VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
96 kW
Torque
142 Nm
230 Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
10.8 s
8.7 s
Engine
1495 cc
1199 cc
Choosing between the MG MG3 and the Opel Corsa is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MG MG3 delivers 81 kW while the Opel Corsa produces 96 kW. On fuel, the MG3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Corsa uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R309 900 for the MG3 and R489 900 for the Corsa. 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
96 kW
Torque
142 Nm
230 Nm
0-100 kph
10.8 s
8.7 s
Top Speed
—
208 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1495 cc
1199 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
44 l
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
143 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4113 mm
4055 mm
Width
1797 mm
1745-1970 mm
Height
1502 mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2540 mm
Ground Clearance
149 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1199 Kg
1233 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
293-893 l
309-1081 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
1200 Kg
Load Capacity
—
417 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
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Corsa
Fuel Economy
MG3
Value
MG3
Practicality
Corsa
Pros & Cons
MG MG3
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 96 kW)
Opel Corsa
More powerful engine (96 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1200 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MG3 or Corsa?
The MG3 uses 6.0 l/100km and the Corsa uses 6.3 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 MG3 or Corsa?
The MG3 produces 81 kW and 142 Nm of torque while the Corsa delivers 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The Corsa is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MG3 and Corsa?
The MG3 starts from R309 900 and the Corsa from R489 900. The MG3 is cheaper by R180 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MG3 or Corsa?
The MG3 has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the Corsa can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MG3 or the Corsa?
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.