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 Polo-Vivo remains close.
MG3 starts ZAR 2,000 cheaperMG3 from ZAR 269,900 · Polo-Vivo from ZAR 271,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Maximum Power
MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm
Polo-Vivo81 kW
Maximum Torque
MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Polo-Vivo200 Nm
Engine Size
MG31498 cc
Polo-Vivo1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
MG323.26 km/l
Polo-Vivo22.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
MG3149 mm
Polo-Vivo143 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
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Polo-Vivo
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
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
Polo-Vivo
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
Polo-Vivo
Model Introduced Year
2025
2010
Generation
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Long-running locally produced hatchback
Facelift History
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
Periodic feature updates over years
Facelift Launched Since
2025
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door hatchback
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
1108 kg
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Length
4113 mm
3972 mm
Width
1797 mm
1682 mm
Height
1502 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
149 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
293 l
280 l
Kerb Weight
1308 kg
1108 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1766 kg
1570 kg
Payload Capacity
458 kg
-
Towing Capacity
500 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.25 m
-
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Engine
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
1000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
81 kW
Maximum Torque
128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
200 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
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
3-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
170 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
8.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Standard, Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
118.50 kW/tonne
73.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
324.92 Nm/tonne
180.5 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
Polo-Vivo
Gearbox
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
4x2
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
3
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Hybrid
Manual
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
4x2
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
Not Available
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Hybrid transmission
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
3
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Claimed Mileage
23.26 km/l
22.2 km/l
City Mileage
27.03 km/l
17.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.41 km/l
26.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
45 l
Emission Standard
EURO 5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
23.26 km/l
22.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
36
45
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
Polo-Vivo
Airbags
6
4
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Seat Material
PVC + Fabric
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
PU
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way manual
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
PVC + Fabric
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Simple dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment in higher trims
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Climate Control
Single-zone air conditioning
Not Available
Power Windows
Standard
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Single-zone air conditioning
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
4,5
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Mudflaps
-
Standard/available
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
polo-vivo
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Infotainment System
10.25-inch infotainment display
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Not Available
Android Auto
Wireless
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch driver display
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
6
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Body Type
-
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Approach Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Departure Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Wading Depth
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
143 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
143 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Tyre Size
195/55 R16
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
16-inch
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electric
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Front Suspension
MacPherson
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
CO2 Emissions
100 g/km
132 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
132
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
132
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Service Plan
MG3-specific service plan
Not Available
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Ownership Role
Passenger vehicle
South Africa market model
Price Zar
469900 ZAR
363300 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African MSRP
Active local lineup
Starting Price
469900
363300
Starting Price Zar
469900
363300
Spec
MG3
Polo-Vivo
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This MG3 and Polo-Vivo 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 Polo-Vivo 35.
Efficiency index: MG3 90 vs Polo-Vivo 80.
Safety-equipment index: MG3 92 vs Polo-Vivo 59.
Practicality index: MG3 48 vs Polo-Vivo 54.
Ownership-cover index: MG3 not separately scored vs Polo-Vivo 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 Polo-Vivo 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 11 points
MG3 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Polo-Vivo remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
MG3
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
48/100
Polo-Vivo
Performance
35/100
Efficiency
80/100
Safety
59/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMG MG3
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 55 pts for Polo-Vivo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, MG3 leads. However, Polo-Vivo 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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