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.
NX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while MG3 remains close.
MG3 starts ZAR 804,300 cheaperMG3 from ZAR 269,900 · NX from ZAR 1,074,200
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
MG3
NX
Maximum Power
MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm
NX205 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
NX430 Nm
Engine Size
MG31498 cc
NX2400 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
MG323.26 km/l
NX12.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
MG3149 mm
NX195 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.
MG MG3
1.5L 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)
MG3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
NX
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
MG3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
NX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
MG3
NX
Model Introduced Year
2025
2023
Generation
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Second-generation Lexus NX mid-size luxury SUV
Facelift History
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
Facelift Launched Since
2025
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Body Style
Five-door hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Luxury SUV
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1760-1860 kg
Spec
MG3
NX
Length
4113 mm
4660 mm
Width
1797 mm
1865 mm
Height
1502 mm
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
149 mm
195 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
55 l
Boot/Cargo Space
293 l
520 l
Kerb Weight
1308 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1766 kg
2370 kg
Payload Capacity
458 kg
-
Towing Capacity
500 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.25 m
5.8 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Spec
MG3
NX
Engine
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
2.4-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
2400 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
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Petrol SFI + D-4ST
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
87.5 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
99.5 mm
Maximum Power
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
205 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
430 Nm
Combined Power
155 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
425 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
2
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Transmission
3-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.0 sec
7.0 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Standard, Sport
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
118.50 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
324.92 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
1.83 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
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
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
MG3
NX
Gearbox
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
Automatic 8-speed
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
AWD
LSD Available
Not Available
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Number of Gears
3
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic 8-speed
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Type
Hybrid
Automatic
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Permanent all-wheel drive
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Available
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Hybrid transmission
Automatic 8-speed
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
3
8
Spec
MG3
NX
Claimed Mileage
23.26 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
27.03 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.41 km/l
14.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
55 l
Emission Standard
EURO 5
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Real-world Mileage
23.26 km/l
12.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
36
55
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
Spec
MG3
NX
Airbags
6
Side,Curtain,Driver,Passenger,Driver Knee
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard,,
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard 2
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
AEB
Standard
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard,,
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
-
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Spec
MG3
NX
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
-
Parking Sensors
Rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
-
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Auto,Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Standard
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Standard
Spec
MG3
NX
Seat Material
PVC + Fabric
F SPORT
Heated Seats
Not Available
Standard Driver and Passenger only
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Standard Front only
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Material
PU
3 Spoke/ F SPORT
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
60:40 -
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way manual
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Seat Trim
PVC + Fabric
F SPORT
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Folding Rear Seats
-
60:40 -
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Cup Holders
-
Standard 4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Standard TFT
Driver Lumbar Support
-
Driver 2-way,Power
Spec
MG3
NX
Climate Control
Single-zone air conditioning
Auto Dual zone
Power Windows
Standard
All/ All One Touch
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Start
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard Power and Handsfree
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Single-zone air conditioning
Auto Dual zone
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Heads Up Display
-
Standard
Air Conditioning
Single-zone air conditioning
Auto Dual zone
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
MG3
NX
Infotainment System
10.25-inch infotainment display
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
Standard 17
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch driver display
Standard TFT
USB Ports
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Standard 5PCs
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Navigation System
-
Standard/ EMV
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Audio Speakers
6
Standard 17
Audio System
-
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard 5PCs
Connected Services
-
Standard
Spec
MG3
NX
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard LED
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue, Graphite Black GF, Terrane Khaki, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Spec
MG3
NX
Approach Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 deg
Departure Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
25.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Standard
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Permanent all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Approach Angle Deg
-
15.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
25.0 deg
Ground Clearance Max
-
195 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
195 mm
Spec
MG3
NX
Tyre Size
195/55 R16
F:235-50RF R20 / R:235-50RF R20
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
-
Wheel Rim Size
16-inch
20
Handbrake Type
Electric
Electric
Spec
MG3
NX
Front Suspension
MacPherson
MacPherson -
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Double Wishbone -
Front Track Width
-
1605 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1625 mm
Spec
MG3
NX
CO2 Emissions
100 g/km
185 g/km
Spec
MG3
NX
Service Plan
MG3-specific service plan
-
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15,000km
Spec
MG3
NX
Ownership Role
Passenger vehicle
Private luxury, family and business
Price Zar
469900 ZAR
1276500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African MSRP
Flagship
Starting Price
469900
1276500
Starting Price Zar
469900
1276500
Spec
MG3
NX
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
7 years / 105,000km
In depth: how these cars differ
This MG3 and NX 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: MG3 40 vs NX 86.
Efficiency index: MG3 90 vs NX 49.
Safety-equipment index: MG3 92 vs NX 93.
Practicality index: MG3 48 vs NX 65.
Ownership-cover index: MG3 not separately scored vs NX 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
MG3 and NX 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
NX leads by 9 points
NX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while MG3 remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
NX
Performance
86/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
65/100
MG3
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus NX
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 66 pts for MG3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, NX 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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