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 and X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
MG3 starts ZAR 160,000 cheaperMG3 from ZAR 269,900 · X55 Plus from ZAR 429,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
MG3
X55 Plus
Maximum Power
MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm
X55 Plus138 kW
Maximum Torque
MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
X55 Plus305 Nm
Engine Size
MG31498 cc
X55 Plus1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
MG323.26 km/l
X55 Plus12.99 km/l
Ground Clearance
MG3149 mm
X55 PlusNot Officially Disclosed
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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
Model Introduced Year
2025
2024
Generation
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Current upgraded X55 Plus generation for South Africa, mechanically based around BAIC's Magic Core 1.5T engine, DCT380 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
Facelift History
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
The original X55 arrived locally in 2022. BAIC launched the upgraded X55 Plus in August 2024 with revised exterior details, a full-black interior, updated wheel and exhaust treatment, and additional connectivity features.
Facelift Launched Since
2025
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door hatchback
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
SUV
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Length
4113 mm
4620 mm
Width
1797 mm
1886 mm
Height
1502 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
149 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
53 l
Boot/Cargo Space
293 l
350 l
Kerb Weight
1308 kg
1480 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1766 kg
1970 kg
Payload Capacity
458 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.25 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Engine
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
A156T2H
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
4
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
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
138 kW
Maximum Torque
128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
305 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
FWD
Transmission
3-Speed Automatic
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
170 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.0 sec
7.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Standard, Sport
Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart
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
X55 Plus
Gearbox
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
7DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
3
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
Hybrid
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
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
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
Hybrid transmission
Dual-clutch
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
3
7
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Claimed Mileage
23.26 km/l
12.99 km/l
City Mileage
27.03 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
20.41 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
53 l
Emission Standard
EURO 5
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
23.26 km/l
12.99 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
36
53
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Airbags
6
6
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
Not Available
AEB
Standard
Not Available
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
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 Officially Disclosed
Parking Sensors
Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Seat Material
PVC + Fabric
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
PU
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way manual
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
6-way manual
Seat Trim
PVC + Fabric
Leather
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Climate Control
Single-zone air conditioning
Air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Single-zone air conditioning
Air conditioning
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Infotainment System
10.25-inch infotainment display
BAIC DA head unit with radio, Bluetooth and smartphone connection
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Not Officially Disclosed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch driver display
10.25-inch LCD instrument screen
USB Ports
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Front USB, rear USB and Type-C charging
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
Electric Yellow, Metallic Grey, Scarlet Red, Krypton Grey, Polar White, Turquoise Blue
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Approach Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Tyre Size
195/55 R16
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
16-inch
18-inch
Handbrake Type
Electric
Electric parking brake
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Front Suspension
MacPherson
MacPherson independent suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Multi-link independent suspension
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
CO2 Emissions
100 g/km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Service Plan
MG3-specific service plan
5 Years / 60 000 km
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Ownership Role
Passenger vehicle
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Price Zar
469900 ZAR
429900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African MSRP
Current ex-showroom price
Starting Price
469900
429900
Starting Price Zar
469900
429900
Spec
MG3
X55 Plus
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
5 Years / 150 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This MG3 and X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 62.
Efficiency index: MG3 90 vs X55 Plus 53.
Safety-equipment index: MG3 92 vs X55 Plus 88.
Practicality index: MG3 48 vs X55 Plus 55.
Ownership-cover index: MG3 not separately scored vs X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
X55 Plus +22
Efficiency
MG3 +37
Safety
MG3 +4
Practicality
X55 Plus +7
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
X55 Plus
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMG MG3
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 65 pts for X55 Plus
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, MG3 leads. However, X55 Plus 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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