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.
MG3 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda2 remains close.
MG3 starts ZAR 66,100 cheaperMazda2 from ZAR 336,000 · MG3 from ZAR 269,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda2
MG3
Maximum Power
Mazda285 kW @ 6000 rpm
MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Mazda2148 Nm @ 4000 rpm
MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Engine Size
Mazda21496 cc
MG31498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda216.7 km/l
MG323.26 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda2152 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.
Mazda Mazda2
1.5 Individual Edition Auto FWD
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)
Mazda2
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
MG3
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Mazda2
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
MG3
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Model Introduced Year
2015
2025
Generation
Current DJ-generation Mazda2, updated for South Africa in 2026
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Facelift History
The South African range received a feature and styling update for the 2026 model year.
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Five-door hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
B-segment hatchback
Compact Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
1070 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Length
4085 mm
4113 mm
Width
1695 mm
1797 mm
Height
1504 mm
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
152 mm
149 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
44 l
36 l
Boot/Cargo Space
250 l
293 l
Kerb Weight
1070 kg
1308 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1527 kg
1766 kg
Payload Capacity
457 kg
458 kg
Towing Capacity
250 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.7 m
5.25 m
Front Legroom
1063 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
881 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Single-zone air conditioning
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Automatic
Single-zone air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1496 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Multipoint Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
74.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
85.8 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6000 rpm
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
148 Nm @ 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
6-Speed Automatic
3-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
184 km/h
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.5 sec
8.0 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Standard, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
79.4 kW/tonne
118.50 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
138.3 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
Mazda2
MG3
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
4.319
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
6
3
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
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
Standard
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Hybrid transmission
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
3
LSD Available
-
Not Available
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Claimed Mileage
16.7 km/l
23.26 km/l
City Mileage
13.4 km/l
27.03 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.7 km/l
20.41 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
44 l
36 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Standard
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
44
36
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
16.7 km/l
23.26 km/l
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Not Officially Disclosed
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda2
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
Rear
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
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Seat Material
Leather & Cloth
PVC + Fabric
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
1352 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1273 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
PU
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
4-way manual
Seat Trim
Leather & Cloth
PVC + Fabric
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Infotainment System
Standard
10.25-inch infotainment display
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
7-inch driver display
USB Ports
2
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Infotainment Screen
7-Inch
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
7-Inch
10.25-inch
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
Black & Machining
-
Exterior Colour Options
Current Mazda South Africa paint availability varies by edition and dealer allocation.
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
152 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
152 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Tyre Size
185/60 R16
195/55 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D15
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
16x5-1/2J
16-inch
Handbrake Type
Manual
Electric
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Torsion Beam
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
CO2 Emissions
140 g/km
100 g/km
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
MG3-specific service plan
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
417300 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
417300
469900
Starting Price Zar
417300
469900
Spec
Mazda2
MG3
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda2 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: Mazda2 38 vs MG3 40.
Efficiency index: Mazda2 64 vs MG3 90.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda2 84 vs MG3 92.
Practicality index: Mazda2 45 vs MG3 48.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda2 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
Mazda2 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 9 points
MG3 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda2 remains close.
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
Mazda2
Performance
38/100
Efficiency
64/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
45/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMG MG3
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 57 pts for Mazda2
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, MG3 leads. However, Mazda2 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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