VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
77 kW
Torque
142 Nm
153 Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
10.8 s
12.6 s
Engine
1495 cc
1598 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 77 kW. On fuel, the MG3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 6.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R344 900 for the MG3 and R326 800 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
77 kW
Torque
142 Nm
153 Nm
0-100 kph
10.8 s
12.6 s
Top Speed
—
188 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1495 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
156 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4113 mm
3972 mm
Width
1797 mm
1682 mm
Height
1502 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
149 mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1199 Kg
1102 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
2 (opt 4)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
MG3
Fuel Economy
MG3
Value
Polo Vivo
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
MG MG3
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Lower starting price (R326 800)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 81 kW)
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 6.5 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 Polo Vivo?
The MG3 produces 81 kW and 142 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 77 kW and 153 Nm of torque. The MG3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MG3 and Polo Vivo?
The MG3 starts from R344 900 and the Polo Vivo from R326 800. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R18 100 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.