Compare every MG MG3 variant sold new in Australia. 5 variants, from $20,990 to $29,990 RRP. Side-by-side specs, ANCAP safety, fuel economy, towing capacity, warranty and running costs, pricing sourced from the MG Australian website and updated weekly.
5 variants of the MG MG3 are on sale in Australia. Compare them side-by-side in the table below, or tap any variant to jump to it and expand its full specs.
| Variant | RRP | Power / Torque | Fuel / Range | Drive | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe2026 | $20,990 | 81kW / 142Nm | 6L/100km | FWD | 5 |
| Excite2026 | $23,990 | 81kW / 142Nm | 6L/100km | FWD | 5 |
| Essence2026 | $25,990 | 81kW / 142Nm | 6L/100km | FWD | 5 |
| Excite Hybrid+2026 | $27,990 | 155kW / 425Nm | 4.3L/100km | FWD | 5 |
| Essence Hybrid+2026 | $29,990 | 155kW / 425Nm | 4.3L/100km | FWD | 5 |
The 2026 MG MG3 Vibe is a practical five-door hatchback powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, ideal for budget-conscious first-time buyers and city commuters seeking affordable motoring with a decade-long warranty. Its standout strength is genuine value, combining reasonable fuel economy of 6L/100km with modest running costs around $2450 annually and a spacious 293-litre boot in a light 1178kg package that's easy on tyres and brakes. Consider that its 4-star ANCAP safety rating trails the five-star benchmark, though the CVT transmission and 81kW output prove adequate for suburban driving rather than highway performance.
Configure the VibeThe 2026 MG MG3 Excite is a practical five-seat city hatchback powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 81kW, ideal for first-time buyers and urban commuters seeking affordable motoring with a 10-year warranty. Its standout strength is genuine economy-the 1.5L petrol engine returns just 6L/100km whilst keeping annual running costs around $2450, making it one of the most cost-effective options in its segment. One consideration: whilst the four-star ANCAP rating meets baseline safety standards, it's worth noting this sits below the five-star safety benchmarks now common in the hatchback class.
Configure the ExciteThe 2026 MG MG3 Essence is a practical five-seat hatchback that suits budget-conscious buyers seeking affordable city driving, with a 1.5-litre petrol engine delivering 81kW and 142Nm through a CVT gearbox. Its standout strength is the exceptional 10-year warranty coverage, backed by genuine running costs around $2450 annually and frugal 6L/100km fuel consumption. However, potential buyers should note its 4-star ANCAP safety rating, which trails the 5-star standard now common in the segment, making it worth comparing against newer rivals.
Configure the EssenceThe 2026 MG MG3 Excite Hybrid+ is a stylish five-seat hybrid hatchback that suits budget-conscious buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing practicality, offering a spacious 293-litre boot and 750kg towing capacity. Its standout strength is the combination of a frugal 4.3L/100km consumption with a punchy 155kW and 425Nm from the 1.5-litre petrol engine, delivering real-world efficiency gains over conventional rivals. Consider that the 4-star ANCAP safety rating, while acceptable, trails the 5-star ratings now common in the segment, though the decade-long warranty provides solid peace of mind.
Configure the Excite Hybrid+The 2026 MG MG3 Essence Hybrid+ is a compact hatchback that suits budget-conscious buyers seeking hybrid efficiency without breaking the bank, offering five seats and a practical 293-litre boot for daily commuting and weekend trips. Its standout strength is exceptional fuel economy at just 4.3L/100km combined with a competitive 155kW output and 425Nm torque, translating to roughly $1915 annual running costs-among the lowest in its class. One thing to consider is its 4-star ANCAP safety rating, which trails the 5-star standard now common in newer rivals, so safety-conscious buyers should evaluate this against competitors.
Configure the Essence Hybrid+Related reading
News, buying guides and owner reviews relevant to this model.

MG Motor Australia axes the two Excite entry grades on the S5 EV, leaving the two Essence variants. Essence 49 stays at $42,990 driveaway with a 125kW / 250Nm motor and 335km WLTP from its 49kWh LFP pack. The MY26 Essence 62 holds at $47,990 driveaway but picks up a new 150kW / 350Nm motor (up 25kW and 100Nm), lifts WLTP range 25km to 450km, and drops the 0 to 100km/h claim from 8.6 to 7.0 seconds. A national launch offer to 31 July 2026 knocks $1,000 off both grades, so buyers this month pay $41,990 and $46,990 driveaway. Existing 5-star ANCAP under the 2023 to 2025 protocol carries over on both cars. MG's 10-year, 250,000km warranty stays in play when serviced in the MG dealer network, with 7 years and 160,000km on the battery.

ANCAP hands maximum ratings to four family SUVs in a single sweep under its outgoing 2023-25 protocols. The all-new Mazda CX-5 posts a 93 per cent vulnerable road user score, the highest of any car tested in the entire 2023-25 protocol era. The MG S6 EV tops the batch for adult occupant protection at 92 per cent. The updated Cupra Formentor five-star result covers cars built from December 2025 onwards but excludes both the five-cylinder VZ5 and any four-cylinder ordered with the Extreme Package (the Sabelt bucket seats stop the centre airbag from fitting). BMW X3 (petrol G45) also confirmed at five stars, ratings apply to the current on-sale shape. Everything here sits under the older protocols, the tougher 2026 rules kicked in earlier this month and the BMW iX3 has become the first car to clear them.

Mercedes-Benz Australia confirms the updated GLE 63 S (SUV and Coupe) and GLS 63 for first deliveries in 2027. New M177 EVO 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, 450kW/850Nm, 48V mild hybrid adding 17kW and 205Nm. GLE 63 S hits 100km/h in 3.9 sec, GLS 63 in 4.2 sec, both limited to 280km/h. AMG sticks with V8 power while BMW M, Audi RS and Porsche move to PHEVs and EVs. ANCAP not yet rated, Australian pricing TBC (outgoing GLE 63 S sat around $260k, GLS 63 around $290k).
Buying guides
A shortlist with prices, specs and the trade-offs to know.
A shortlist with prices, specs and the trade-offs to know.
A shortlist with prices, specs and the trade-offs to know.
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