Hatchback Hybrid Hybrid Transmission FWD 5-seat

MG MG3

Price in South Africa, real specs & fuel economy — 2026

Model year 2026 Generation Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains. Current version 2025 Body style Five-door hatchback
MG3 is a South African Hatchback with a hatchback body and petrol / hybrid power.
ZAR 469,900
On-road in
ZAR 486,538
What makes up this price?
Vehicle price (ex-showroom)
ZAR 469,900
Registration allowance
ZAR 4,500
Licensing allowance
ZAR 1,800
Inspection / roadworthy allowance
ZAR 1,200
Dealer handling / delivery
ZAR 3,500
Insurance
ZAR 5,639
Other fees
ZAR 0
Ex-showroom ZAR 469,900
Finance estimate from ZAR 4,728/month Based on 1.5L MT Comfort Ex-showroom basis · approx. 20% deposit · 11.5% p.a. · 60 months · no balloon
Engine:1498cc (1.5L) Torque:128Nm (94 lb-ft) Ground Clearance:149mm (5.9″) Power:75kW (101 bhp) Battery:1.83kWh Boot293L (10.3 cu ft)

Hover or tap any pill for a plain-English explanation. Bracketed values show common equivalents (bhp, lb-ft, inches, cu ft).

Fuel Economy km/l · US mpg equivalent
Combined 23.26 km/l (55 mpg)
City 27.03 km/l (64 mpg)
Highway 20.41 km/l (48 mpg)

On-road pricing varies by dealer. Fuel figures are manufacturer claims or source-backed estimates where a separate city/highway cycle is not published; your real numbers depend on traffic, terrain and driving style.

Model Range PDF See comparisons with similar cars
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Hagalu editorial rating: Not yet rated

Estimate monthly vehicle finance for the MG MG3 in South Africa. The default illustration uses the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest over 60 months and no balloon payment.

Estimated monthly instalment
ZAR 4,728
Total Interest
ZAR 68,705
Total Payable
ZAR 283,705
Principal Interest

* Illustrative estimate based on the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest, 60 months and no balloon payment, using the 1.5L MT Comfort. Excludes initiation fees, monthly service fees, credit-life insurance and vehicle insurance. Your lender quotation may differ.

Vehicle specifications and buying guidance • Hagalu

MG MG3

MG3 is a South African Hatchback with a hatchback body and petrol / hybrid power.

The MG3 is the smallest current MG sold in South Africa and the range’s direct answer to buyers who still value a conventional hatchback. The first four use petrol power, with the manual at the entry point, Comfort and Luxury CVT steps, and Luxury+ as the highest petrol derivative. The petrol derivatives use a 1,495 cc naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 81 kW at 6,000 rpm and 142 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Hybrid+ uses a 1,498 cc petrol engine rated at 75 kW at 6,000 rpm and 128 Nm at 4,500 rpm, while MG publishes 155 kW and 425 Nm as the complete hybrid-system totals. Seats-up luggage capacity is 293 litres. Verified mass data also separates the powertrains: petrol derivatives have a 1,199 kg kerb weight and 1,657 kg gross vehicle mass, while Hybrid+ is 1,308 kg with a 1,766 kg gross vehicle mass. Subtracting the published kerb mass from GVM produces a derived 458 kg payload for both combinations. The naturally aspirated petrol derivatives protect purchase-price choice, and CVT buyers avoid repeated clutch work in congestion. Its higher price should be judged against total output, standard equipment, route and expected fuel saving rather than the badge alone. The MG3 succeeds because its range answers recognisably different needs instead of offering five cosmetic variations. South African launch specification introduced in 2025; the live 2026 range comprises four petrol derivatives and one Hybrid+ derivative. Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains. Hybrid+: 1,498 cc petrol engine at 75 kW/128 Nm, with combined totals of 155 kW and 425 Nm. For motorway use, the 81 kW petrol engine provides the conventional route and the CVT removes manual changes in interchanges or congestion. Buyers who need low-range gearing, recovery points, underbody protection or published wading ability should select another category. The MG3 has a clearer South African buying case when its hatchback shape is connected to the work it must do. The useful starting points are a power output of 81 kW @ 6000 rpm and a 5-Speed Manual transmission; together they explain more than a badge or a screen size

MG MG3 — Quick Facts

MG MG3 Variants & Prices

Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.

Maximum 3 variants reached
Uncheck one of the selected variants below before choosing another.
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Efficiency / range Transmission Price
1.5L MT Comfort Base Petrol Efficiency16.95 km/l Manual ZAR 269,900
1.5L CVT Comfort Mid Petrol Efficiency16.39 km/l CVT ZAR 309,900
1.5L CVT Luxury+ Premium Petrol Efficiency16.39 km/l CVT ZAR 359,900
1.5L CVT Luxury Discontinued Top Petrol Not published CVT ZAR 344,900last listed
1.5L Hybrid+ Flagship Hybrid Efficiency23.26 km/l Hybrid Transmission ZAR 469,900
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Efficiency / range Transmission Price
1.5L MT Comfort Base Petrol Efficiency16.95 km/l Manual ZAR 269,900
1.5L CVT Comfort Mid Petrol Efficiency16.39 km/l CVT ZAR 309,900
1.5L CVT Luxury+ Premium Petrol Efficiency16.39 km/l CVT ZAR 359,900
1.5L CVT Luxury Discontinued Top Petrol Not published CVT ZAR 344,900last listed
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Efficiency / range Transmission Price
1.5L Hybrid+ Flagship Hybrid Efficiency23.26 km/l Hybrid Transmission ZAR 469,900
2 variants selected

MG MG3 Specifications

Showing all 219 non-empty supported buyer-facing fields for 1.5L Hybrid+. Blank contract fields are not fabricated.

Model Introduced Year
2025
Body Style
Five-door hatchback
Generation
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Model Year
2026
Production Status
active
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Facelift Launched Since
2025
Facelift History
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
Length
4113 mm
Width
1797 mm
Height
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
149 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
Boot/Cargo Space
293 l
Kerb Weight
1308 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1766 kg
Payload Capacity
458 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
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
Engine
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Combined Power
155 kW
Combined Torque
425 Nm
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
2
Motor Location
Front
Drive Type
FWD
Transmission
3-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.0 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Standard, Sport
Launch Control
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
118.50 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
324.92 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
1.83 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
LSD Available
Not Available
Gearbox
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
3
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
Low Range
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Hybrid transmission
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
3
Transmission Type
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Hybrid
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
18.87 km/l
Fuel Tank Litres
36
Auto Start Stop
Standard
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
EURO 5
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 l
Highway Mileage
20.41 km/l
City Mileage
27.03 km/l
Claimed Mileage
23.26 km/l
Brake Assist
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
ABS
Standard
Airbags
6
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
BA
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
AEB
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
EBD
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Park Assist
Not Available
Cruise Control
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Parking Sensors
Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Around View Monitor
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way manual
Seat Trim
PVC + Fabric
Steering Wheel Material
PU
Heated Seats
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Seat Material
PVC + Fabric
Keyless Entry
Standard
Climate Control
Single-zone air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Sunroof
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
AC Type
Single-zone air conditioning
Android Auto
Wireless
Touchscreen
10.25-inch touchscreen
USB Ports
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Infotainment System
10.25-inch infotainment display
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch driver display
Roof Rails
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Headlights
Projector LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED Headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Approach Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Front Brake Type
Disc
Handbrake Type
Electric
Tyre Size
195/55 R16
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
16-inch
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Front Suspension
MacPherson
Service Plan
MG3-specific service plan
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km
CO2 Emissions
100 g/km
Pricing Role
Current South African MSRP
Price Zar
469900 ZAR
Ownership Role
Passenger vehicle
Starting Price
469900
Starting Price Zar
469900
Driving fit

Where the MG MG3 Fits Best

A practical view of the buyer and roads this model is best suited to.

Who buys this

The best buyer for MG3 can describe a recurring reason for choosing its hatchback layout. Then compare a power output of 81 kW @ 6000 rpm and a 5-Speed Manual transmission with insurance, tyres, maintenance and the monthly finance payment

City
The urban test for MG3 should resemble the owner’s route: a cold start, queues, kerbs, a narrow turn and a place where people or goods must be loaded. City use is where the small decisions accumulate for MG3. Drive the MG3 through the tightest parking area, a steep ramp, a speed hump and stop-start traffic. Pay attention to the steering, sight lines, low-speed response, seat position and climate control rather than relying on a quiet dealership loop for MG3. A power output of 81 kW @ 6000 rpm matters when the cabin or load is full, and a 5-Speed Manual transmission can change the cost of repeated short trips for MG3
Highway
For highway buyers, the MG3 needs to make sense when passengers, luggage or work equipment are aboard. Petrol power helps frame the vehicle’s intended workload; do not assume that a larger body automatically brings more reserve or comfort. Long-distance comfort depends on details that disappear in a short test drive for MG3. Run MG3 at legal cruising speed, include a hill and a safe overtake, and see whether the driver can remain relaxed after an hour. The interaction between engine of 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol, a power output of 81 kW @ 6000 rpm and a 5-Speed Manual transmission is more informative than maximum speed for MG3. Owners travelling between provinces should also price replacement tyres, roadside assistance and scheduled service for MG3
Off-Road
It can traverse imperfect surfaces in normal use when driven carefully, but that is different from trail capability. A front-wheel drive drivetrain may help, but neither a tall bonnet nor petrol / hybrid alone creates four-wheel drive, low range or a published wading ability. Ground clearance is only one part of the rough-road answer for MG3. For MG3, the sensible check is the exact front-wheel drive arrangement, tyre specification, load and protection underneath. Stay cautious where the local data does not state clearance or wading depth for MG3. A buyer whose routine includes construction tracks or isolated farm roads should compare a vehicle with documented capability rather than infer it from styling for MG3

MG MG3 — Should You Buy It?

Not yet rated: no complete Hagalu editorial review is published for this model range. The buyer guidance below is not a scored review.

MG3 deserves a closer look when its price, equipment and powertrain fit the owner’s route.

Comfort focuses on access, while the Luxury grades build a richer cabin and assistance offer around the same petrol-CVT package. A fair review of MG3 should end with the owner’s route, not a universal verdict. The combination of a Manual transmission, a Front-wheel drive drivetrain and a front-wheel drive drivetrain can be valuable for the right driver. The buying case for MG3 is specific. Petrol / Hybrid power gives it a reason to be considered, while a South African price reference of R269,900 and engine of 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol set the boundaries for MG3. It deserves a shortlist when those details solve a repeated South African driving need for MG3. It is less persuasive when the buyer is paying for unused capacity or assuming that another derivative’s equipment applies here for MG3. Compare the written price, the nearest grade and one genuine alternative before deciding for MG3

What's Good
  • ✓Body style: Hatchback
  • ✓Fuel type: Petrol / Hybrid
  • ✓South African price: R269,900
  • ✓Engine: 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
  • ✓Power output: 81 kW @ 6000 rpm
  • ✓Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
  • ✓Gearbox: Manual
  • ✓Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • ✓Drive layout: FWD
Watch Out For
  • ✕Exact equipment for MG3 can vary by derivative.
  • ✕Real fuel use for MG3 depends on route, load and weather.
  • ✕The written MG3 quotation should be checked before purchase.
  • ✕Tyre, insurance and service costs need a separate MG3 budget.
  • ✕A short MG3 test drive cannot represent every ownership route.
  • ✕MG3 capability should not be inferred from body styling alone.
  • ✕The adjacent MG3 grade may suit a different workload.
  • ✕Published MG3 figures are planning references, not guarantees.
  • ✕Buyers should confirm MG3 stock and support terms.

MG MG3 FAQs

Current recommended retail prices for the MG MG3 run from R269,900 to R469,900, depending on the derivative. Compare the exact trim before calculating finance because options, insurance and dealer charges can change the final monthly cost.

The current south african range comprises 1.5L MT Comfort, 1.5L CVT Comfort, 1.5L CVT Luxury+, 1.5L Hybrid+. Prices and equipment are shown by derivative so buyers can compare the actual local range rather than specifications from another market.

The listed ground clearance for the MG MG3 is 149 mm. Use that number as a practical comparison point against similar cars, especially if you regularly deal with steep driveways, gravel roads or uneven parking areas.

The MG MG3 engine specification depends on derivative: 1.5L MT Comfort, 1.5L CVT Comfort, 1.5L CVT Luxury+: 1495 cc, 81 kW (109 bhp); 1.5L Hybrid+: 1498 cc, 75 kW (101 bhp). Compare the exact trim because its gearbox and equipment may also differ.

Combined fuel-economy figures differ across the MG MG3 range: 1.5L MT Comfort: 16.95 km/l; 1.5L CVT Comfort, 1.5L CVT Luxury+: 16.39 km/l; 1.5L Hybrid+: 23.26 km/l.

The best buyer for MG3 can describe a recurring reason for choosing its hatchback layout. Then compare a power output of 81 kW @ 6000 rpm and a 5-Speed Manual transmission with insurance, tyres, maintenance and the monthly finance payment

The urban test for MG3 should resemble the owner’s route: a cold start, queues, kerbs, a narrow turn and a place where people or goods must be loaded. City use is where the small decisions accumulate for MG3.

For highway buyers, the MG3 needs to make sense when passengers, luggage or work equipment are aboard. Petrol power helps frame the vehicle’s intended workload; do not assume that a larger body automatically brings more reserve or comfort.

Buyers researching the MG MG3 often compare it with rivals such as Suzuki Baleno , Volkswagen Polo-Vivo , Toyota Starlet , Hyundai i20 , Suzuki Ignis . Comparing them side by side is the quickest way to see where your money goes — performance, fuel use, price and running costs can differ substantially.

Compare MG MG3 with Similar Hatchbacks

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MG MG3
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