No other Chinese brand sells more electric cars in Europe than MG, the maker that bought up the name of one of Britain's best known sports car badges of yore.
But that doesn't mean the subsidiary of the SAIC conglomerate is committed to electromobility only. It also offers hybrid models and - although not yet on the most markets - even pure combustion engines.
It is somewhat ironic, but while Europeans are working flat out on affordable electric cars, Chinese maker MG is positioning a promising petrol-electric supermini competitor for the Renault Clio, VW Polo and Opel Corsa.
The MG3 will go on sale in European markets as a hybrid soon at prices starting at €19,990 and is set to become a further 10 to 15% cheaper in autumn with an additional engine variant.
The five-door model has a sporty design with some styling input from the UK, while the short length of 4.11 metres and a wheelbase of 2.57 metres offers sufficient space in all seats.
The boot can swallow 293 litres of luggage and it has roughly the same size as the Polo (4.05 metres) or the Toyota Yaris (3.94 metres), while the base price is €1,600 and €5,500 cheaper respectively. On the minus side, the rear bench does not split.
The MG3 comes with a drive system that is not available in most other small cars on European markets. The buffer battery with a capacity of 1.8 kWh, which is much larger than in the Yaris or the Clio, the only two hybrid alternatives in this segment. The electric motor also has more power.
Performance is pulse-quickening, thanks to the combination of a 1.5-litre lean-burn petrol engine with four cylinders and 75 kW/102 hp and an electric motor with 100 kW/136 hp.
A three-speed automatic transmission selects the gears and when both work as a team, 143 kW/194 hp system output is available. The little car forges ahead strongly and can reach 100 km/h in eight seconds. Top speed is pegged at 170 km/h.
Of course, the suspension could be sharper and the steering less woolly but since the MG3 weighs in light at 1,285 kilograms, it still drives briskly around the bends.
The MG3 is also a frugal companion at the petrol pump. Standard consumption is 4.4 litres per 100 km, thanks to a high level of braking recuperation. CO2 emissions are a low at 100 g/km, according to the manufacturer.
The figures look good on paper and drivers have a good chance of achieving them in real life too. This hybrid has a range of more than 800 kilometres, which makes an pure electric car less attractive, especially since one would cost €5,000 or even €7,000 more to buy.
Hybrids are not cutting edge, but still a better environmental choice and this car is not lacking in modern technology.
The cockpit is digital, with a large touchscreen and because the Chinese are also striving for five crash test stars, all the important assistants and watchdogs are on board. Fortunately most can be de-activated if the tinkling of warning bells jangles the nerves.
The plastics inside have a generally good feel to them although MG has clearly had to cut costs at this price.
Whatever, the MG3 shows that small cars are alive and well. While Ford is discontinuing the Fiesta and VW is questioning the viability of the Polo because the whole world supposedly only wants electric cars, this car suggests the opposite. Modern small cars can be made to work with conventional technology and be affordable too.
MG3 Hybrid+ specifications
