New Chinese hatchback launching in South Africa next week

The new MG3 hatchback is set to go on sale less than a week from now on 20 August 2025.

MG officially relaunched in South Africa at the tail end of 2024 with an initial roster of three models – the ZS crossover, the HS SUV, and the electric Cyberster roadster.

The SAIC-owned carmaker stated that more products would follow shortly but didn’t specify a release date, until now.

The company has started to advertise the MG3 on its website, where it is currently listed as “coming soon.”

However, we also spotted an advert on Instagram for the new hatchback, which states that the “all-new MG 3 launches on August 20” with more details to follow.

MG also revealed that the car will feature at this year’s Festival of Motoring, held at Kyalami in Gauteng from 29 to 31 August, where motorists will be able to see the MG 3 in the metal.

What to expect

This is not the first time the MG3 has been featured in South Africa, but the incoming unit is a new-generation model that is vastly different from the old ones floating around on used car websites.

This new version made its international debut in 2024, taking aim at the B-segment hatchback market dominated by the VW Polo and Hyundai i20.

This is a segment that has largely been ignored by Chinese automakers up till now, who have mostly put their eggs in the crossover and SUV basket.

While SUVs are undeniably popular right now, hatchbacks continue to make up a significant portion of all the cars sold in South Africa, with models like the VW Polo, VW Polo Vivo, Suzuki Swift, and Toyota Starlet all featuring in the top 10.

MG has yet to disclose the localized spec sheet for the hatchback, but we can get a pretty good sense of what to expect by looking at other markets.

In Australia, the MG3 is available with two powertrains, one petrol and one hybrid.

The former employs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which develops 81kW and 142Nm and is linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The range-topping hybrid model pairs the 1.5-litre engine with a small electric motor and a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), resulting in a combined output of 155kW and 425Nm.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, a 7-inch digital driver display, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The higher-end models will then add features such as synthetic leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera.

MG3