MG MG3 vs BYD SEALION 6 DM-i

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

1.5L Hybrid+ Hybrid 3-Speed Automatic Current

ZAR 469,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 75 kW 🔧 128 Nm ⛽ 23.26 km/l

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i

Premium DM-i AWD Plug-in Hybrid e-CVT Current

ZAR 799,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 96 kW 🔧 220 Nm ⛽ 17.2 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

MG MG3 vs BYD SEALION 6 DM-i: the short answer

MG3 and SEALION 6 DM-i are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.

MG3 starts ZAR 370,000 cheaper MG3 from ZAR 269,900 · SEALION 6 DM-i from ZAR 639,900

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives

Specification	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Maximum Power	MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm	SEALION 6 DM-i96 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque	MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm	SEALION 6 DM-i220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Engine Size	MG31498 cc	SEALION 6 DM-i1497 cc
Combined Fuel Economy	MG323.26 km/l	SEALION 6 DM-i17.2 km/l
Ground Clearance	MG3149 mm	SEALION 6 DM-i180 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 rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i

Premium DM-i AWD

Hagalu editorial rating

4.4/5

Desk research · Exact variant

Hagalu Editorial Team · 2026-08-02

Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.

Read the review and score breakdown

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

SEALION 6 DM-i

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures

Weak Spots

Lower fuel efficiency

Best suited to: Published Performance Published Practicality

Which One's Right for You?

MG3

Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use

SEALION 6 DM-i

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

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Model Introduced Year	2025	2024
Generation	Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.	First South African SEALION 6 DM-i generation
Facelift History	South African launch specification introduced in 2025.	No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since	2025	Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending	Current	Current
Body Style	Five-door hatchback	SUV
Model Year	2026	2026
Production Status	active	Active
Segment	Compact Hatchback	Medium SUV
Vehicle Type	Hatchback	Passenger vehicle

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Length	4113 mm	4775 mm
Width	1797 mm	1890 mm
Height	1502 mm	1670 mm
Wheelbase	2570 mm	2765 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)	149 mm	180 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)	Not Officially Disclosed	150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	36 l	60 l
Boot/Cargo Space	293 l	425 l
Kerb Weight	1308 kg	2100 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)	1766 kg	2510 kg
Payload Capacity	458 kg	410 kg
Towing Capacity	500 kg	1300 kg
Seating Capacity	5 seats	5 seats
Number of Rows	2 rows	2 rows
Doors	5 doors	5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius	5.25 m	5.5 m
Front Headroom	Not Officially Disclosed	980 mm
Rear Headroom	Not Officially Disclosed	910 mm
Front Legroom	Not Officially Disclosed	1120 mm
Rear Legroom	Not Officially Disclosed	820 mm

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Engine	1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid	1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Code	Not Officially Disclosed	Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type	Hybrid	Plug-in Hybrid
Hybrid System	Self Charging Hybrid	Series-Parallel Hybrid
Engine Displacement	1498 cc	1497 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	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	96 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque	128 Nm @ 4500 rpm	220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Combined Power	155 kW	238 kW
Combined Torque	425 Nm	550 Nm
Motor Type	Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor	Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors	2	2
Motor Location	Front	Front + Rear
Drive Type	FWD	AWD
Transmission	3-Speed Automatic	e-CVT
Top Speed	170 km/h	180 km/h
0-100 km/h	8.0 sec	5.9 sec
Quarter Mile	Not Officially Disclosed	Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes	Eco, Standard, Sport	Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, Sand, Snow
Launch Control	No	Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter	Not Officially Disclosed	Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio	118.50 kW/tonne	113.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio	324.92 Nm/tonne	261.9 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity	1.83 kWh	18.3 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity	Not Officially Disclosed	Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type	Lithium-ion	LFP
Battery Voltage	Not Officially Disclosed	339.2 V
Electric Range	Not Applicable	70 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power	Not Applicable	7 kW
DC Charging Power	Not Applicable	18 kW
AC Charging Time	Not Applicable	Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time	Not Applicable	35 min (30-80%)
Regenerative Braking	Yes	Yes

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Gearbox	3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission	e-CVT
Drivetrain Layout	Front-wheel drive	Front and rear electric drive units
LSD Available	Not Available	Not Available
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Differential Lock	Not Applicable	Not Available
Paddle Shifters	Not Available	Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio	Not Officially Disclosed	Not Available
Number of Gears	3	Not Applicable
Transmission Type	Automatic	Automatic
Clutch Type	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator	Not Applicable	Standard
Gear Shift Type	Hybrid	Crystal gearshift knob
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive	AWD
4WD Engagement	Not Applicable	Automatic electric 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	Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock	Not Applicable	Not Available
Gearbox Type	Hybrid transmission	Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Low Range Ratio	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Low Range	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Axle Layout	Front-wheel drive	4x4
Rear Differential Lock	Not Applicable	Not Available
Transmission Speeds	3	Not Applicable

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Claimed Mileage	23.26 km/l	17.2 km/l
City Mileage	27.03 km/l	13.3 km/l
Highway Mileage	20.41 km/l	17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity	36 l	60 l
Emission Standard	EURO 5	Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop	Standard	Integrated hybrid engine stop/start
Real-world Mileage	23.26 km/l	17.2 km/l
Charging Port Type	Not Applicable	Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type	Not Applicable	AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres	36	60
Combined Driving Range	Not Applicable	870 km (WLTP)
Electric Consumption	Not Applicable	179 Wh/km
Range Real World Highway	Not Applicable	1091 km
Range Real World Mixed	Not Applicable	840 km

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Airbags	6	7
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
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	Standard	Standard
Front Parking Sensors	Not Available	Standard
AEB	Standard	Standard
BA	Standard	Standard
Brake Override System	Not Officially Disclosed	Standard
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	Standard	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	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Cruise Control	Not Available	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Lane Keep Assist	Standard	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	Standard	Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Standard	Standard
Parking Sensors	Rear	Standard
Rear View Camera	Not Available	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Standard	Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert	Not Available	Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition	Standard	Standard
Auto Highbeam	Standard	Standard
Auto Wipers	Standard	Standard
Rear Parking Sensors	Standard	Standard
Reverse Camera	Not Available	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Park Assist	Not Available	Standard
Around View Monitor	Standard	Standard
Blind Spot Warning	Standard	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard	Standard

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Seat Material	PVC + Fabric	Synthetic leather
Heated Seats	Not Available	Standard
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Standard
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Standard
Steering Wheel Material	PU	Synthetic leather
60 40 Split Seat	Standard	Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment	6-way manual	Electric adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment	4-way manual	Electric adjustment
Seat Trim	PVC + Fabric	Synthetic leather

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Climate Control	Single-zone air conditioning	Automatic
Power Windows	Standard	Standard
Keyless Entry	Standard	Standard
Push Button Start	Standard	Standard
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Standard
Sunroof	Standard	Panoramic
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers	Standard	Standard
AC Type	Single-zone air conditioning	Automatic

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Infotainment System	10.25-inch infotainment display	15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Wireless	Standard
Android Auto	Wireless	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	10
Digital Instrument Cluster	7-inch driver display	Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports	2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)	Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen	10.25-inch	15.6
Touchscreen	10.25-inch	15.6

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
LED Headlamps	Standard	Standard
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Not Available	Front and rear fog lamps
Roof Rails	Not Available	Standard
Exterior Colour Options	Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver	Time Grey, Arctic White, Delan Black, Smokey Gray
Headlights	Standard	Standard
Panoramic Sunroof	Not Available	Standard

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Approach Angle	Not Officially Disclosed	19 deg
Departure Angle	Not Officially Disclosed	21 deg
Wading Depth	Not Officially Disclosed	358.8 mm
Terrain Modes	Not Available	Mud, Sand, Snow
Locking Differential	Not Applicable	Not Available
4WD System Type	Not Applicable	Electric all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle	Not Officially Disclosed	Not Available

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Tyre Size	195/55 R16	235/50 R19
Front Brake Type	Disc	Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Disc
Spare Wheel Type	Tyre repair kit	Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size	16-inch	19
Handbrake Type	Electric	Electronic parking brake

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Front Suspension	MacPherson	MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension	Torsion Beam	Multi-link

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
CO2 Emissions	100 g/km	32 g/km

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Service Plan	MG3-specific service plan	5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Ownership Role	Passenger vehicle	flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Price Zar	469900 ZAR	799900 ZAR
Pricing Role	Current South African MSRP	flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Starting Price	469900	799900
Starting Price Zar	469900	799900

Spec	MG3	SEALION 6 DM-i
Warranty	5 years / 150,000 km	5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit

In depth: how these cars differ

This MG3 and SEALION 6 DM-i 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 SEALION 6 DM-i 58.

Efficiency index: MG3 90 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 75.

Safety-equipment index: MG3 92 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 99.

Practicality index: MG3 48 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 59.

Ownership-cover index: MG3 not separately scored vs SEALION 6 DM-i 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 SEALION 6 DM-i image comparison

Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.

MG MG3

MG MG3 exterior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison

View 8 more MG3 images

MG MG3 exterior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison

MG MG3 exterior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison

MG MG3 exterior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison

MG MG3 interior view 1 for South African vehicle comparison

MG MG3 interior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison

MG MG3 interior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison

MG MG3 interior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison

MG MG3 interior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison

View MG3 model and variants

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i exterior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison

View 8 more SEALION 6 DM-i images

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i exterior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i exterior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i exterior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i interior view 1 for South African vehicle comparison

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i interior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i interior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i interior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i interior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison

View SEALION 6 DM-i model and variants

Specification Evidence Index

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

SEALION 6 DM-i leads by 6 points

MG3 and SEALION 6 DM-i are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.

Evidence leader 72 /100

Lead 6 points

Data 83% source coverage

#1 Evidence leader

SEALION 6 DM-i

83% source coverage 2 strong categories

Best at Safety 99 Check Performance 58

Performance 58

Efficiency 75

Safety 99

Practicality 59

Leads by 6 points

MG3

82% source coverage 2 strong categories

Best at Safety 92 Check Performance 40

Performance 40

Efficiency 90

Safety 92

Practicality 48

Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%

Category leaders What moves the verdict

Performance SEALION 6 DM-i +18 Efficiency MG3 +15 Safety SEALION 6 DM-i +7 Practicality SEALION 6 DM-i +11

Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.

Why this score View full breakdown

Evidence-index leader

SEALION 6 DM-i

Performance 58/100

Efficiency 75/100

Safety 99/100

Practicality 59/100

MG3

Performance 40/100

Efficiency 90/100

Safety 92/100

Practicality 48/100

What the evidence means

Evidence index BYD SEALION 6 DM-i leads the specification evidence index with 72 pts vs 66 pts for MG3

In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SEALION 6 DM-i leads. However, MG3 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

MG3 vs SEALION 6 DM-i questions

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.

MG MG3 vs BYD SEALION 6 DM-i

MG MG3

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i

MG MG3 vs BYD SEALION 6 DM-i: the short answer

Five key differences

Hagalu editorial ratings

MG MG3

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

MG3

SEALION 6 DM-i

Which One's Right for You?

MG3

SEALION 6 DM-i

Full Specs, Side by Side

In depth: how these cars differ

MG3 and SEALION 6 DM-i image comparison

MG MG3

BYD SEALION 6 DM-i

Specification Evidence Index

SEALION 6 DM-i leads by 6 points

SEALION 6 DM-i

MG3

SEALION 6 DM-i

MG3

What the evidence means

Related comparisons

MG3 vs SEALION 6 DM-i questions