BYD Atto 1 vs MG MG3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 1 starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the MG MG3 opens at $20,990. That makes the MG MG3 the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $26,389 and $23,089 respectively.
The BYD Atto 1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MG MG3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Atto 1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the MG MG3. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the BYD Atto 1 and 74% for the MG MG3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG MG3 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the BYD Atto 1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BYD Atto 1 and 6 in the MG MG3.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
30kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 65kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 65kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 1 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the MG MG3 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG3 counters with power tailgate that the BYD Atto 1 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Atto 1 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the MG MG3 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 1 uses a Electric producing 65kW and 175Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.1 seconds.
The MG MG3 responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 142Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds.
The MG MG3 has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 65kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MG3 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 1 measures 3,990mm long on a 2,500mm wheelbase, 123mm shorter than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Atto 1 and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the BYD Atto 1 a 15L advantage. The MG MG3 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MG3 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MG MG3 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Atto 1 and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Atto 1 by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG MG3 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The BYD Atto 1 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 1 has the largest boot at 308L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG MG3 makes the most power at 81kW. The MG MG3 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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