Duell der Hybrid-Zwerge: MG3 trifft auf Toyota Yaris im Kampf um die Stadtkrone

MG3 vs. Toyota Yaris – The Battle of the Hybrid Compact Cars

We take a look at what they have in common and their key differences

Imagine you're in the market for a small, nimble B-segment car featuring a full-hybrid system, offering low fuel consumption especially in urban settings, five comfortable seats, and a host of technological features.

Up until a few years ago, the only solution to this query was the Toyota Yaris, which recently faced stiff competition from the Renault Clio E-Tech for the first time.

In 2024, Japanese and French car manufacturers will face stiff competition from a new player in the market: the MG3, hailing from China but sporting a British badge on its hood. Given their similar sizes, we've opted to put these two Asian powerhouses head-to-head in this comparison. Sit back, as there's plenty to delve into.

Exterior

The external design of the MG3 consistently draws influence from the larger models of the British-Chinese brand, such as the ZS and HS SUVs. This resemblance is particularly evident in the front end, which is defined by a prominent grille and headlights that give off a bold impression.

The sides feature a raised sideline that houses medium-sized alloy wheels in a twin-spoke pattern. At the rear, the designers opted for a more rational approach, with straightforward lines and horizontal lights, complemented by a three-dimensional lighting pattern.

Upcoming MG3 Hybrid Set

The 2024 Hybrid Version of the Toyota

The Toyota Yaris is a familiar model to us by now, having been on the market for several years and gained considerable popularity. It has recently undergone a minor mid-cycle refresh, aligning its design more closely with other vehicles in the brand's lineup, with particular attention paid to updating details on the bumpers.

Generally speaking, Toyota's compact car, similar to the MG3, features rounded contours that are only sharpened at the bumpers, and in its instance, it's paired with a sizeable black grille which is further widened by the side inserts that incorporate the fog lights. For both models, the headlights are designed with full LED technology and extend into the wheel arches.

The MG3 presents itself with dimensions that are quite similar, although it stands out by being somewhat longer and wider.

Interior

Turning our attention to the interior, the conversation naturally leads to the vehicle's onboard technology. The MG3's dashboard boasts a digital 7-inch cluster display along with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.

The central console retains a number of physical controls for essential car functions, a highly effective design choice aimed at minimizing distractions while driving. Additionally, there are buttons for adjusting driving modes located between the seats, as well as a compartment beneath the armrest that offers convenient storage options.

During our test drive, we observed that the majority of the plastics used are hard, although there are some cushioned areas in the center of the dashboard, on the seats, and at the locations where one would rest their elbows.

The Interior of the MG3 Hybrid

As part of its mid-career refresh, the Toyota Yaris was updated with a new digital instrument cluster, with the size varying depending on the chosen trim level.

The largest setup features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster showcasing crisp, high-resolution gauges paired with Toyota's Smart Connect multimedia system, which boasts a 10.5-inch screen, cloud-based navigation, and the voice-activated "Hey Toyota" assistant.

Interior of the 2024 Toyota Yaris

In the end, when it comes to boot capacity, the MG slightly edges out with 293 liters when all five seats are in use. The Yaris is just a tad smaller, offering a base volume of 286 liters.

Engines

As previously stated, both compact cars come equipped with a full hybrid powertrain.

The MG3's system is referred to as a hybrid and is composed of a gasoline engine, transmission, a battery with a capacity of 1.83 kWh, an electric motor, and a generator.

The gasoline engine is a 1.5-liter engine with 102 horsepower, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and a 136 horsepower electric motor. As suggested by the relevant button on the center console, the system can operate in multiple modes, starting with "EV," which allows the car to run solely on electric power (provided the battery charge is sufficient).

Upcoming MG3 Hybrid Model

2024 Hybrid Model of the Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid now offers two engine options. Alongside the existing 116 horsepower model, an updated version has been introduced with a 131 horsepower engine, boasting a 30 percent increase in torque, delivering a total of 185 Newton-meters compared to the 141 Newton-meters offered by the 116 horsepower model.

Both vehicles promise to be fuel-efficient on paper, with the potential for zero-emission driving as long as the onboard battery permits.

Pricing

We conclude our comparison with the most crucial section, which is the pricing. The MG3 Hybrid offers a three-tier trim lineup: Standard, Comfort, and Luxury, with entry-level prices set at €19,990, €21,490, and €23,490, respectively.

The Toyota Yaris, on the other hand, starts at a price point of €24,550 for the Active version that comes with a 116 horsepower engine and goes up to €31,700 for the GR Sport model which boasts 131 horsepower.

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