MG 3 vs. the competition

With the introduction of the MG 3, the Philippine hatchback segment has received a new competitor. The said segment has always been a hot item in the local automotive industry, but MG Philippines’ new hatch has some qualities that may shake up the market. 

When it comes to looks, the MG 3 is a head-turner. Its assertive front end, sleek side, and rear design are sure to captivate you. The front features sharp LED headlamps, a sporty grille, and power-folding side mirrors, while the rear has fog lamps, as well as a roof-mounted spoiler. 

Inside, soft-touch surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and comfy leather and fabric seats are available. The car also gets plenty of tech, too, courtesy of its 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

On higher-end variants, its standard safety bits include a collection of advanced driving assist systems, which include lane departure alert, lane watch, a pre-collision system, and lane-keep assist. 

Two different powertrains propel the MG 3. First, the top-spec Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) uses a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain that produces up to 188 horsepower and a combined 250 Newton Meters of torque. Meanwhile, the non-hybrid versions have a 1.5-liter engine that produces 118 hp and 150 Nm of torque. 

Price-wise, the MG 3 is offered with a price ranging from P678,888 all the way to P1.088 million. 

So, how does the all-new MG 3 hatchback fare against its rivals? 

Toyota Wigo

One of the more popular hatchback models the MG 3 faces in the Philippines is the Toyota Wigo. 

The appealing, angular shape of the Toyota model is immediately apparent. It has an expansive grille and angular details on its lower front bumper. Plus, the model largely gets plenty of exterior convenience features. Depending on the trim, the Wigo is equipped with power-folding side mirrors, a rear spoiler, and LED exterior lighting. 

Regarding interiors, the Toyota hatch utilizes hard plastics for its dash and interior door cards, coupled with fabric seats. The Toyota likewise has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

 Although the Toyota model lacks ADAS, it has anti-lock braking, stability control, dual front airbags, and other safety features.

The Wigo’s engine, meanwhile, is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder capable of producing up to 67 hp and 89 Nm of torque. The latter is paired with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

The Toyota Wigo starts at P609,000, and the hatchback's G trim is the most expensive at P729,000. 

 Honda Brio

Looks-wise, the Honda Brio has just enough visual pizzazz to be described as attractive. In particular, its RS Black Top variant gets a cool-looking two-tone paint job that ups its sportiness. It also gets LED exterior lighting, power-folding side mirrors, and a rear spoiler. 

Inside the Brio’s cabin, occupants enjoy a set of fabric-clad seats. The Honda-made hatch's driver, meanwhile, gets a modern-looking dash and driving amenities such as a keyless entry system and a stylish RS design speedometer (RS and RS Blacktop). 

It likewise gets a seven-inch infotainment screen, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual front airbags, parking sensors, anti-lock braking, an engine immobilizer, and a security alarm keep everyone inside the Honda hatch safe.  

Power-wise, all trims of the Honda Brio use a 1.2-liter engine capable of producing up to 88 hp and 110 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a CVT or a five-speed manual gearbox.  

The Honda Brio is sold at a price range of P735,000-P863,000. 

Mitsubishi Mirage

Yet another similarly-sized rival to the MG 3 is the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback.

Design-wise, the Mirage has a simpler but still appealing appearance thanks to its black exterior pieces, straightforward lower front bumper, and reasonably curvy back end. For exterior lighting, the said model uses halogen headlamps and halogen taillights. 

The Mirage’s interior, too, is simple but practical. It is mostly made of hard, durable plastics, and most control surfaces have a logical arrangement. For driving amenities, it has a urethane steering wheel, an analog gauge cluster, and manual air conditioning. 

Its infotainment system is sized at 6.75 inches and is equipped with Bluetooth, USB, and Mirror Link for connectivity. 

Providing safety for the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback are dual-front airbags, a shift interlock system, child proof locks, among others. 

Powering the Mirage forward is a 1.2-liter engine that can churn out 76 hp and 100 Nm of torque. Depending on the trim, it uses a CVT or a five-speed manual transmission. 

The Mirage’s two available variants are priced at P711,000 and P772,000. 

Suzuki Swift

Last but not least is the Suzuki Swift. Currently, the small car specialists’ premier hatchback has a slick look that many hatchback lovers may find appealing. It has a grille that’s sized just right, as well as protruding rear haunches that do plenty to provide the rider with a planted and nimble-looking stance. 

For exterior equipment, the Suzuki model’s sole GL trim features halogen headlamps, LED rear combination lamps, fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. 

The story is the same regarding the Swift’s interior. It is quite straightforward, with mostly hard plastics utilized for its dashboard and fabric seats. Also present inside this model are a manual air-conditioning system and an analog gauge cluster. Meanwhile, the Swift’s occupants are provided with onboard entertainment by a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The Swift's safety bits include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, brake assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an engine immobilizer, and a car alarm.

For engines, the Swift for the Philippine market uses a 1.2-liter inline-4 mill that can make up to 80 hp and 113 Nm of torque. 

 The Swift GL is priced at P989,000, which is pricier than all the non-hybrid trims of the MG 3. 

Photos from Cesar Guiderone Miguel,  Toyota, Juan Paolo Papa, Mitsubishi, Suzuki

Also read: 

Hatchback brawl: MG 3 vs. Toyota Wigo

MG PH launches 3 hatchback, G50 Plus MPV