THE UK’s cheapest hybrid car has suffered a critical failure in Euro NCAP’s crash test.
The safety body has released a scathing report recommending Brits avoid the car and consider alternatives instead.
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Brits told to avoid the MG3 after it failed a crash test
Euro NCAP said it had never seen a failure of this kind, since it began crash testing 28 years ago, reports Autocar.
The MG3 gained a four-star result overall during tests, but during the 31mph frontal offset crash test things went drastically downhill.
The MG3 seat latch failed which led to a seat twisting on impact.
The failure led to extra impact on the driver dummy’s right leg, while also making its head “bottom out” against the steering wheel rather than the airbag.
This meant head protection in the MG3 was downgraded to ‘adequate’.
But leg protection was graded as “poor” which isn’t what anyone expected to happen.
A spokesperson for MG UK told The Sun: “Based upon a specific concern raised in the Euro NCAP test regarding a mechanism on the driver’s seat, which did not affect the overall safety rating achieved by MG3 Hybrid+.
“MG is pro-actively investigating this and working closely with the relevant authorities.
“With a technical appraisal underway, we are presently not in a position to add any more at this stage.
“We wish to reassure all customers that Euro NCAP’s feedback is valued and that MG is prioritising the matter and will naturally, be providing further updates.”
MG has said it will amend the driver’s seat latch mechanism and the driver’s airbag from October.
Aled Williams, Programme Director at Euro NCAP, said: “It is troubling to find a car on sale in 2025 with a fundamental weakness in its seat latching mechanism, an essential part of the car’s occupant restraint system.
“This fault has been reported to the relevant Type-Approval authorities so consideration can be given as to whether a vehicle recall should be issued.
“For that reason, we would recommend that consumers consider alternatives to the MG3.”
Due to the MG3 gaining a score of 4 overall despite the safety issues, Euro NCAP has said it’ll review its scoring system.
They said: “Despite the highly unusual failure of a critical safety component, the car’s relatively strong performance in other areas allowed it to retain a four-star overall rating.
“Euro NCAP will review this aspect of its protocols, particularly considering manufacturers choosing not to rectify or improve failed safety elements.”
