Here are some key facts. The MG3 is the smallest and most affordable offering in the local MG line-up. There’s a standard version that retails starting at P 678,888, but for just a smidge above P 1-million (P 1,088,888 to be exact), you get this: the MG3 Hybrid+. In terms of powertrain alone, this is the one to get and certainly worth the P 190,000 premium over the mid-tier (non-hybrid) MG3 Luxury variant. It’s the first electrified sub-compact—hatchback or sedan—in the country. Don’t let that price fool you too—its hybrid powertrain schools everyone, Toyota included, in terms of execution.

The MG3 uses a complex series-parallel hybrid system similar to Toyota’s. However, utilizing their more superior EV know-how, the MG3 defaults to EV drive most of the time and sure enough, looking at the energy flow monitor confirms this. At urban speeds—up to around 60 km/h—the primary thrust consumes zero gas. And since the electric motor already puts out 136 horsepower by itself, it already far out grunts any other small hatchback out there. The 102-horsepower 1.5-liter only switches on to recharge the 1.83-kWh lithium-ion battery (note: that’s a bigger battery than either on the Corolla Altis or CR-V RS e:HEV) or drives the front wheels in full gunnit mode to the tune of 190 horsepower.

MG says 0-100 km/h takes about 8 seconds which is entirely believable. Even more impressive, however, is its overtaking pace. The punch is just so remarkable with the 80 to 120 km/h run dispatched effortlessly. There’s a bit of lag between flooring the accelerator and all the power being made available, but otherwise, it drives great. The three-speed gearbox seems archaic on paper, but remember, the electric motor fills in any gaps in the performance so it’s fine. If anything, the audible kick in and vibration of the combustion engine is the only chink in its armor. There are three levels of brake regen and three driving modes too, but sadly, no EV override. Also, worth noting that despite prioritizing the electric motor, fuel economy ends up being merely good, not spectacular: 15.15 km/L (average speed of 14 km/h). Also, the MG3 requires a 95-octane diet.

There’s more to driving than just being fast in a straight line and MG understands this well. The steering is direct and great at speed, but around town, it’s lazily ratioed so navigating U-turns or parking spaces require more twirling of the wheel. Meanwhile, the chassis exhibits good amounts of grip with controlled amounts of lean. Driven sensibly, the firmly sprung suspension is evident, but never uncomfortable. It’s also able to cope with larger potholes and imperfections without fuss. If only the brakes had better pedal feel, it could be a worthy rival to some of the best driver-centric small cars out there.

The MG3 is shorter, but wider and taller than its closest rival, the Honda City Hatchback. It also sports a longer wheelbase too. The MG design cues are love-it-or-hate-it, but overall, it’s nice to see a refreshingly curvaceous design as opposed to something looking so angular and pointy. Standard features include automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Solid stuff.

Inside, the initial impressions are positive. The MG3 might be cheaper than most of its rivals, but it doesn’t feel that the carmaker cut too many corners. It looks smart, it’s well put together, and the quality’s solid. If anything, the copious amounts of hard plastics betray its econobox positioning. That said, the major controls—steering wheel, stalks, buttons—all exude a quality feel. Now, while the controls are laid out soundly, it’s not the easiest car when it comes to finding the ideal driving position. The seats do offer six ways of adjustment and the steering moves for both tilt and reach, but you end up either with the arms outstretched or the legs scrunched up. Either way, at least visibility is sound in all directions.

Driving information is displayed on a 7-inch screen which is bigger than the one installed on the all-electric MG 4. Sadly, the small font makes some info indecipherable. And no, the display isn’t customizable with the exception of right multi-info display. Onto the center, there’s a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Again, compared to the system on the MG 4, it’s a step up in terms of overall responsiveness. The display is clear and, for the most part, responds quickly to your prods, only hesitating slightly when you open certain features. It does get demerit points for its over reliance on the screen and some bits of “Chinglish”. There’s a row of physical shortcuts, sure, but want to change cabin temperature? You have to use the touchscreen for that. Making matters worse, when you’re using Apple CarPlay (and presumably Android Auto), you can’t access the climate controls using the shortcut button unless you first press the home button.

Space-wise, there’s little to complain in the MG3. Those in the front are treated to all the head, shoulder, and leg room that they’d like. There’s also plenty of storage too including a space for a smartphone at the base of the center console (presumably where the wireless charger is supposed to be) and two cup holders with a removable divider. There’s also storage between the front seats with a movable divider and a sliding plastic tray. Neat.

Over to the back, the seating isn’t as generous. The oddly-shaped door opening compromises ingress and egress, and once aboard, the available knee room is limited. It’s still enough to squeeze in three adults in a pinch, but it’d be wise to keep these trips short. Keep the body count to one or two and the seats are generally comfortable. Plus, there are rear AC vents and a USB charger to keep these people happy. There’s no rear arm rest though.

Disappointingly, rear seat versatility is the weakest point of the MG3. Whereas most small cars nowadays have rear seats that fold in a 60/40 split, its rear bench doesn’t split and instead folds flat as one solid piece. What’s more, once folded, there’s a step up from the cargo floor to the seat backs. The sloping rear seatbacks also compromise fitting bulky items like a full-sized suitcase too.

The MG3 Hybrid+ comes equipped with a full safety suite, including MG Pilot—the brand’s advanced driver’s assistance tech. They all work as advertised and can be personalized. However, for some reason, most settings default back whenever the car’s switched off. And with some functions like Traffic Sign Recognition not really attuned to local road signs, the frequent beeping can be an annoyance.

As a brand, MG may now be holding a Chinese passport, but that shouldn’t concern you any longer. At a time when other carmakers abandon small hatchbacks, the MG3 comes in as a compelling new choice. It scores well in just about every aspect. Indeed, the MG3 Hybrid+ has the essence of a real Euro-centric small car—it’s quick, efficient, and easy-to-drive. And to cap that off, it’s significantly good value for money.