I just wish that the light steering had more feel and that the 3-speed hybrid transmission were a more willing dance partner. For the latter, there is noticeable lag from applying full throttle to the transmission finally kicking down and firing up the gasoline engine for maximum power (there’s also a strange low-speed judder in this particular test unit).
Nonetheless, the considerable heave of the MG 3 Hybrid+ can be controlled by powerful four-wheel disc brakes that are operated by a rather spongy pedal. The nicely tuned suspension also offers a superb ride over even large ruts, while maintaining decent cornering stability for more spirited driving.
Another huge plus for this little car is the standard safety kit. Aside from front, side and curtain airbags, this baby goes toe-to-toe with the Honda thanks to the MG Pilot active-safety suite, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Alert.
Electrified thrills
Overall, the 2025 MG 3 Hybrid+ is proof that hybrid-electric cars can get your pulse racing.
At P1,088,888, this little MG is competitive against the likes of the truly exceptional P1,199,000 Honda City Hatchback RS and the P1,250,000 Mazda2 with its pin-sharp driving dynamics. A plusher interior and a more engaging experience behind the wheel would make it a more compelling option, despite its peerless punch and fuel economy.
The MG 3 Hybrid+ may not be as exciting to drive as the hot hatchbacks of yore, but it is comforting that the “fire” hasn’t been snuffed out in our quest for lower emissions and frugal fuel consumption.
