Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year 2025: MG3
While most hybrid small cars pair a breathless petrol engine with an equally weedy electric motor, the MG3 combines its power sources to produce a healthy 192bhp. The result is an impressive 0-62mph time of just eight seconds, making this a hatchback that feels peppy both in town and on the open road. Throw in an accomplished chassis and plenty of grip, and you've got a car that will comfortably show a Renault Clio or Toyota Yaris a clean pair of heels.
Yet what matters most in this area of the market, and the reason we rate the MG3 so highly, is its efficiency. The MG's hybrid power comes mainly from its e-motor, which means most of the time it feels like an electric car. We love this style of driving, and it works wonders for fuel economy – our tests saw close to 50mpg without much effort at all, and considerably more with a lighter right foot. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below
Throw in a reasonably roomy cabin, strong equipment list and a seven-year warranty that beats the cover offered by many competitors – plus a price tag that undercuts all of its main rivals – and you're left with a set of ingredients that help make the MG3 our favourite Affordable Hybrid car of the Year for 2025. Advertisement - Article continues below
Configure your perfect MG3 through our Find A Car service now. Alternatively, check out the best deals out there on a new MG3 from stock or top prices on used MG3 models... MG3 Hybrid+ Trophy (£20,995)
You've two specs to choose from when it comes to picking your MG3: SE or Trophy. The difference is around £2,000, but it pales into insignificance if you're paying on a monthly finance deal. We'd fork out the extra to have the Trophy's 360-degree cameras and other equipment.
While the affordable end of the market is understandably geared towards small cars, Dacia once again bucks the trend by offering space and practicality at an attractive price point. The Duster Hybrid isn't as affordable as the pure-petrol version, but it trumps its simpler sibling when it comes to running costs and driveability. We love it.
No one has as much experience mixing petrol and electric quite like Toyota. The Yaris may be small, but that doesn't mean it isn't a mighty-fine affordable hybrid car. Super-efficient, good to drive and spacious enough for kids in the back, the Yaris finishes a close second to the excellent MG.
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