Fiat 500 vs MG MG3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs 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 Fiat 500 starts from $28,900 before on-road costs, while the MG MG3 opens at $20,990. That makes the MG MG3 the more affordable entry point by $7,910.
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 $31,790 and $23,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Fiat 500 by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Fiat 500 and MG MG3 hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the Fiat 500 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 4 in the Fiat 500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Fiat 500 and 6 in the MG MG3.
Feature Showdown
The Fiat 500 features a 7-inch touchscreen, 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 Fiat 500 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Fiat 500 gets fabric upholstery while the MG MG3 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Fiat 500 uses a MultiAir Petrol producing 51kW and 102Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed dualogic automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.9 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.
The MG MG3 has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 51kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MG3 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Fiat 500 measures 3,571mm long on a 2,300mm wheelbase, 542mm 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 185L in the Fiat 500 and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the MG MG3 a 108L advantage. The MG MG3 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.2m
Based on 9.3m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,368/year for the Fiat 500 and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Fiat 500.
Estimated annual total: $1,368 (Fiat 500) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The Fiat 500 saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Fiat 500 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MG3 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Fiat 500 will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MG MG3 has a clear edge. 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, Fiat 500 and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Fiat 500 by $7,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Fiat 500 uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Fiat 500 and MG MG3 all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MG3 has the largest boot at 293L.
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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