VS
At a Glance
Power
73kW@5500
155 kW
Torque
136Nm@4200
425 Nm
Fuel
6.1
4.3 combined l/100km
Towing
1000
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
11.6
8.0 s
Engine
1396
1498 cc
Choosing between the HYUNDAI i20 and the MG MG3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HYUNDAI i20 delivers 73kW@5500 while the MG MG3 produces 155 kW. On fuel, the i20 returns 6.1 while the MG3 uses 4.3 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R179 900 for the i20 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.
Performance
Power Output
73kW@5500
155 kW
Torque
136Nm@4200
425 Nm
0-100 kph
11.6
8.0 s
Top Speed
181
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1396
1498 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.1
4.3 combined l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45
36 litre + 1.83 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
132
100 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995
4113 mm
Width
-1710
1797 mm
Height
1490
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2525
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
150
148 mm
Kerb Weight
1028
1308 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
293-893 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000
500 Kg
Load Capacity
295
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✗
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
7
Warranty Distance
150000
200000 Km
Service Plan
S
✓ 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
MG3
Value
i20
Practicality
i20
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI i20
Lower starting price (R179 900)
Higher towing capacity (1000)
Higher fuel consumption (6.1)
No factory service plan
MG MG3
Better fuel economy (4.3 combined l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i20 or MG3?
The i20 uses 6.1 and the MG3 uses 4.3 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The MG3 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 i20 or MG3?
The i20 produces 73kW@5500 and 136Nm@4200 of torque while the MG3 delivers 155 kW and 425 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the i20 and MG3?
The i20 starts from R179 900 and the MG3 from R469 900. The i20 is cheaper by R290 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the i20 or MG3?
The i20 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 and the MG3 can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the i20 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.