VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
70 kW
Torque
142 Nm
175 Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
10.8 s
10.8 s
Engine
1495 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the MG MG3 and the Volkswagen Polo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MG MG3 delivers 81 kW while the Volkswagen Polo produces 70 kW. On fuel, the MG3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Polo uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R344 900 for the MG3 and R420 800 for the Polo. 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
70 kW
Torque
142 Nm
175 Nm
0-100 kph
10.8 s
10.8 s
Top Speed
—
187 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1495 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
124 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4113 mm
4074 mm
Width
1797 mm
1751-1964 mm
Height
1502 mm
1451 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2552 mm
Ground Clearance
149 mm
106 mm
Kerb Weight
1199 Kg
1067 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
293-893 l
351 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
575 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
4
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
3
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
3
Service Plan Distance
45000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MG MG3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
MG3
Fuel Economy
Polo
Value
MG3
Practicality
MG3
Pros & Cons
MG MG3
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Lower starting price (R344 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.0 l/100km)
Volkswagen Polo
Better fuel economy (5.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 81 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MG3 or Polo?
The MG3 uses 6.0 l/100km and the Polo uses 5.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Polo 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?
The MG3 produces 81 kW and 142 Nm of torque while the Polo delivers 70 kW and 175 Nm of torque. The MG3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MG3 and Polo?
The MG3 starts from R344 900 and the Polo from R420 800. The MG3 is cheaper by R75 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MG3 or Polo?
The MG3 has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the Polo can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MG3 or the Polo?
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.