VS
At a Glance
Power
155 kW
81 kW
Torque
425 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
4.3 combined l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
9.7 s
Engine
1498 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 155 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 81 kW. On fuel, the MG3 returns 4.3 combined l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R469 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
155 kW
81 kW
Torque
425 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
9.7 s
Top Speed
—
196 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.3 combined l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
36 litre + 1.83 kWh l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
100 combined 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
148 mm
128 mm
Kerb Weight
1308 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
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ 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 (155 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.3 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Lower starting price (R363 300)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (4.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 155 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MG3 or Polo Vivo?
The MG3 uses 4.3 combined l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 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 155 kW and 425 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 81 kW and 200 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 R469 900 and the Polo Vivo from R363 300. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R106 600 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.