Software updates for MG3 Hybrid+

[FromParis]

Hello
Here we got the information since mid september that a new version of the software which controls the energy and the cycles between EV/HEV etc.
So it could improve driving experience and save a bit of fuel, or just get a better control on the elements such as the battery lifecycle etc.

The problems related to the software updates are :

We can't tell what version each car has.
We don't have precise information for each release that could be released, when they come, and what benefits they can bring to the car.
How much does that cost for updating if you go to MG Motor dealers ?
Do they tell everyone ?

So I am asking if people got some information, maybe from people working at MG Motor dealers ?

Thanks

 

[FromParis]

Hello
So in September they have published a new update that flashes these components :
PEU, ECM and PCU

 

[Deleted member 19052]

I can't find a software number unlike the mg4. is this deliberate?

for me, surely, given that these updates should only be installed during revisions (because the dealers invoice them to mg), and that thanks to the forum we know what versions and when they are there. you can therefore ask to have them and of course it costs too much.
for madame's mg4 luxury when I see the bugs and number of updates carried out (for me 3 in one year, and we are waiting for the famous R63 which must bring the route planner promised and paid for with the purchase of the vehicle).
in conclusion it's better for them not to tell us the software number we have, in order to avoid the mg4 mess.

 

[FromParis]

You can find the software update versions for the infotainment system (based on some android system), hidden in a submenu, locked by a password.

Once you are in the hidden part, you can start some factory tests, and see more information. But there is nothing here about the updates for the powertrain and how the car manages the battery / cycles with the thermal / electric.
And that's what I find the most annoying... + the fact that MG don't communicate and dealers are not well informed neither !

 

[gian]

Hello
Here we got the information since mid september that a new version of the software which controls the energy and the cycles between EV/HEV etc.
So it could improve driving experience and save a bit of fuel, or just get a better control on the elements such as the battery lifecycle etc.

The problems related to the software updates are :

We can't tell what version each car has.
We don't have precise information for each release that could be released, when they come, and what benefits they can bring to the car.
How much does that cost for updating if you go to MG Motor dealers ?
Do they tell everyone ?

So I am asking if people got some information, maybe from people working at MG Motor dealers ?

Thanks

I ask myself the same questions.
It seems strange to me that no MG Manager
is able to provide an answer.

 

[glend14]

They will not get access to my MG3 Hybrid for any software changes, without full disclosure of what they want to touch, and why. There is already a looming recall I have been advised about, which is apparently to install all the iSmart hooks - which I have declined to have done. It is not safety related. I refuse to use iSmart, nothing there i need. And there was a story on the forum recently about how the service guy scratched a customer's dash with his laptop when he decided to use it as a work table. I don't know about the UK, but in Australia we are not obligated to use MG Service, as long as service interval is observed, work completed by qualified mechanic, and record kept, warranty is not impacted.

 

[FromParis]

Seems like the mg zs hybrid will have the update required for avoiding the big loss of power when the battery is very low or empty .. what about our mg3's ??

 

[glend14]

Seems to be the same power train. But I have no power problems, even on long climbs at motorway speeds. Perhaps the gearing setup is different on the ZS, it is heavier I believe.

 

[Deleted member 18108]

It could be swings and roundabouts as well. Adjust one thing and maybe affect something else, like fuel economy. Glend14 makes a good point about power to weight ratio. Also, I think that one negative Youtube video, where the tester did multiple attempts at rapid acceleration in a ZS Hybrid, until he got what he was looking for might have helped prompt the reaction form MG. The same guy was not too complimentary of the MG3 Hybrid, from what I recall.

 

[FromParis]

In Australia because of an article talking about the clear loss of power when battery is close to empty, they finally had a feedback saying that there would be an update of the program managing power etc.
MG3 share the same powertrain / battery so they might be affected for sure and people already experienced that

So here is the article: MG ZS HYBRID+ Gets Fix After Acceleration Issue Exposed by CarSauce

 

[Deleted member 18108]

2

in australia because of an article talking about the clear loss of power when battery is close to empty, they finally had a feedback saying that there would be an update of the program managing power etc.
MG3 share the same powertrain / battery so they might be affected for sure and people already experienced that

So here is the article MG ZS HYBRID+ Gets Fix After Acceleration Issue Exposed by CarSauce

All I can say is that I have covered 5000km in varying road types, motorways, country roads etc and I have had no such problems.

 

[FromParis]

almost 6000km for mine, but most of the guys having power issues, on MG3s, are going on the mountains, climbing high and for long time, the battery gets to almost 0 and there you go > big loss of power
Hopefully I never experienced bu I trust people can sometimes have this kind of trip and that's where we face the weak spot of our hybrid system

 

[Deleted member 18108]

Point taken, the hybrid system will always be a compromise. My concern would be that the update would tune it down for normal day to day driving or increase the fuel consumption, depending on which way they went with this. As I have never come across the situation where I have met a hill the car struggled to climb, I might stick a hat or flat cap in the glove box. That way, if I do come across one, I can stick on the cap and anyone seeing me struggling up the hill, will just say " it's an old lad in a cap, should have known." A clarke Kent type solution. Apologies in advance to all the cap wearers.

 

[FromParis]

If I could ask for more refinement :

Add a mode "personal" for changing how your engine / steering wheel / AC-heating system behave

And change settings eco/norma/sport such as :

Sport would be for autobahn and climbing mountains etc, adding more HEV mode and trying to keep a higher level of electric boost !

Normal > keep it as it is

Eco > go for more electric because I find the car too often on the HEV mode , starting at 4 bars only. I guess the MG ZS Hybrid are calibrated for having more electric motor usage on city driving for e.g.