At a Glance
Power
81 kW
77 kW
Torque
142 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
10.8 s
11.2 s
Engine
1495 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the MG MG3 and the Toyota Starlet is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MG MG3 delivers 81 kW while the Toyota Starlet produces 77 kW. On fuel, the MG3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R269 900 for the MG3 and R271 000 for the Starlet. 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
77 kW
Torque
142 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
10.8 s
11.2 s
Top Speed
—
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1495 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
137 g/km
127 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4113 mm
3990 mm
Width
1797 mm
1745 mm
Height
1502 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
149 mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1199 Kg
965 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
293-893 l
314- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ 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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
3
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
4 services
Service Plan Distance
45000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
MG3
Fuel Economy
Starlet
Value
MG3
Practicality
Starlet
Pros & Cons
MG MG3
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Lower starting price (R269 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.0 l/100km)
Toyota Starlet
Better fuel economy (5.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 81 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MG3 or Starlet?
The MG3 uses 6.0 l/100km and the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet 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 Starlet?
The MG3 produces 81 kW and 142 Nm of torque while the Starlet delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The MG3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MG3 and Starlet?
The MG3 starts from R269 900 and the Starlet from R271 000. The MG3 is cheaper by R1 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MG3 or Starlet?
The MG3 has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the Starlet can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MG3 or the Starlet?
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.