VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
55 kW
Torque
142 Nm
130 Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
10.8 s
12.8 s
Engine
1495 cc
1398 cc
Choosing between the MG MG3 and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MG MG3 delivers 81 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 55 kW. On fuel, the MG3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R309 900 for the MG3 and R271 900 for the Polo Vivo. 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.
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
55 kW
Torque
142 Nm
130 Nm
0-100 kph
10.8 s
12.8 s
Top Speed
—
171 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1495 cc
1398 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
132 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4113 mm
3972 mm
Width
1797 mm
1682 mm
Height
1502 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
149 mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1199 Kg
1063 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
293-893 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
4
2 (opt 4)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
3
—
Service Plan Distance
45000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
MG3
Fuel Economy
Polo Vivo
Value
Polo Vivo
Practicality
MG3
Pros & Cons
MG MG3
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Higher towing capacity (500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R271 900)
Less power than rival (55 kW vs 81 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MG3 or Polo Vivo?
The MG3 uses 6.0 l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Polo Vivo is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the MG3 or Polo Vivo?
The MG3 produces 81 kW and 142 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 55 kW and 130 Nm of torque. The MG3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MG3 and Polo Vivo?
The MG3 starts from R309 900 and the Polo Vivo from R271 900. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R38 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MG3 or Polo Vivo?
The MG3 has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the Polo Vivo can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MG3 or the Polo Vivo?
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.