MG 3 Hybrid+ to miss out on fix for performance issue
ZS Hybrid+
will
receive an update
aimed at addressing an issue with power delivery, but it has announced no such plans to roll this out to the mechanically related
MG 3 Hybrid+
.
'We're really confident in our Hybrid power system and we think it delivers the right balance of power and efficiency for the average Australian driver,' said a company spokesperson when asked if a similar update will be forthcoming for the MG 3.
'Our engineers are always looking to refine the driving experience of our vehicles, so if we feel the need to tweak it in the future, we will.'
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal.
Browse now
.
As we've experienced in testing, the MG 3 Hybrid+ – as well as the ZS Hybrid+, with which it shares its powertrain – can see its power delivery dramatically reduced when the hybrid battery nears depletion.
This can leave the vehicle without the necessary power to overtake safely or comfortably climb a steep hill.
MG announced in January it was rolling out an update to address this issue in all versions of the ZS Hybrid+ small SUV. That included vehicles already delivered to customers, for which a fix can be carried out at MG dealerships.
'The Hybrid+ powertrain will actively charge the battery when more load on the powertrain is detected, the engine will charge the battery to retain a moderate State of Charge (SoC),' the brand explained in announcing the update for the ZS.
'When on an incline, the Hybrid+ powertrain has been recalibrated to engage the engine when the vehicle is driving with moderate or higher speed. The overall experience will be a balanced experience of power delivery and efficiency.
'When vehicle speed is over 100km/h, the Hybrid+ powertrain will engage the engine to ensure sustained power depending on the battery SoC.'
It's unclear why the MG 3 Hybrid+ hatch – which has the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, albeit with 3kW less system power at 155kW – won't receive the same update.
CarExpert's video review of the MG 3 Hybrid+ from June 2024 revealed a similar issue as had been experienced with the ZS Hybrid+.
After prolonged periods of demanding driving, the battery would deplete and leave the hatch with almost one third of the power it normally has.
Once the battery was depleted, the MG 3's instrument cluster showed just 45kW of power being produced. As with the ZS, there's no direct way to control the hybrid system's power delivery and charging, either.
In subsequent testing of an MG 3 Hybrid+ in Brisbane, this issue also occurred when driving in a mountainous area. After the battery depleted, the MG 3 couldn't reach the posted 60km/h speed limit on a steeper grade even with the driver's foot to the floor.
Despite this issue, the MG 3 Hybrid+ is bearing down on the hybrid-only
Toyota Yaris
in the sales race.
In the first quarter of 2025, MG delivered 393 MG 3 Hybrid+ hatchbacks – accounting for 12.8 per cent of total MG 3 sales – while Toyota delivered 519 Yaris Hybrids.
MORE:
Everything MG 3
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
9 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Mercedes-Benz GLC EV: New mid-size SUV gets modern twist on brand's classic face
Mercedes-Benz is having another crack at the mid-size luxury electric SUV segment, with the GLC with EQ Technology teased ahead of its reveal next month. The battery-electric version of the German premium brand's best-seller will debut at the Munich motor show (aka IAA Mobility) on September 7, 2025. Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser image showing off its distinctive grille, and there are echoes of the grilles of classic models like the W126 S-Class – but with a catch. While the chrome-surrounded grille has three rows with dozens of small square segments, reminiscent of Benzes of yore, it's closed-off and features integrated contour lighting and a 'smoked-glass-effect lattice structure'. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mercedes-Benz will also offer an illuminated version as an option, with 942 backlit dots and animation sequences. The central star and the integrated surrounding contour of the panel are also illuminated. The nod to the past is part of Mercedes-Benz's move away from the controversial design language employed on its Electric Vehicle Architecture-based EQE sedan, EQE SUV, EQS limousine and EQS SUV. Mercedes-Benz has already facelifted the EQS in Europe, giving it a more conventional grille, and has paused deliveries of the quartet in the crucial US market due to slow sales. The company has said it's moving to a 'coherent design language' across its portfolio, with its EVs to more closely resemble their combustion-powered counterparts even if they use different platforms – a strategy rival BMW already employs. As seen in spy photos and teasers, it appears to have a more rakish silhouette than the combustion-powered GLC, but is much more athletic-looking than the blobby EQE SUV. Mercedes-Benz is also ditching its EQ nameplates, which is why this new mid-size electric SUV is called the GLC with EQ Technology instead of the EQC. Inside, the electric GLC will feature an 'all-new, seamless' MBUX Hyperscreen that will see the vehicle's screens under one layer of glass. It's also the first model in a 'completely new family of vehicles' featuring a 'superbrain' that will power every new Mercedes-Benz. The electric GLC will debut the brand's new dedicated electric vehicle (EV) architecture, and rides a wheelbase 129mm longer than the combustion-powered GLC – so just over three metres. It'll be offered in single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations with system outputs of up to 500kW. Batteries range from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit that's likely to deliver a WLTP-rated range of just over 500km, to a 94.5kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that boosts WLTP range to more than 800km. This battery's highly efficient silicon carbide anodes and the 800V electrical architecture also allow charge rates of up to 320kW, which mean it can be topped up to give 400km more range in as little as 15 minutes. A prototype we drove in Sweden earlier this year was reasonably close to what is likely to be the top-spec, non-AMG GLC 4Matic with EQ Technology. Its dual-motor powertrain had a system output of 360kW, a two-speed transmission, the 94.5kWh battery, air suspension, and rear-wheel steering.
Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Perth Now
Mercedes-Benz GLC EV: New mid-size SUV gets modern twist on brand's classic face
Mercedes-Benz is having another crack at the mid-size luxury electric SUV segment, with the GLC with EQ Technology teased ahead of its reveal next month. The battery-electric version of the German premium brand's best-seller will debut at the Munich motor show (aka IAA Mobility) on September 7, 2025. Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser image showing off its distinctive grille, and there are echoes of the grilles of classic models like the W126 S-Class – but with a catch. While the chrome-surrounded grille has three rows with dozens of small square segments, reminiscent of Benzes of yore, it's closed-off and features integrated contour lighting and a 'smoked-glass-effect lattice structure'. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Mercedes-Benz will also offer an illuminated version as an option, with 942 backlit dots and animation sequences. The central star and the integrated surrounding contour of the panel are also illuminated. The nod to the past is part of Mercedes-Benz's move away from the controversial design language employed on its Electric Vehicle Architecture-based EQE sedan, EQE SUV, EQS limousine and EQS SUV. Mercedes-Benz has already facelifted the EQS in Europe, giving it a more conventional grille, and has paused deliveries of the quartet in the crucial US market due to slow sales. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The company has said it's moving to a 'coherent design language' across its portfolio, with its EVs to more closely resemble their combustion-powered counterparts even if they use different platforms – a strategy rival BMW already employs. As seen in spy photos and teasers, it appears to have a more rakish silhouette than the combustion-powered GLC, but is much more athletic-looking than the blobby EQE SUV. Mercedes-Benz is also ditching its EQ nameplates, which is why this new mid-size electric SUV is called the GLC with EQ Technology instead of the EQC. Inside, the electric GLC will feature an 'all-new, seamless' MBUX Hyperscreen that will see the vehicle's screens under one layer of glass. Supplied Credit: CarExpert It's also the first model in a 'completely new family of vehicles' featuring a 'superbrain' that will power every new Mercedes-Benz. The electric GLC will debut the brand's new dedicated electric vehicle (EV) architecture, and rides a wheelbase 129mm longer than the combustion-powered GLC – so just over three metres. It'll be offered in single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations with system outputs of up to 500kW. Batteries range from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit that's likely to deliver a WLTP-rated range of just over 500km, to a 94.5kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that boosts WLTP range to more than 800km. Supplied Credit: CarExpert This battery's highly efficient silicon carbide anodes and the 800V electrical architecture also allow charge rates of up to 320kW, which mean it can be topped up to give 400km more range in as little as 15 minutes. A prototype we drove in Sweden earlier this year was reasonably close to what is likely to be the top-spec, non-AMG GLC 4Matic with EQ Technology. Its dual-motor powertrain had a system output of 360kW, a two-speed transmission, the 94.5kWh battery, air suspension, and rear-wheel steering. MORE: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology: Prototype drive
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Honda Australia looks to China, US for new vehicles
Honda Australia's new boss is using his ties in his former United States post as the company considers vehicles from all corners of the globe – including China – for its future lineup. Newly installed Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert his nearly three decades of working for the brand in North America mean he's been able to exploit connections to the US supply chain. This includes the Honda 0 Series EVs, slated to be made at the automaker's 'EV Hub' in the US from 2026, which are on the cards for Australia. The US is Honda's biggest market by a considerable margin, with North America making up 60 per cent of its 1,361,779 global sales in the six months to June 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Products in the US include the unibody Ridgeline ute, as well as the roughly Subaru Outback-sized (and also unibody) Passport SUV and the related Pilot, a Toyota Kluger competitor. Honda Australia also plans to add its first electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup in the second half of 2026, but it hasn't confirmed what it will be. In the US, it produces the electric Prologue SUV which uses a platform borrowed from General Motors. So far this year, it's actually outselling its Chevrolet-branded cousin, the Blazer EV. Prologue sales were up 83 per cent in July, compared with the same month last year. In China, Honda has joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. Under these, it produces a raft of vehicles including EVs under the Ye sub-brand such as the electric GT fastback, as well as the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV that's exported to countries including the UK and New Zealand. While none of these are confirmed – and the current-generation Ridgeline all but ruled out – the Australian office is now looking beyond its typical Japanese and Thai-sourced vehicles courtesy of Mr Joseph's background. "I've been in contact with my former colleagues there quite a bit and it's something we're considering – we need to take a look at that. We need to look everywhere we can for products that are relevant to this market," he said."A lot of the tastes in the US are quite comparable and a good fit. "Australia is an interesting market because I would say it's more of a western market in terms of preferences and behaviors even though it's located here in Asia-Oceania." "And I think that suits it well to some products from other parts that maybe have been considered, but maybe I've got a chance to lobby for them a little bit stronger than in the past." Honda's manufacturing footprint in the US includes four main vehicle factories, with its Marysville, Ohio, plant being the oldest. It's been producing vehicles since 1982. It also has design and engineering centres as part of 18 major facilities across its US operations. "We can do full vehicle development in the United States comparable with GM (General Motors) and Ford – and I would say we're more capable than anybody else there," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "This is all part of Honda becoming a global company and leveraging its management resources on a more global basis." The Ridgeline, Passport and Pilot have always been built exclusively in left-hand drive, but Honda Australia did source one vehicle from North America in the past. That was the Canadian-built MDX, a rebadged large SUV from Honda's premium Acura division, sold here from 2003 to 2006. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia's new boss is using his ties in his former United States post as the company considers vehicles from all corners of the globe – including China – for its future lineup. Newly installed Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert his nearly three decades of working for the brand in North America mean he's been able to exploit connections to the US supply chain. This includes the Honda 0 Series EVs, slated to be made at the automaker's 'EV Hub' in the US from 2026, which are on the cards for Australia. The US is Honda's biggest market by a considerable margin, with North America making up 60 per cent of its 1,361,779 global sales in the six months to June 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Products in the US include the unibody Ridgeline ute, as well as the roughly Subaru Outback-sized (and also unibody) Passport SUV and the related Pilot, a Toyota Kluger competitor. Honda Australia also plans to add its first electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup in the second half of 2026, but it hasn't confirmed what it will be. In the US, it produces the electric Prologue SUV which uses a platform borrowed from General Motors. So far this year, it's actually outselling its Chevrolet-branded cousin, the Blazer EV. Prologue sales were up 83 per cent in July, compared with the same month last year. In China, Honda has joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. Under these, it produces a raft of vehicles including EVs under the Ye sub-brand such as the electric GT fastback, as well as the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV that's exported to countries including the UK and New Zealand. While none of these are confirmed – and the current-generation Ridgeline all but ruled out – the Australian office is now looking beyond its typical Japanese and Thai-sourced vehicles courtesy of Mr Joseph's background. "I've been in contact with my former colleagues there quite a bit and it's something we're considering – we need to take a look at that. We need to look everywhere we can for products that are relevant to this market," he said."A lot of the tastes in the US are quite comparable and a good fit. "Australia is an interesting market because I would say it's more of a western market in terms of preferences and behaviors even though it's located here in Asia-Oceania." "And I think that suits it well to some products from other parts that maybe have been considered, but maybe I've got a chance to lobby for them a little bit stronger than in the past." Honda's manufacturing footprint in the US includes four main vehicle factories, with its Marysville, Ohio, plant being the oldest. It's been producing vehicles since 1982. It also has design and engineering centres as part of 18 major facilities across its US operations. "We can do full vehicle development in the United States comparable with GM (General Motors) and Ford – and I would say we're more capable than anybody else there," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "This is all part of Honda becoming a global company and leveraging its management resources on a more global basis." The Ridgeline, Passport and Pilot have always been built exclusively in left-hand drive, but Honda Australia did source one vehicle from North America in the past. That was the Canadian-built MDX, a rebadged large SUV from Honda's premium Acura division, sold here from 2003 to 2006. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia's new boss is using his ties in his former United States post as the company considers vehicles from all corners of the globe – including China – for its future lineup. Newly installed Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert his nearly three decades of working for the brand in North America mean he's been able to exploit connections to the US supply chain. This includes the Honda 0 Series EVs, slated to be made at the automaker's 'EV Hub' in the US from 2026, which are on the cards for Australia. The US is Honda's biggest market by a considerable margin, with North America making up 60 per cent of its 1,361,779 global sales in the six months to June 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Products in the US include the unibody Ridgeline ute, as well as the roughly Subaru Outback-sized (and also unibody) Passport SUV and the related Pilot, a Toyota Kluger competitor. Honda Australia also plans to add its first electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup in the second half of 2026, but it hasn't confirmed what it will be. In the US, it produces the electric Prologue SUV which uses a platform borrowed from General Motors. So far this year, it's actually outselling its Chevrolet-branded cousin, the Blazer EV. Prologue sales were up 83 per cent in July, compared with the same month last year. In China, Honda has joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. Under these, it produces a raft of vehicles including EVs under the Ye sub-brand such as the electric GT fastback, as well as the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV that's exported to countries including the UK and New Zealand. While none of these are confirmed – and the current-generation Ridgeline all but ruled out – the Australian office is now looking beyond its typical Japanese and Thai-sourced vehicles courtesy of Mr Joseph's background. "I've been in contact with my former colleagues there quite a bit and it's something we're considering – we need to take a look at that. We need to look everywhere we can for products that are relevant to this market," he said."A lot of the tastes in the US are quite comparable and a good fit. "Australia is an interesting market because I would say it's more of a western market in terms of preferences and behaviors even though it's located here in Asia-Oceania." "And I think that suits it well to some products from other parts that maybe have been considered, but maybe I've got a chance to lobby for them a little bit stronger than in the past." Honda's manufacturing footprint in the US includes four main vehicle factories, with its Marysville, Ohio, plant being the oldest. It's been producing vehicles since 1982. It also has design and engineering centres as part of 18 major facilities across its US operations. "We can do full vehicle development in the United States comparable with GM (General Motors) and Ford – and I would say we're more capable than anybody else there," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "This is all part of Honda becoming a global company and leveraging its management resources on a more global basis." The Ridgeline, Passport and Pilot have always been built exclusively in left-hand drive, but Honda Australia did source one vehicle from North America in the past. That was the Canadian-built MDX, a rebadged large SUV from Honda's premium Acura division, sold here from 2003 to 2006. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia's new boss is using his ties in his former United States post as the company considers vehicles from all corners of the globe – including China – for its future lineup. Newly installed Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert his nearly three decades of working for the brand in North America mean he's been able to exploit connections to the US supply chain. This includes the Honda 0 Series EVs, slated to be made at the automaker's 'EV Hub' in the US from 2026, which are on the cards for Australia. The US is Honda's biggest market by a considerable margin, with North America making up 60 per cent of its 1,361,779 global sales in the six months to June 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Products in the US include the unibody Ridgeline ute, as well as the roughly Subaru Outback-sized (and also unibody) Passport SUV and the related Pilot, a Toyota Kluger competitor. Honda Australia also plans to add its first electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup in the second half of 2026, but it hasn't confirmed what it will be. In the US, it produces the electric Prologue SUV which uses a platform borrowed from General Motors. So far this year, it's actually outselling its Chevrolet-branded cousin, the Blazer EV. Prologue sales were up 83 per cent in July, compared with the same month last year. In China, Honda has joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. Under these, it produces a raft of vehicles including EVs under the Ye sub-brand such as the electric GT fastback, as well as the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV that's exported to countries including the UK and New Zealand. While none of these are confirmed – and the current-generation Ridgeline all but ruled out – the Australian office is now looking beyond its typical Japanese and Thai-sourced vehicles courtesy of Mr Joseph's background. "I've been in contact with my former colleagues there quite a bit and it's something we're considering – we need to take a look at that. We need to look everywhere we can for products that are relevant to this market," he said."A lot of the tastes in the US are quite comparable and a good fit. "Australia is an interesting market because I would say it's more of a western market in terms of preferences and behaviors even though it's located here in Asia-Oceania." "And I think that suits it well to some products from other parts that maybe have been considered, but maybe I've got a chance to lobby for them a little bit stronger than in the past." Honda's manufacturing footprint in the US includes four main vehicle factories, with its Marysville, Ohio, plant being the oldest. It's been producing vehicles since 1982. It also has design and engineering centres as part of 18 major facilities across its US operations. "We can do full vehicle development in the United States comparable with GM (General Motors) and Ford – and I would say we're more capable than anybody else there," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "This is all part of Honda becoming a global company and leveraging its management resources on a more global basis." The Ridgeline, Passport and Pilot have always been built exclusively in left-hand drive, but Honda Australia did source one vehicle from North America in the past. That was the Canadian-built MDX, a rebadged large SUV from Honda's premium Acura division, sold here from 2003 to 2006. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from:
