Can the MG3 shake up the star Yaris for under 20,000 euros?

While hybrid engines have never enjoyed such popularity, the Sino-British MG3 challenges the Franco-Japanese Yaris.

It’s a beautiful story, it’s a lovely tale, it’s a romance between France and a little Japanese car that came to settle in Valenciennes. In November 1998, the first stone of the Toyota Factory in Onnaing, near Valenciennes was laid. 23 months later, and after extracting 16 shells from the First World War, the first employees entered the brand new buildings. This was just the beginning of an unlikely Love Story between France and the Toyota Yaris.

With 200,025 units produced, the Yaris Cross is THE star of the French automotive market. A significant increase of 24% compared to the previous year and 95% of the produced volumes being in hybrid version have allowed it to be the most produced car in France, across all models and brands.

The MG3 Threat

But a queen always runs the risk of being dethroned, and the new model from a century-old brand is poking its hood out.

Measuring 4.12 m in length, the MG3 has ideal characteristics for daily urban use. Equipped with a 1.5 L petrol engine producing 75 kW (102 hp) and a 100 kW (137 hp) electric motor, it slightly shifts the balance between the two types of engines, which had previously favored the thermal option. Ultimately, it offers a generous power of 195 hp, allowing it to reach 0 to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds. Most importantly, it comes in at under 20,000 euros, a price point at which electric vehicles like the Citroën e-C3 or the Dacia Spring offer significantly lower equipment levels. In short, it’s the recipe that secured the success of the hybrid Yaris.

So we love our Yaris with its French accent, we love it dearly, but the heart has its reasons… Let’s stop with the cultural references and return to the essentials. If the MG3 exhibits road behavior and build quality that meet its ambitions, then yes, it could shake the throne of the Yaris. The automotive world is merciless.