MG has just revealed the new generation of the MG3 with a self-charging hybrid powertrain but the small hatchback could soon gain a fully electric sibling. An affordable EV, possibly bearing the MG2 moniker, is already under development, eyeing the new Citroen e-C3 and Dacia Spring, among others.
The SAIC-owned brand could take advantage of the parts bin of its parent company to source EV components for the upcoming model. This would allow it to compete with the cheapest electric cars in Europe while offering competitive specs. It would also help reduce development times, reaching the market before the segment gets crowded with rivals.
During the launch of the MG3 at the Geneva Motor Show, David Allison, head of product and planning at MG Motor’s UK division, spoke to Auto Express, confirming that a small EV is under development. The high-ranked official admits he has already seen the model and believes it will get the green light for production. As for the expected debut date, Allison said that it is “probably a couple of years away, maybe 18 months”, suggesting that a production model could arrive in the second half of 2025.
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Speaking about MG’s upcoming entry-level offering, Allison said: “It’ll probably get a new name but it would sit quite nicely within the existing convention. If you said MG2 then you wouldn’t be a million miles away – 2 is the next step.”
It is not clear if the company will give the MG2 a completely redesigned body, or make an EV version of the MG3. Our speculative rendering is more of the latter, putting a new face to the hybrid model. Without an ICE under the hood, the bumper adopts the grille-less looks of the MG4, while the LED headlight graphics are inspired by the MG7. Similarly, the interior could be largely shared with the MG3, including the digital cockpit that comprises a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display.
Affordable pricing will play an important role in the success of smaller EVs, making them accessible to more buyers. In that context, Allison said: “Everyone seems to be looking in that area at the moment – B-segment or just below it, around four meters in length, with that magic €20,000 ($21,864) price bracket. If anyone’s going to do that, we should be right there. There’s an absolute window of opportunity around £20,000 ($25,673). It’s a combination of range, size, and price – and if you hit all those three, you’ll nail it.”
Besides the Citroen e-C3 and Dacia Spring, the new MG will face an army of upcoming entry-level EVs which are expected to debut within the next few years. These include the Fiat Panda, the VW ID.1, the Renault Twingo, the Hyundai Casper, and the Kia EV2.
Note: This story includes a speculative rendering that is not related to nor endorsed by MG
