SAIC Motor Philippines started the year 2024 with the launch of the MG One crossover. With an introductory price that starts at around PHP 1.2M, the MG One crossover poses an attractive proposition that could challenge the likes of the Ford Territory, GAC Emkoo, Changan CS55, and the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro in its segment.

But it looks like the new MG brand is not yet done offering vehicles with great value. We recently got hold of information that SAIC Motor PH has received approval for a passenger vehicle with a displacement of 1495cc.

Currently, it’s very easy to come to a conclusion that this could be a crossover. However, the reference mass says otherwise. At 1288kg, we may be looking at a sedan or a hatchback.

If we take a look at their recent launches, there’s reason to believe it could be the latter. In the recently concluded Geneva Motor Show, MG debuted the all-new MG3 hatchback. Size-wise, the MG3 can be compared to the likes of the Mazda2, and the discontinued Toyota Yaris. But with its 1.5-liter engine, MG can price it more competitively, and we reckon it could be somewhere in the range of the Wigo and Brio.

In Europe, the MG3 hatchback has a 1.5-liter hybrid motor. But for MG to price it competitively, they may opt for the naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter motor that the MG3 has in the Middle East market. Over there, the 1.5 NA engine produces 109 PS and 142 Nm of torque, and it’s paired with an 8-speed CVT driving the front wheels.

The Manila International Auto Show is just a few weeks away, and our trusted sources tell us MG is looking to have multiple launches prepared for the event. So will one of those be the MG3 Hatchback? Watch this space.