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.
MG MG3 vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: the short answer
MG3 and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
MG3 starts ZAR 520,090 cheaperMG3 from ZAR 269,900 · Pajero Sport from ZAR 789,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
MG3
Pajero Sport
Maximum Power
MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm
Pajero Sport133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Pajero Sport430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Engine Size
MG31498 cc
Pajero Sport2442 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
MG323.26 km/l
Pajero Sport12.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
MG3149 mm
Pajero Sport218 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)
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
Pajero Sport
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
MG3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Pajero Sport
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
Pajero Sport
Model Introduced Year
2025
2017
Generation
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Facelift History
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
2025
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Passenger vehicle
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Length
4113 mm
4825 mm
Width
1797 mm
1815 mm
Height
1502 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
149 mm
218 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
68 l
Boot/Cargo Space
293 l
193 l
Kerb Weight
1308 kg
2080 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1766 kg
2775 kg
Payload Capacity
458 kg
695 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
2850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.25 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1022 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
957 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1067 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
880 mm
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Engine
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
4N15
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
2442 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
86 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
105.1 mm
Maximum Power
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
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
4WD
Transmission
3-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.0 sec
11.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
18.3 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Standard, Sport
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
118.50 kW/tonne
63.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
324.92 Nm/tonne
206.7 Nm/tonne
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
Pajero Sport
Gearbox
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
3.692
Number of Gears
3
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Hybrid
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
4WD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Selectable electronically
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Rotary selector
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Available
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Hybrid transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
2.566
Low Range
Not Applicable
Yes
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Transmission Speeds
3
8
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
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
14.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
68 l
Emission Standard
EURO 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
No
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
68
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
84
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
868 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
781 km
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
No
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
AEB
Standard
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
No
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
No
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
No
Parking Sensors
Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
No
Auto Highbeam
Standard
No
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
No
Park Assist
Not Available
No
Around View Monitor
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
No
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
No
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Seat Material
PVC + Fabric
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
No
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
No
Steering Wheel Material
PU
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way manual
Power adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
PVC + Fabric
Leather-appointed
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Climate Control
Single-zone air conditioning
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Standard
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
No
Sunroof
Standard
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Single-zone air conditioning
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Infotainment System
10.25-inch infotainment display
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch driver display
Colour multi-information display
USB Ports
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Front and rear
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
8-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
8-inch
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
No
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Approach Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
30 deg
Departure Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
24.2 deg
Wading Depth
Not Officially Disclosed
700 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Breakover Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
23.1 deg
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Tyre Size
195/55 R16
265/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Full-size alloy
Wheel Rim Size
16-inch
18-inch alloy
Handbrake Type
Electric
Electric parking brake
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Front Suspension
MacPherson
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
CO2 Emissions
100 g/km
214 g/km
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Service Plan
MG3-specific service plan
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Ownership Role
Passenger vehicle
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
469900 ZAR
904990 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African MSRP
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
469900
904990
Starting Price Zar
469900
904990
Spec
MG3
Pajero Sport
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
3 years / 100,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This MG3 and Pajero Sport 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 Pajero Sport 65.
Efficiency index: MG3 90 vs Pajero Sport 49.
Safety-equipment index: MG3 92 vs Pajero Sport 72.
Practicality index: MG3 48 vs Pajero Sport 71.
Ownership-cover index: MG3 not separately scored vs Pajero Sport 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 Pajero Sport 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 1 points
MG3 and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +25
Efficiency
MG3 +41
Safety
MG3 +20
Practicality
Pajero Sport +23
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
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMG MG3
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 65 pts for Pajero Sport
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, MG3 leads. However, Pajero Sport 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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