A decade ago, if you mentioned “hybrid” to a car enthusiast, you’d probably get a dismissive eye-roll. Hybrids were efficient but often boring, built more for sensible fuel-saving than anything resembling thrill.
MG has taken a bold step with the MG 3 Hybrid+, aiming to offer a hatchback that isn’t just economical but also genuinely enjoyable to drive. It’s not quite a “hot hatch,” but I’d call it a “fun hatch”—a car that brings together fuel efficiency and a sporty vibe in a way that feels fresh and exciting. MG is proving that hybrids don’t have to be one-dimensional; they can be dynamic, spirited, and, yes, even a bit cool.
Design-wise, the MG 3 Hybrid+’s front end’s design, with functional vents tucked into what look like “smile lines” for brake cooling, isn’t totally my style. It borrows a bit from the MG GT, though I think that Maserati-esque look works better on the GT’s fastback design. Still, the side profile features nicely sculpted lines that add some character, and the rear is easily my favorite part—it’s clean, sleek, and sporty.
Curiously, there’s no traditional antenna, which has been embedded in the rear windshield for a streamlined look, and the lack of a roof spoiler adds to the car’s understated style. Plus, the LED lighting setup is bright and effective without being too harsh on the eyes at night, and the mix of LED and halogen bulbs for the rear lighting adds a modern touch without going overboard.
Comparing to the size of a Honda Brio or a City Hatchback, the MG 3 Hybrid+ sits nicely in the middle, compact enough for city driving yet spacious enough inside. The 16-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels look fine, but I can’t help but wish for a slightly sportier design to match the rest of the car’s vibe.
Step inside, and the MG 3 Hybrid+ continues to impress with its comfortable and surprisingly upscale interior. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to get used to even if you’re more familiar with Japanese brands. Leather trim on the flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel, along with PVC upholstery and soft plastics, give a premium feel that’s rare at this price. Sure, there are a few hard plastic touches, but they don’t disrupt the overall vibe.
However, the abundant piano black plastic around high-touch areas like the steering wheel and gear selector could scratch easily, which may become an issue over time. A telescopic steering adjustment would have been great to help customize the driving position, though the A/C control button on the steering wheel is a handy feature, especially when you need to make quick adjustments.
The driver’s seat offers decent adjustability, and even taller drivers can find a comfortable position. Headroom in the back is another story, though, especially for anyone around 5’8″ or taller—it can get cramped quickly, and long rides may be uncomfortable for tall passengers. Rear-seat amenities are modest, with two multi-direction A/C vents and a single USB charging port. Trunk space is decent too. It’s larger than what you’d get in a Brio but slightly short of the City Hatchback. You can comfortably fit a couple of weeks’ worth of groceries, and the 60:40 split rear seats fold down if you need extra space.
Tech and safety features in the MG 3 Hybrid+ go beyond expectations. It sports a 10.25-inch horizontal touchscreen that, while compact, makes for a clean dashboard layout and is just the right size for this car. I’ll admit, the 360-degree camera view on the smaller screen isn’t perfect, but in tight spots, it’s better than not having it. The car’s compact size makes mirrors just as useful in most parking situations anyway. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster displays key driving info clearly, though there isn’t much room for customization, which might not be everyone’s preference but suits my style just fine. Wired Apple CarPlay works smoothly, and the six-speaker audio setup is passable for everyday use, though nothing to write home about.
Safety-wise, the MG 3 Hybrid+ checks all the standard boxes, including basics like rear parking sensors, stability control, and side curtain airbags. But what’s really impressive was the suite of advanced driver-assist systems. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, pre-collision warnings, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, and tire pressure monitoring are all here and work well. It’s a nice boost to have these features in a compact hybrid, especially at this price point.
Driving the MG 3 Hybrid+ is a surprising amount of fun. It runs on a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, forming an EV-biased hybrid system that powers the front wheels through a 3-speed transmission. With a combined 188 hp and 250 Nm of torque, it has more power than I expected for a car of this size. It’s not a hot hatch, but it’s more spirited than most other hybrids in this range. The EV-first setup means acceleration is sharp and quick off the line, which makes city driving agile and enjoyable. On the highway, though, when the gasoline engine kicks in, the revs can sound a bit out of sync with acceleration, almost as if the engine is revving independently. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it takes a moment to adjust to.
The braking system, with four disc brakes, is solid and responsive. You can even adjust the sensitivity of the regenerative braking, which I found useful for customizing how it feels during city stops. The steering is light but not overly so, giving enough feedback to make handling easy and enjoyable. The suspension setup—a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam—strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness, and I felt comfortable on city roads and winding curves alike. At highway speeds, though, the car could feel a bit less planted; a little extra stability wouldn’t hurt for longer, faster drives.
One area where the MG 3 Hybrid+ truly shines is fuel efficiency. I averaged 17.5 km/L over six days, mostly city driving with a bit of highway thrown in. For a hybrid that’s this fun to drive, it’s an impressive balance between performance and economy. My only wish would be for improved noise insulation, as wind and tire noise start to creep in around 80 km/h, which might get tiring on longer trips.
At PHP 1,088,888, the MG 3 Hybrid+ offers a fantastic package of style, tech, efficiency, and unexpected driving fun. It’s a true “fun hatch” that brings hybrid practicality without skimping on personality. For anyone in the market for a subcompact hatchback, the MG 3 Hybrid+ is well worth a test drive—it’s not just a fuel-saver, it’s genuinely a joy to drive.
