Is the MG3 Automatic Transmission Semi-Automatic?
4 Answers
MG3 is both automatic and semi-automatic. Here is some extended information: 1. MG3: The MG3 series, also known as the MG-ZERO concept car, was meticulously crafted by the global design team led by Anthony Williams, MG Design Director of SAIC Motor, fully showcasing MG's brand values of "personality, temperament, and creativity." The new MG3 is the successor to the MG-ZERO concept car. 2. Powertrain: In terms of power, the new MG3 inherits MG's sporty genes, featuring two energy-efficient displacements: 1.3L and 1.5L. It is equipped with the third-generation e-Shift automated manual transmission produced by the renowned Italian automotive parts manufacturer Magneti-Marelli, as well as a traditional 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.5L ultra-efficient VTi engine boasts advantages such as high torque at low speeds, delivering a maximum output of 80 kW and a peak torque of 135 Nm. Paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, it achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 11.5 seconds, surpassing competitors in its class. The third-generation e-Shift automated manual transmission offers smooth and efficient performance, making it the ideal powertrain combination for compact cars.
When I first bought the car, I also struggled with this issue. The so-called automatic transmission in the MG 3 is actually an AMT gearbox, which is technically a semi-automatic. Its structure is essentially a manual transmission with an added electronic shift control system that can automatically operate the clutch and shift gears for you, but it lacks the smoothness of a traditional automatic transmission with a torque converter. The most noticeable issue is during traffic jams, where low-speed gear shifts can occasionally feel jerky, like being lightly kicked from behind. However, the advantage is that its fuel consumption is similar to a manual transmission, and maintenance is cheaper. When you're stopped at a red light, pay attention to the dashboard—you can clearly see the RPM needle jump in D mode, which indicates it's automatically shifting gears. A gentle start can help reduce the jerky feeling.
I've been repairing transmissions for ten years. The system in the MG3 is called Automated Manual Transmission, abbreviated as AMT. It's essentially still a manual transmission structure, but uses hydraulic actuators to replace the clutch pedal. You need to treat it like a manual transmission car: don't stomp on the accelerator when starting a cold engine, manually shift to a lower gear when climbing hills to protect the clutch plates, and switch to manual mode in first gear during traffic jams to avoid frequent gear shifts. The gear shift response is half a beat slower than a pure automatic transmission, especially during sudden acceleration when you can feel the power interruption. The advantage is its simple structure, with repair costs half as cheap as an automatic transmission.
As a female owner who has driven the MG3 for three years, the automatic transmission does tend to jerk at low speeds, especially when climbing out of underground parking garages at shopping malls. Later, the after-sales technician taught me a little trick: when approaching a slope, press the accelerator deeply in advance to raise the RPM above 2500 before releasing it, and the system will proactively downshift to reduce jerking. For daily driving, it's best not to floor the accelerator; instead, press it steadily to reach 2000 RPM before easing off, which makes gear shifts much smoother. The fuel consumption is truly economical, with only 7 liters per 100 km in the city. For those considering buying this car, I recommend test-driving it first to see if the jerking is acceptable.
