VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
81 kW
Torque
142 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
10.8 s
9.7 s
Engine
1495 cc
999 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 81 kW. On fuel, the MG3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R269 900 for the MG3 and R363 300 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
81 kW
Torque
142 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
10.8 s
9.7 s
Top Speed
—
196 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
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
137 g/km
114 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4113 mm
3972 mm
Width
1797 mm
1682 mm
Height
1502 mm
1447 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
149 mm
128 mm
Kerb Weight
1199 Kg
1092 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
293-893 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
4
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
2
Service Plan Distance
45000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Polo Vivo
Value
MG3
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
MG MG3
Lower starting price (R269 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.0 l/100km)
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.7 ss)
Higher starting price
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 4.8 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 81 kW and 200 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the MG3 and Polo Vivo?
The MG3 starts from R269 900 and the Polo Vivo from R363 300. The MG3 is cheaper by R93 400 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 1000 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.