Ford Fiesta 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.
Ford Fiesta
Price TBC
Hatch
Petrol
Duratec 1.5L Ti-VCT DOHC
82kW
5.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
290L
MG MG3
From $20,990
Hatch
Petrol
Petrol
81kW
6 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
293L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
The Ford Fiesta holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars 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 0 in the Ford Fiesta.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MG MG3 counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that the Ford Fiesta does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Fiesta uses a Duratec 1.5L Ti-VCT DOHC producing 82kW and 140Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a FWD layout.
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 Ford Fiesta has the clear power advantage at 82kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Boot space is 290L in the Ford Fiesta and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the MG MG3 a 3L 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
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 9.0 m of road; you have 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,653/year for the Ford Fiesta and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Ford Fiesta.
Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Ford Fiesta) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The Ford Fiesta saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Ford Fiesta) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Fiesta if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Fiesta takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Ford Fiesta will save you roughly $57 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, Ford Fiesta and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Fiesta uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Ford Fiesta has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
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 Ford Fiesta makes the most power at 82kW.
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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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