VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
155 kW
Torque
200 Nm
425 Nm
Fuel
4.8 l/100km
4.3 combined l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.4 s
8.0 s
Engine
999 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Audi A1 and the MG Mg3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi A1 delivers 85 kW while the MG Mg3 produces 155 kW. On fuel, the A1 returns 4.8 l/100km while the Mg3 uses 4.3 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R530 900 for the A1 and R469 900 for the Mg3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A1Sportback 30 TFSI Advanced S-Tronic 2025 - From R530 900
MG Mg31.5 Luxury Hybrid A/T 2025 - From R469 900
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
155 kW
Torque
200 Nm
425 Nm
0-100 kph
9.4 s
8.0 s
Top Speed
203 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
999 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 l/100km
4.3 combined l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
5.9 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.2 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
36 litre + 1.83 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
119 g/km
100 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4029 mm
4113 mm
Width
1740-1940 mm
1797 mm
Height
1409 mm
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2563 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
—
148 mm
Kerb Weight
1125 Kg
1308 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
335 l
293-893 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
Optional
—
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
7
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3yr
Service Plan Distance
—
45000km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MG Mg3
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Mg3
Fuel Economy
Mg3
Value
Mg3
Practicality
Mg3
Pros & Cons
Audi A1
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (4.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 155 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
MG Mg3
More powerful engine (155 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.3 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R469 900)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A1 or Mg3?
The A1 uses 4.8 l/100km and the Mg3 uses 4.3 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The Mg3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A1 or Mg3?
The A1 produces 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque while the Mg3 delivers 155 kW and 425 Nm of torque. The Mg3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A1 and Mg3?
The A1 starts from R530 900 and the Mg3 from R469 900. The Mg3 is cheaper by R61 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A1 or Mg3?
The A1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Mg3 can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A1 or the Mg3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider