The new MG3 Hybrid+ is a stylish, fuel-efficient and affordable compact hybrid car. While it’s not quite perfect across the board, it still presents tremendous value for money over rival alternatives; we gave it our Best Buy award.
In terms of audio, the MG3 Hybrid+ has a six-speaker configuration in both the SE and Trophy trims; there are no means of upgrading the system directly from the manufacturer.
Click here to read the full MG3 Hybrid+ review
MG3 Hybrid+ audio setup
To tinker with the vehicle’s audio settings, one has to navigate to the appropriate menu on the 10.25″ infotainment system, where you’ll find a five-band equaliser – here are our optimal settings:
- Loudness: On
- EQ Preset: Custom
- 80Hz: +2
- 500Hz: +0
- 1kHz: +0
- 5kHz: +1
- 16kHz: +0
- Balance & Fader: Centre
It’s great to see the automaker offering an impressive degree of customisation and further, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These systems work over USB, although, one can connect wirelessly over Bluetooth, with the SBC codec supported only. There is also support for USB music and video playback, which is quite a rarity in modern vehicles.
As for media controls, they can be accessed through the display, via a set of physical buttons underneath the screen or by using the controls found on the steering wheel.
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MG3 Hybrid+ audio performance
For a demo of the MG3 Hybrid+’s audio system, head on over to our YouTube channel.
When it comes to its audio configuration, the six-speaker system houses 139mm drivers within each of the four doors and 25mm tweeters within the A-pillars. Surprisingly the system only has 30 Watts of power, which is hard to believe considering most have triple the power output but this information has been provided to us directly from MG Motor UK.
Given the omission of a subwoofer, it’s no surprise to hear that the system struggles with Usher’s single titled ‘Coming Home’, with the low-end frequencies cut short and failing to provide rumble throughout the song. Nevertheless, for a subwoofer-less system, the drivers within each of the four doors still manage to provide some low-end grunt.
Similarly, the system’s mid-bass presence is exciting with a nice hearty slam at the front and rear of the cabin. Bass lovers will also be pleased to know there’s no audible rattle at normal listening volumes.
As for the mids, they’re recessed and veiled. One could boost it through the infotainment system, but doing so will further degrade the mid-range accuracy; by leaving almost all of the frequency range untouched, you’ll find that both male and female vocals sound somewhat accurate. One can add one notch to the 5kHz band to have a little boost in the upper mid-range.
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When it comes to the highs, the dedicated tweeters at the front of the cabin provide plenty of zing. At the rear, however, the lacklustre number of drivers does hinder top-end extension; the cymbals don’t come out to their fullest extent and lack a touch of finesse. It’s worth mentioning that if you were to add a few notches to the 16khz EQ, the high-end extension would be bettered for rear occupants, but this will result in a harsh and sibilant sound for those sitting at the front.
One could also say the same about the soundstage, whereby the omission of extra drivers within the cabin harms instrument separation and the system’s overall ability to reproduce a wide and deep sound presentation. Still, some positives exist, as music feels engaging and doesn’t suffer from an odd reverb.
Finally, onto cabin noise, the MG3 Hybrid+ does a decent job of insulating you from exterior noises, however, there is a bit of tyre and wind noise that can be heard at higher speeds. In our controlled tests using a sound meter, we recorded: 35-36 dBA at a standstill; 55-58 dBA, while driving at 20-30mph; 59-63 dBA, while driving at 40mph; and 69-72 dBA when at 70mph.
While these figures aren’t too bad, they don’t paint the entire picture, as at higher speeds or when traversing uneven terrain you will be able to hear creaking plastic from the front of the cabin. Furthermore, should you not have anyone sitting in the second row and have the two outer seatbelts loose, you’ll be able to hear the clips rattling on the plastic frame that resides on either side of the seats; this is due to the omission of seatbelt runners. An easy fix is to have them always clipped into the buckle or to purchase a fabric accessory.
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TotallyEV’s verdict on the MG3 Hybrid+’s audio system
While we’ve been critical of the stock six-speaker audio system, it’s worth considering that its sound signature and competencies in the mid-bass and high frequencies will satisfy many consumers. As such, the system receives TotallyEV’s Approved award.
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However, audiophiles wanting a superior audio experience will want to look elsewhere or consider upgrading the vehicle’s system by going to an audio specialist.
What do you make of MG3 Hybrid+’s audio system? Let us know in the comments section below or via social media; we’re on: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
