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.
Duster and MG3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
MG3 starts ZAR 220,099 cheaperDuster from ZAR 489,999 · MG3 from ZAR 269,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Duster
MG3
Maximum Power
Duster96 kW
MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Duster230 Nm @ 2000 rpm
MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Engine Size
Duster1200 cc
MG31498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Duster17.5 km/l
MG323.26 km/l
Ground Clearance
Duster217 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.
Renault Duster
1.2 Turbo Zen 4WD Mild Hybrid
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
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)
Specification evidence leader
Duster
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
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?
Duster
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
Duster
MG3
Model Introduced Year
2026
2025
Generation
Current South Africa Duster range
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Facelift History
Current South Africa version listed by official source
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Five-door hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
SUV
Compact Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
1451 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Spec
Duster
MG3
Length
4343 mm
4113 mm
Width
2095 mm
1797 mm
Height
1661 mm
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2658 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
217 mm
149 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
217 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
36 l
Boot/Cargo Space
594 l
293 l
Kerb Weight
1451 kg
1308 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1950 kg
1766 kg
Payload Capacity
499 kg
458 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.35 m
5.25 m
Front Headroom
1007 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
974 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1050 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
892 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Duster
MG3
Front Track Width
Not Available
-
Rear Track Width
Not Available
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Torsion Beam
Spec
Duster
MG3
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Manual / automatic by trim
Single-zone air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
594 l
-
AC Type
Manual / automatic by trim
Single-zone air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Duster
MG3
Engine
1.2-litre Turbocharged Petrol Mild Hybrid
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Mild Hybrid
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1200 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
Petrol injection
Multipoint Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
96 kW
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
230 Nm @ 2000 rpm
128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
155 kW
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
425 Nm
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
2
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Front
Drive Type
4WD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
3-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
8.0 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Eco, Standard, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
118.50 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
324.92 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
1.83 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
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 Officially Disclosed
Yes
Spec
Duster
MG3
Gearbox
Manual
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
Drivetrain Layout
4WD
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
Not Available
3
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Manual clutch
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Hybrid
Drivetrain
4WD
Front-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Available
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
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Manual
Hybrid transmission
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4WD
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not Available
3
Spec
Duster
MG3
Claimed Mileage
17.5 km/l
23.26 km/l
City Mileage
14.1 km/l
27.03 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.3 km/l
20.41 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
36 l
Emission Standard
Euro VIb
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Real-world Mileage
17.5 km/l
23.26 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
50
36
Combined Driving Range
Not Available
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Available
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Available
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Available
Not Applicable
Spec
Duster
MG3
Airbags
Front airbags
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Duster
MG3
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Standard
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Spec
Duster
MG3
Seat Material
Fabric or cloth trim
PVC + Fabric
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Material
Polyurethane / synthetic
PU
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
4-way manual
Seat Trim
Fabric
PVC + Fabric
Spec
Duster
MG3
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment
10.25-inch infotainment display
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4-6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
7-inch driver display
USB Ports
Front and rear USB where listed
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
10.25-inch
Spec
Duster
MG3
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Standard
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Official Renault South Africa colours vary by model and dealer stock.
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Duster
MG3
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Standard
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
AWD / 4WD as listed
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance Max
217 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
217 mm
-
Spec
Duster
MG3
Tyre Size
Not Available
195/55 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
16-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electric
Spec
Duster
MG3
CO2 Emissions
129 g/km
100 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
Duster
MG3
Service Plan
2 year / 30 000 km
MG3-specific service plan
Spec
Duster
MG3
Ownership Role
range-specific
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
549999 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
range-specific
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
549999
469900
Starting Price Zar
549999
469900
Spec
Duster
MG3
Warranty
5 Year / 150 000 km
5 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Duster 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: Duster 50 vs MG3 40.
Efficiency index: Duster 72 vs MG3 90.
Safety-equipment index: Duster 91 vs MG3 92.
Practicality index: Duster 71 vs MG3 48.
Ownership-cover index: Duster 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
Duster 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
Duster leads by 4 points
Duster 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
Duster
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
71/100
MG3
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRenault Duster
leads the specification evidence index with 70 pts
vs 66 pts for MG3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Duster leads. However, MG3 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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