If there’s a car launch and they’re throwing a party, then I must attend and tell you all about it, including everything in the goodie bag.
This event was a little different from the usual journo car launch. Typically, it’s a day event, and if you’re driving urban hatchbacks, you’ll likely be cruising the urban streets near a capital city.
This time, it was much more of a nod to fashion, lifestyle, and general city vibes. MG partnered with ELLE magazine to launch their new range of MG3 petrol and hybrid light hatchbacks at Sydney Harbour’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, offering an incredible view over the Opera House, which was lit up like a gigantic moving painting thanks to the VIVID festival that was buzzing around us.
The event was held in a grand space packed with journos from all walks of life, TikTokers, YouTubers, influencers, celebs, and auto industry folks. Some were here to party; some were here to see a car.
A Chinese car brand holding a massive party at an iconic Australian location with French martinis, a taco bar, and a tiramisu stand on your way. A full cultural mash-up. There were speeches, a singer, and an announcement of some tastemakers who seem to be representing the brand—Elle or MG, I’m not sure. Maybe both. Lucky them.
The scene was set, and the cars were revealed via a classic silky black sheet removal. On display were the MG3 Excite Hybrid and petrol and the MG3 Essence Hybrid and petrol.
The petrol models are motivated by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine with 81kW of power with decent fuel economy of 6.0-litres per 100km. The hybrid adds an electric motor to the same engine to boost power to 155kW while reducing fuel consumption to 4.3L/100km.
Available in black, blue, silver, grey, white, red and yellow, they are energetic, fun hatchbacks. However, a jump in price from their OG hatch that stole the show might deter some from going any further. Although, with many tech and safety upgrades, a modern, sleek, stylish interior, and a hybrid price that is still competitive with many others on the market, MG may be able to swing consumers around to the idea.
In terms of the petrol option, the Excite starts at $23,990 before on-road costs, and the Essence sits at $25,990. The Excite Hybrid+ starts at $27,990, and the Essence Hybrid+ from $29,990. Although I have yet to drive one, from the outside, they appear to have all the bells and whistles expected in a modern car – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, advanced driver features and the latest in safety technology such as advanced driver assistance systems and lane departure warnings. It seems tricky for manufacturers to nail how much beeping and vibrating a consumer can handle when changing lanes and driving in general, so I’m interested to see how the MG3 has played this.
I can confirm the crowd was suitably impressed, giving the cars a once-over for their socials before quickly heading back to the dance floor.
I grabbed a tiramisu and goodie bag (containing all your short commute needs – lip balm, chocolates, toothpaste, face cream and traveler cup) and headed out for an Uber. Thanks for having us, MG and ELLE.
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