A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Destinator and MG3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
MG3 starts ZAR 220,090 cheaperDestinator from ZAR 489,990 · MG3 from ZAR 269,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Destinator
MG3
Maximum Power
Destinator120 kW @ 5000 rpm
MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Destinator250 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm
MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Engine Size
Destinator1499 cc
MG31498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Destinator13.9 km/l
MG323.26 km/l
Ground Clearance
Destinator214 mm
MG3149 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mitsubishi Destinator
Exceed 1.5T CVT
Hagalu editorial rating
4.3/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Destinator
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Specification evidence leader
MG3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Destinator
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
MG3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Model Introduced Year
2026
2025
Generation
First-generation Destinator
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Facelift History
South African launch specification introduced in March 2026.
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
Current specification
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Five-door hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Medium seven-seat SUV
Compact Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Hatchback
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Length
4680 mm
4113 mm
Width
1840 mm
1797 mm
Height
1780 mm
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
214 mm
149 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
185 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
36 l
Boot/Cargo Space
152 l
293 l
Kerb Weight
1500 kg
1308 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2090 kg
1766 kg
Payload Capacity
590 kg
458 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
5.25 m
Front Headroom
890 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
850 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1055 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
620 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Code
4B40
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1499 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Dual Injection
Multipoint Injection
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
75 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
84.8 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
120 kW @ 5000 rpm
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
250 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm
128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
155 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
425 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
3-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
180 km/h
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.4 sec
8.0 sec
Quarter Mile
17.6 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, Tarmac
Eco, Standard, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
80 kW/tonne
118.50 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
166.7 Nm/tonne
324.92 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
1.83 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Gearbox
CVT
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
6.386
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
1
3
Transmission Type
CVT automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Continuously variable pulley system
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Hybrid
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Continuously variable
Hybrid transmission
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
3
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Claimed Mileage
13.9 km/l
23.26 km/l
City Mileage
11.4 km/l
27.03 km/l
Highway Mileage
16 km/l
20.41 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
36 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
No
Standard
Real-world Mileage
13.9 km/l
23.26 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
45
36
Combined Driving Range
625
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
647 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
581 km
Not Applicable
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
No
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
No
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
No
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Standard
Auto Highbeam
No
Standard
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Standard
Park Assist
No
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
No
Standard
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
PVC + Fabric
Heated Seats
No
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
PU
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power adjustable
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
4-way manual
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
PVC + Fabric
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic with nanoe X
Single-zone air conditioning
Power Windows
Front and rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Sunroof
Yes
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic with nanoe X
Single-zone air conditioning
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Infotainment System
Smartphone-link Display Audio
10.25-inch infotainment display
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
8-inch
7-inch driver display
USB Ports
Front, second and third row
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
12.3-inch
10.25-inch
Spec
Destinator
MG3
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Quartz White Pearl, Graphite Grey Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Lunar Blue Mica
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Approach Angle
21 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
25.5 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, Tarmac
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
20.8 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Tyre Size
225/55 R18
195/55 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size alloy
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
16-inch
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electric
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Torsion Beam
Spec
Destinator
MG3
CO2 Emissions
172 g/km
100 g/km
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Service Plan
5 years / 75,000 km; 15,000 km intervals
MG3-specific service plan
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Ownership Role
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
569990 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Official South African recommended retail price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
569990
469900
Starting Price Zar
569990
469900
Spec
Destinator
MG3
Warranty
5 years / unlimited km
5 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Destinator and MG3 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Destinator 50 vs MG3 40.
Efficiency index: Destinator 54 vs MG3 90.
Safety-equipment index: Destinator 73 vs MG3 92.
Practicality index: Destinator 63 vs MG3 48.
Ownership-cover index: Destinator not separately scored vs MG3 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Destinator and MG3 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
MG3 leads by 6 points
Destinator and MG3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
MG3
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
48/100
Destinator
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
54/100
Safety
73/100
Practicality
63/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMG MG3
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 60 pts for Destinator
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, MG3 leads. However, Destinator may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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