What's the difference?
This story has been updated in February 2022 to reflect market changes and pricing adjustments for the MG3. It was originally published in the first half of 2020.
My time at CarsGuide started in October 2017, and since then I’ve booked literally thousands of cars across Australia. One car that has eluded me - and the CarsGuide team - over that period is the one you see here: the MG3. Or the MG MG3, or MG 3, if you wish.
Despite asking MG’s Australian arm countless times to loan an MG3 hatchback over that period, the company in charge of the brand’s PR in Australia refused to agree to loan us a vehicle to test. Now the company has an in-house PR team with a pretty decent fleet of press cars, yet still, no MG3.
Over the years, our desire to review the MG3 hatch - and to help you decide whether it's right for you or not - has only gotten stronger because sales have skyrocketed. Back in late 2017 the brand was averaging only a handful of cars per month - indeed, just 52 examples of the MG3 were sold in total in 2017.
Since then, the MG3 has skyrocketed, and it is the best-selling light car in Australia. In 2021, the brand moved more than 13,000 MG3s - meaning it is averaging 250 cars sold per week. Makes the paltry 2017 numbers look a bit meagre. In becoming the number-one seller in the segment, it has beaten big-name rivals including the Kia Rio, Mazda 2 and now defunct Honda Jazz, while also being well clear of the cheaper Kia Picanto, which is what many people will be shopping this car against if price is a key driver for their decision.
And that's the case in point, really - a lot of its success comes down to the price of the Chinese-built, British-badged city car. It’s cheap - but is it a cheerful experience? We got the chance to find out in 2020, thanks to a friendly MG dealership in NSW - and this review has been updated with the most current pricing, because nothing else has changed.
The Yaris Cross is a good example of great timing.
Jacking up a small/supermini-sized wagon is hardly original, as the 2000s Peugeot 207 Outdoor proved. It bombed locally, and there were others too, probably, that never even reached our ears, let alone our shores. The point is, this seemed like a niche too far.
Not to Toyota, though. Sure, its Yaris has long included tallish wagon offshoots elsewhere, with names like Verso and Ractis. But it took a redesign that included a Subaru Outback-esque makeover, the telling 'Cross' badge and hybrid with available all-wheel drive (AWD) options to get buyers interested.
As wait times stretch to a year and beyond, now there's a "thrilling" (according to the press release) GR (for Gazoo Racing) Sport Hybrid addition, for those who seek their compact crossovers in racy eco tracksuit couture.
Can the Yaris Cross pull it off? Let's find out.
Aside from its safety shortcomings and underwhelming powertrain, it’s easy to see why the MG3 has become a successful part of the brand’s line-up. If you’re driving around a rural centre like I was, it makes a lot of sense.
Whether you choose the Excite model, which has a bit more visual pizzazz, or the Core model, which is our pick of the range, the MG3 is well priced, has the media tech buyers are after, is a charming looking thing that comes in a range of great colours, and is smartly packaged, too.
Thanks to the team at Orange MG for assisting us with this the loan vehicle for this review. Head to Orange MG for more information.
Going from dorky to dishy thanks to some clever detail changes, the GR Sport Hybrid certainly earns its place in the high-flying Yaris Cross range. For many buyers, that it also offers enough athleticism to match its newfound style seals the deal.
But not all the changes are welcome, especially as they upset the fine balance that the GX and GXL grades in particular possess in spades. The firmer suspension and bigger wheels have a harder time soaking up the rough stuff. Yet Toyota hasn't gone far enough, by failing to provide the extra go to match the extra show.
If none of these matter, then choose the GR Sport Hybrid and enjoy its many virtues, for the Yaris Cross' time is now and you won't really lose regardless.
It’s a fresh looking thing, the MG3.
From its attractive front-end with “London Eye” LED daytime running lights, its Euro-look angular front bumper and chrome-trimmed grille, and its angular window lines, it really does have a distinct personality.
It looks a lot more modern and enticing than the first version of the MG3 sold here, and I have no doubt that a lot of buyers of the MG3 have been attracted by its sharp styling first and foremost. MG has done a tremendous job of creating a family look - it just happens that the family looks like it has been taking good care of itself, keeping active and trim, too.
The rear end isn’t quite as attractive, with the vertical tail-lights making it seem taller than it is. It’s still a nicely sculpted back-end, though.
On the Core model you’ll get some lower blacked-out design trim bits, and the wheels fitted are 15-inch alloys.
The Excite model seen here is a little more, dare we say it, exciting to look at. That’s down to its body kit, consisting of lower chrome elements on the front bumper, a set of black side skirts, and a hatch-mounted rear spoiler. You get 16-inch alloy wheels, too.
In terms of dimensions, it’s closer in size to the Kia Rio than it is the Picanto. With a length of 4055mm (on a long-for-its-size 2520mm wheelbase), a width of 1729mm and height of 1504mm, it’s a pretty chunky little unit.
It is rather conventional in the way its interior is designed, however - there’s no sliding second row (like the Suzuki Ignis) or flip-folding seats (a la the Honda Jazz). Check out the interior pictures below to see for yourself.
Back in October 2020 when the Yaris Cross landed in Australia, Toyota put interesting stats in the press kit showing how the original RAV4 5-door of 1995 compared with the newcomer.
Height-aside (by a substantial 70mm), the Yaris Cross is longer (by 55mm) and wider (+70mm), while its wheelbase and tracks are a whopping 150mm and 60mm more generous.
It's the last point that has us puzzled, because the Yaris Cross still seems a little tippy-toed in proportion, though the GR Sport does at least look better resolved with its larger alloys and lowered chassis.
And the smoked headlights and sad blacked-out grille still seem a bit dead-eyed and gormless. Not Toyota's prettiest styling effort, then.
That all said, the chunky shape and box-ticking crossover styling accoutrements seem to keep bringing people to showrooms in droves.
Finally, how Yaris is this, anyway? To refresh, compared to its supermini sibling namesake that uses the same GA-B 'Toyota New Global Architecture', the Yaris Cross sits higher off the ground and is longer and wider, as well as taller.
All in the name of a roomier body.
If you’ve owned the same old car for years and you’re setting foot in an MG3 for the first time, you’ll probably feel amazed that you can get an interior with interesting finishes, a high-tech screen and decent materials at this price point.
Earlier versions of the MG3 were nowhere near as good inside as the current model, which has been on sale since 2018. It’s not perfect, but there are plenty of things to like.
The seats offer plenty of adjustment, including a huge amount of height adjustment for shorter drivers. The seat is comfortable, though some drivers might find it hard to get the right position: there is no reach adjustment for the steering wheel (only rake adjust), and you can’t adjust the seatbelt height, either.
I really like the seat trim which is a broad tartan design (with “synthetic leather” bolsters and contrast stitching in the top-spec Excite), mirrored by an etched tartan aluminium trim piece on the dashboard - it looks really smart, even if my OCD radar was set off by the fact the trim wasn’t aligned to match perfectly between the cushion sections. Take a look at the interior pictures to see what I mean.
There are some really nice elements to the cabin. Things like the 'lock' and 'unlock' button on the driver’s door, which looks like it has been stolen directly from Audi’s parts catalogue. The same can be said for the speedo instrument font.
There’s no doubt that it’s built to a price, but it doesn’t feel anywhere near as cheap as you might expect. We’ve criticised Audi, VW and Skoda for cutting costs with hard plastic trims on doors and dashboards, and the MG has plenty of hard plastics, too - but it’s expected at this price, not double it.
There’s a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen media system with AM/FM radio and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, plus USB connectivity and smartphone mirroring - meaning you get Apple CarPlay, essentially negating the need for sat nav if you use an iPhone. You can option a GPS navigation system on the Core model, but satellite navigation comes standard on the Excite. There's no Android Auto mirroring available at all, though.
In previous models from the SAIC stable - including the LDV T60, and MG ZS - I had troubles with the media screen, but the version in the MG3 Excite I drove was quick and problem free, even when disconnecting and reconnecting my phone multiple times.
There are other little things that could be improved, like the fact the trip meter is difficult to navigate, and there’s no digital speedometer. Also, the digital climate control in the Excite model shows up on the media screen, though by way of a graphic rather than a temperature number. In the base model Core there’s a simpler manual a/c system.
The steering wheel has a part leather trim with perforated edges which makes it look and feel a little bit sporty – and it has a flat bottom as well, which will appeal to the sporty-minded buyer. There are stereo and cruise control buttons on the wheel, but the stalks behind are “back to front”, with the left stalk for indicators and lights, and the right for wipers.
As for storage, up front there is a single cup holder between the seats, a couple of small storage sections including a trench for a wallet, and another storage section in front of the gear selector - that’s where the MG3’s single USB port is, too.
The front door storage includes bottle holders, and there are soft padded elbow pads on the front doors - which is more than we can say for some of those aforementioned Euro brands.
With the driver’s seat set in my position (I’m 182cm tall), I had enough back seat space to be comfortable. There was enough knee room and toe room, and reasonable headroom if I sat perfectly still - although the slightest tilt of my head to the outer side of the car saw my noggin contact the headlining. Rear seat comfort is okay - the backrest is a firm, but there’s good visibility out the windows. There are dual ISOFIX child seat anchor points, and three top-tether points for baby seats.
In the back the storage is minimal. There are two map pockets, but no door pockets, and there’s no flip-down centre armrest with cupholders. But there is one large pocket in front of the middle-seat rear passenger which would do for a bottle. The back seat also misses out on soft elbow pads on the doors.
Boot space is good for a car in this size segment. You’ll only really do better if you buy a Honda Jazz or Suzuki Baleno, as the MG3 offers a deep and boxy cargo zone, with a cargo capacity of 307 litres to the cargo cover.
Need more luggage capacity? The back seats fold down in a 60:40 split, alleviating 1081L of space - though the load-through is limited as the seats don’t fold completely flat. Or you could fit a roof rack.
Very. As with all Yaris Cross models, the GR Sport Hybrid is designed to be easy to live with, with ample roof height, large doors and hip-level seating to aid entry/egress. No kneeling down to sit inside or hauling yourself up exiting this small SUV.
Comfy and embracing, the sporty front bucket seats seem to offer better support and location than the regular seats, and – as with the rest of the cabin's finish and ambience – are great to behold. It's smart and sassy in there.
Once settled in, the Japanese giant's smallest SUV continues to impress with its sense of space and pleasing all-round vision, making this seem larger than its city-slicker badge implies.
Nothing cramped or tight to report here – unless you're a basketballer perched high on the front passenger seat. Please, Toyota, provide the option of a lowering lever.
Aided by an amenable driving position, simplicity remains the name of the game, as demonstrated the tactile three-spoke wheel, wide adjustability of seating and steering column, unobstructed views of the attractive dash and effortless access to switchgear. If you run a driving school then here's a great lesson in elementary vehicle operation.
That said, the big digital speedo is not up high in the driver's direct sightline; you'll need to do a switcheroo with an Urban grade and its head-up display to remedy that, while the centre screen's layout can be a bit fiddly at first to figure out, though all necessary info is present.
With no shortage of storage, including 1.5-litre bottle-ready door bins and lots of areas to leave stuff in or on securely, effective ventilation and a sense of hardy quality, it's easy to imagine the Yaris Cross appealing to a broad array of buyers, whether singles, families or Empty Nesters.
It's that sort of do-it-all for less packaging that makes you question spending more for a larger SUV.
Downsides? As well as denying us front passenger seat height adjustment, Toyota seems to see no reason to provide its up-spec crossover with a front centre armrest, driver's seat lumbar support and wireless smartphone charger.
Maybe that's why the centre screen's graphics are so Nokia-esque. Plus, rear vision is hindered by fixed tombstone-style headrests out back. Remember when carmakers used to hollow them out to avoid such blind spots?
The Yaris Cross' rear-seat area benefits from lofty seating, a high ceiling to clear scalps, reasonable kneeroom and space beneath the front seats for big boots to tuck in under. But we'd think twice about squeezing three larger people abreast as shoulders and thighs would likely rub.
Still, outboard-sited passengers should rate the well-angled backrests and shapely cushion offering sufficient thigh support. Note that nothing slides or reclines back there.
Other observations? The 40/20/40 backrest's middle portion folds to reveal a pair of cupholders, like in a BMW. Useful, too, are more bottle-friendly door storage (up to 600ml), reading lights, a single map pocket, two coat hooks and auto up/down electric windows.
Some might miss the lack of face-level air vents, though nobody complained about it being stuffy back there.
Moving to the luggage compartment, a flimsy, fiddly, foldable fabric mesh cover is your only defence from prying eyes, and this is a poor substitute for a parcel shelf; Toyota, if you must, please check out how Honda's Civic does it.
Otherwise, the news is positive, due to a sizeable loading cavity, long flat floor and VDA-rated luggage capacity of up to 390L with rear seatbacks up in situ.
Check out the novel 60/40-split false floor, which provides some degree of extra out-of-sight security as well as loading versatility.
As with all Yaris Cross 2WDs, there's a space-saver spare below that. Going AWD means you'll have to put up with a tyre-repair kit – something we'd not inflict on anybody - as well as a substantially smaller cargo capacity (down to just 314L VDA).
Overall, with its subtle yet effective sporty accents and tasteful trim choices, the GR Sport Hybrid enhances an already generally thoughtfully presented and executed Yaris Cross interior.
The success of the MG3 in Australia has been largely driven by its price.
And no wonder - pricing for cars of this size has increased steadily, and plenty of brands have found their light cars in the "too hard" basket as a result.
But the MG3 is still relatively cheap. Prices have jumped over the time since we drove this particular car, but they're still sub-$20K for all models in the range.
For context, the 2020 model started at just $16,490 drive-away for the Core model and topped out at $18,490 drive-away for the top-spec Excite, and those prices were the RRPs listed on MG’s site at the time.
But now the MG3 has become a bit pricier - the current pricing for the range is up, with the base model Core now $18,490 drive-away, while the Core with Nav model costs $18,990 drive-away, and the top-spec Excite grade is a Macca's meal short of twenty grand at $19,990 drive-away.
Wondering what features you get when it comes to the models in the range? It's pretty simple, so let’s run through what each model gets.
The Core gets 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth tartan finish seat trim, auto on/off halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, manual air conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, and a leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons. There’s a space-saver spare wheel, too.
The media system includes a 8.0-inch touchscreen with USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay (no Android Auto), Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and AM/FM radio. There’s no CD player, and the Core model gets four speakers. If you're keen on sat nav, you can step up to the Core Nav model, which adds $500 to the bill.
Stepping up to the Excite nets you a few extras like 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels and a body kit, body-coloured mirrors, vanity mirrors in the sun-visors, and synthetic leather trim on the seats with contrast stitching.
The Excite also includes GPS sat nav as standard, and steps up the sound system to be a six-speaker unit with “Full Vehicle Yamaha 3D Sound Field”.
Interested in the safety spec inclusions? Read the safety section below for what’s included, and what’s missing.
Our friendly MG dealer let me know that he can’t get enough of the Tudor Yellow models, and that colour - as well as Dover White and Pebble Black - are no-cost optional hues. You should bare in mind that Regal Blue metallic, Scottish Silver metallic and Bristol Red metallic (as seen here) will set you back an additional $500. Looking for orange, green or gold paint? Sorry, no can do.
As for accessories, beyond floor mats there’s not a lot to speak of. Oh, and those wishing for a sunroof? No chance… unless you’re handy with a Sawzall. Note: do not cut a hole in the roof of your car.
While the prices have gone up since we originally published this review, the MG3 still scores strongly for pricing and specs, because the market has moved up, too, and like-for-like it's still cheaper than almost all of its rivals - Picanto excluded.
Good question. It totally depends on how 'crossover' you like your Yaris Cross to be.
Starting from $35,840, before on-road costs, the GR Sport Hybrid lives at the pointy end of the range, alongside the Urban Hybrid flagship.
And that's fine, as it does feature a few extras not found in the base GX and mid-range GXL (why does Toyota insist on '70s Datsun and Ford grade names?).
Whether we'd call the dynamic and visual upgrades "thrilling" is debatable.
Outside, the GR Sport gains black mirror caps, mesh for the grille and bumper insert, a different rear diffuser and red brake calipers on unique 18-inch wheels. It also sits 10mm closer to the ground, thanks to lowered suspension that also boasts a revised tune.
Inside, you'll find redesigned front seats with suede-like material and vinyl bolsters, an extra USB-C port, an air-purifying filter for the climate control system, aluminium pedal covers and a smattering of GR logos, colours and trim finishes to round things out, while extra underbody bracing is there, "... to control body roll and improve ride comfort". We'll go into more detail later on.
But there are no changes to the hybrid powertrain.
As with all Yaris Crosses, the GR Sport has a long list of standard safety equipment, bringing eight airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. See the Safety section for more.
Since it's based on the GXL hybrid 2WD (front-wheel drive) grade, you'll also find LED headlights, keyless entry/push-button start, a leather-wrapped wheel with paddle shifters, voice recognition, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, digital radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation, 'Toyota Connected Services', auto-folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, and a temporary spare wheel.
For handy luxuries like a powered driver's seat, heated front seats, a head-up display and powered tailgate, you'll need the identically-priced Urban Hybrid 2WD. Hmm.
Or... for exactly the same money (from $35,840 plus ORC, remember), there's the GXL AWD, which drops two inches in wheel size but picks up 10mm more suspension height and an extra electric motor on the rear axle for extra traction. Gripping.
Rivals? Compared to the scores of non-hybrid small SUV alternatives, there are few that directly align with the GR Sport Hybrid.
The very mild-hybrid Mazda MX-30 G20 probably comes closest in price, or – from about 10 per cent more – there's the new Subaru Crosstrek AWD.
Or, in-house competitors like the ageing but still-impressive Toyota C-HR Koba Hybrid and larger Corolla Cross Hybrid. Others, like the uneven Haval Jolion Hybrid and Honda's fine HR-V e:HEV are more expensive again.
In summary, then, we reckon the GR Sport Hybrid's biggest value challengers come from within Toyota generally, and the Yaris Cross range specifically. It's hard to go past the GX or GXL Hybrid AWDs.
Keen to know the engine specs for the MG3? Well, it’s pretty simple on the specifications front.
There’s just one motor available: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine, dubbed NSE Major by MG.
It has class competitive outputs of 82kW (at 6000rpm) and 150Nm (at 4500rpm). It is only available with a four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. There’s no manual transmission available anymore - it was available in the earlier MG3s, but no more.
While some competitors offer higher-powered flagship variants that act as the horsepower hero of the range, there’s no such variant in the MG3 range. Not yet, anyway. For now there’s just one engine size, no turbo, and no diesel or EV models to speak of either.
The tare mass/tare weight for the MG3 hatch is 1170kg, which is a bit heavier than a Mazda 2, but pretty much on par with a Kia Rio.
Considering a caravan holiday with your new MG3? Maybe think twice - the maximum towing capacity is just 200kg.
If you’re worried about engine problems, clutch problems, or have questions about the battery, gearbox, or the oil requirements, be sure to stay tuned to our MG problems page. And if you're curious about whether it has a timing chain or timing belt? It's a chain.
Just as with the regular Yaris Cross as well as all Toyota hybrids sold in Australia since 2001, the GR Sport Hybrid is a series-parallel set-up.
It features a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine dubbed 'M15A-FXE', making 67kW of power at 5500rpm and 120Nm of torque between 3800rpm and 4800rpm.
That's backed up by an 85kW permanent magnet synchronous motor, producing 59kW of power and 141Nm of torque, with electricity stored in a 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery pack.
Charging is via the petrol engine and recuperated energy from braking. There's no plug-in facility, while pure-electric drive is only offered during low-speed light-throttle driving for short bursts, or during off-throttle coasting where conditions are right.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) offering a 10-speed manual sequential mode as well as a mechanical first gear for a more natural torque-converter automatic gearbox experience. Less prone to engine droning that way.
Weighing in at around 1235kg (kerb), the GR Sport Hybrid has a power-to-weight ratio of 68.8kW per tonne, which is okay.
Supporting this Yaris Cross' sporty aspirations, the MacPherson-style strut-front and torsion beam rear suspension tune sees a 10mm drop, resulting in a ride height of 160mm and a lower centre of gravity.
This, along with revised suspension components and additional underfloor bracing for increased stiffness and rigidity, are claimed to benefit steering, handling, body control and ride comfort capabilities.
But we're unsure whether the benefits are felt in equal measures – or at all, in some cases.
The combined cycle fuel consumption claim - which is what the brand claims the vehicle should use across a mix of driving situations - is the same across the MG3 line-up: 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
During my time with the car - which consisted of exactly 100km of mixed driving - I saw an at-the-pump fuel economy return of 7.7L/100km, which is decent.
The fuel tank capacity of the MG3 is 45 litres - meaning a theoretical mileage per tank of about 580km. It runs on regular unleaded (91RON), too.
Just be aware, the filler neck of the fuel tank is a little less angled than some other cars, so you might find it can splash back when it ‘clicks’ the first time.
Like all Yaris Cross hybrids, the GR Sport officially averages just 3.8 litres per 100km on the combined cycle. That translates to 86 grams per kilometre of carbon-dioxide emissions. There's another reason why this Toyota is such a smash hit.
We didn't quite manage that, predictably, but the 4.7L/100km we did achieve beat the in-car trip computer. That's a rarity. And unlike some larger Toyota hybrids, this one can run on standard 91 RON unleaded as well as 94 RON E10 ethanol-mix petrol.
Using the official fuel consumption average, expect to achieve nearly 950km of range between refills of the 36L fuel tank. Note there is practically no pure-EV range available in this system of hybrid.
Whichever way you look at it, the Yaris Cross is about as economical as petrol-powered small SUVs get.
You might think of MG as a sports car brand - that’s what they built back in history, after all, and those are the reminiscences the company is hoping you’ll have when you see the famed octagonal badge.
And of the current crop of models that MG sells in Australia, the MG3 is undoubtedly the sportiest.
That comes down to its driving manners, steering and ride - but not the engine and transmission.
The powertrain feels to be lacking enough power and torque to make it feel light and zippy when accelerating. The automatic transmission doesn’t make the greatest use of the engine, and can be indecisive when climbing hills or when you ask more of the car. Oh, don’t even think about a 0-100 performance claim - no such number exists.
In urban driving at lower speeds it’s fine. Between traffic lights and encountering roundabouts, and there’s not much to complain about. It doesn’t have any lag or lurch from a standstill, and is smooth and quick enough to get away from rest, too.
It’s just once you start to ask more of the engine and transmission that you notice that things could be better. There is, at least, a manual shift mode for the transmission to allow you to take control of the shifts, and there’s a sport mode too, which will hang on to gears and quell the indecision of the transmission to a degree.
On the open road it gets along fine, sitting at the speed limit without much fuss - although once you encounter a hill, you will notice the speed drop off a little. And the cruise control seemingly has a bit of a mind of its own, with a set speed displayed at 100km/h, I noticed the speed varying between 90km/h and 110km/h, depending on the terrain.
It’s the road holding, grip, handling and steering that help it live up to the badge, with steering that has a nice hefty weight to it and good directness at pace or around town. It even offers a little bit of feel through the wheel, which is welcome. That grip was surprising given the tyres fitted to the Excite’s 16-inch alloy wheels (Giti GitiComfort 228 tyres in 195/55/16 size).
The ride is tuned with a firmer character to it than you might expect. It’s not to the point of discomfort, and nor is it fidgety or clumsy over potholes or sharp edges. And that tune for the Macpherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension means that it feels plenty grippy in corners. Over my drive loop - incorporating sweeping bends and tighter twists - the MG3 stuck itself to the road commendably, with no noticeable skittishness to speak of.
Indeed, I kept thinking that the suspension tune reminded me of a VW, Skoda or Audi city car - assured, confident, and ultimately a bit of fun.
The braking performance was good, too - it pulled up true and straight under heavy braking, and offered decent response at city speeds, too.
One minor criticism was some noticeable wind noise from around the windscreen pillar / mirror area, which was evident at speeds from 70km/h up.
We've driven every version of the Yaris Cross since its late 2020 launch in Australia, and without hesitation, the GR Sport is the least impressive of an otherwise great range of small SUVs.
And nowhere is that more evident than in the way it behaves around town.
As its creators intended, the Yaris Cross was born to be an urbanite. Lofty seating, good visibility, zippy acceleration, strong brakes, a tight turning circle and – in the base GX and mid-spec GXL on 16-inch wheels and tyres – a decent level of isolation from road bumps are key and very desirable attributes for city and suburban commuting.
Tick the hybrid box and the added electrical oomph and occasional silent running that electrification brings just add to the Toyota SUV's appeal in these circumstances.
Now, what you gain in style, stance and better tyre grip in the Urban, wearing the 18-inch wheels, you lose in ride comfort over bad roads due to an underlying firmness, and increased road noise intrusion over some coarse surfaces.
However, with its 10mm lower ride height and sports-tuned suspension, the GR Sport is firmer and louder again, and that detracts from its comfort and refinement.
Not to the degree that it's a deal-breaker, because the basics are still there and the Yaris Cross DNA remains, but there are marked differences between the grades.
If most of your driving is urban, you might want to rethink the GR Sport as a result unless the roads you commute on are smooth, because you'll barely notice the improved handling and body control at lower speeds that this grade specialises in.
Driving away onto rural roads, however, reveals a slightly more solid and focused handling machine, with quite direct (if not very tactile) steering through fast tight turns, accompanied by a flat and neutral attitude.
In other words, you can point and shoot a GR Sport up a mountain road with the confidence that it will steer and hold the road calmly and in control, even at speed.
So composed is this version of the Yaris Cross that, on a couple of occasions, we were surprised at how high our corner exit speeds were. Dynamically this is a warm-hatch-like crossover.
Which makes the lack of any power or torque increase over regular hybrid grades all the more disappointing and a missed opportunity. The chassis is clearly up for more muscle.
Yes, as per all Yaris Cross hybrids, the GR Sport is quick off the mark, smooth in its seamless delivery of power, regardless of whether it's petrol or electricity sourced, and eager to respond to throttle inputs.
This is rapid around town and speedy on the motorway. But we'd like a bit more punch to go with the added sporty visual panache.
On our final day of testing, rain washed away weeks of dry, dust and humidity, and the roads became treacherously slick, testing the mettle of many.
Despite being front-drive, the GR Sport continued to be in total command with its grip and braking abilities, but the added surety of AWD that the identically-priced GXL would have brought cannot be denied.
In other words, the GR Sport is best where it can be enjoyed – out away from the city and on good roads. Otherwise, there are better choices within the Yaris Cross range.
Safety technology is the MG3’s biggest shortfall. There’s no ANCAP crash test safety rating to speak of, and the MG3 doesn’t come with any form of auto emergency braking (AEB), which is disappointing given the tech has been available on affordable city cars since 2013 (the VW up! was an early benchmark).
Even the facelifted Mitsubishi Mirage has AEB with pedestrian detection, but the MG3 doesn’t. Nor does it come with lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert or rear AEB.
So what do you get? The range comes standard with a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, and six airbags (dual front, front side, full-length curtain). And that may be enough for you, but we know you can get more safety tech in rival cars, so it can’t score well against this criteria.
Where is the MG3 built? It’s made in China.
Tested on release in late 2020, all bar one Yaris Cross grade sold in this country has been awarded an ANCAP crash-test rating of five stars. The outlier is, inevitably, the GR Sport, with the organisation explicitly singling it out as such.
Why? Who knows, since there are no changes in safety specification while the body and structure are actually stronger than the others. Bureaucrats...
In fact, the safety-related rollcall is impressive, starting with eight airbags, including a front centre bag to help keep occupants from colliding sideways in a lateral impact.
There's also driver-assist tech as part of Toyota's 'Pre-collision safety system' with AEB for pedestrian (day/night) and cyclist (day) detection and daytime intersection assistance.
The AEB functions between 10km/h and 180km/h and the lane support systems between 50km/h and 180km/h.
Additionally, 'Rear Cross Traffic Alert', parking support braking, blind-spot monitor, emergency steering assist, lane-keep assist, speed-sign recognition, auto high beam, full stop/go adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors are part of the GR Sport specification.
You'll also find a panoramic surround-view monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, active cornering assist, cross-wind assist, four-wheel disc brakes and a reverse camera, while 'Toyota Connect' brings SOS emergency call, stolen vehicle tracker and other GPS-based assistance features.
The rear seat includes three top tethers for child restraint, with ISOFIX anchors on the two outboard positions.
I kept thinking about one particular thing over my time in the MG3 - the warranty. It’s such a great peace of mind move from the company to back its cars with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty plan.
If your brain works like mine, you could calculate it out and see the purchase of the MG3 completely differently: what about thinking of it as a $2500-ish-per-year investment, and at the end you get a free car…! The same can be said of the Kia Picanto and Rio, though.
That warranty should put your mind at ease when it comes to reliability, problems, common faults and issues, as any required fixes are set to be covered by the brand over that period. And buyers get seven years of roadside assistance included, too.
Maintenance is required every 12 months/10,000km, whichever comes first. That’s a bit more regular than some rivals (most have 15,000km intervals), but the brand backs its cars with a seven-year fixed service cost plan. Servicing costs averaged out over the first seven years/70,000km of ownership equate to $382 per visit (before GST), which isn't cheap, but nor is it expensive.
Here's a rundown of the recommended service costing (all prices pre-GST): 12 months/10,000km: $231.76; 24 months/20,000km: $385.23; 36 months/30,000km - $379.72; 48 months/40,000km - $680.74; 60 months/50,000km - $231.76; 72 months/60,000km - $533.19; 84 months/70,000km - $231.76.
Keep the service logbook stamps up to date in your owners manual - it’s a ticket to better resale value.
Toyota offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty – with the option of extending that to seven years – as well as roadside assistance.
Service intervals are at 12 months or 15,000km. The first five scheduled services are capped at $250 each, with the work carried out detailed online.
The engine and transmission are under a seven-year warranty, while the hybrid battery pack is up to 10 years as long as the owner undertakes an annual inspection "... as part of routine maintenance according to the vehicle logbook."