In a fiercely competitive supermini sector, can the new MG3’s full hybrid technology and low pricing win fleet drivers over? By Al Suttie.

MG3 1.5 Hybrid Trophy

List price (BiK): £20,275 (%) CO2: 100g/km Economy: 64.2mpg Test efficiency: 56.5mpg

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Monday

Predictions that the supermini sector is going the way of the dodo have clearly not reached MG’s ears. Here we have the new MG3, which is a small car rival to the likes of the Citroën C3, Dacia Sandero, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20, Mini, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, SEAT Ibiza, Škoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Aygo X, and Volkswagen Polo. So, no competition there, then… And that’s before you think about the recently departed Ford Fiesta.

Tuesday

Pondering the MG3’s place in the supermini firmament, it feels like its designers have been studying the Ford Fiesta closely. Not only does the shape of the MG3 have a similar outline, there are similarities in the way this 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid drives. Like the Ford, the MG’s ride is on the firmer side but still compliant, and the reward is excellent agility and nimble handling.

Wednesday

After enjoying the MG3’s abilities on country roads yesterday, it’s a more mundane trip today by A-road and motorway. Mooching through the slow first and last parts of the journey, the MG accomplishes this in near silent EV mode. On faster stretches, there is plenty of pick up from the combined 194hp power and the car feels stable and confident at the national speed limit.

Thursday

When I had a bike fit last year, I was told I am a macro adjuster, which means I tend to just adapt to any small discrepancies in a seating position. It’s usually the same in cars, but I do find the MG’s lack of depth adjustment for its steering wheel frustrating. Just when I have the seat set right, the steering wheel doesn’t come out to meet my hands where I want. A small demerit, but a notable one.

Friday

Carting my son and a couple of his mates to football training this evening and the MG3 has no trouble with their bags in the boot. The two gangly teenagers in the back fit well enough given this is a supermini, though I suspect they would be happier with the added space offered by a Škoda Fabia. Up front, all is fine, though the slow response of the infotainment screen is noted by my son as he scrolls for what he refers to as ‘music’.

Saturday

I have become an aficionado of turning off unwanted safety bells, bings and bongs in cars. In the MG3, it’s not too tricky to fathom this out via the touchscreen, though a single button to deal with the lot would be my preference. I’m also not that keen on the steering wheel controls, which feel a little low grade compared to much of the rest of the MG3’s cabin.

Sunday

The on-screen display in the MG3 shows the car has achieved an average of 56.5mpg in my mix of driving. Given this is made up of very little town use where a car such as the hybrid-powered MG3 would shine brightest, I reckon that’s more than decent compared to the claimed 64.2mpg combined official claim. Add that to the MG’s low cost and generous kit in Trophy spec and it’s a serious contender for any fleet driver looking at a supermini.