Citroen C3 vs MG MG3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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.
Price Breakdown
The Citroen C3 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Citroen C3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the MG MG3. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Citroen C3 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 1 in the Citroen C3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG3 counters with power tailgate that the Citroen C3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Citroen C3 uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 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.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the MG MG3 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Citroen C3 measures 4,015mm long on a 2,540mm wheelbase, 98mm 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 310L in the Citroen C3 and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the Citroen C3 a 17L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m diameter
Good
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Citroen C3 and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Citroen C3.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Citroen C3) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The Citroen C3 saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Citroen C3) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Citroen C3 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Citroen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Citroen C3 and MG MG3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Citroen C3 will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. 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, Citroen C3 and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Citroen C3 by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Citroen C3 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Citroen C3 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Citroen C3 has the largest boot at 310L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
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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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