GWM ORA 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 GWM ORA starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the MG MG3 opens at $20,990. That makes the MG MG3 the more affordable entry point by $11,000.
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 $35,189 and $23,089 respectively.
The GWM ORA 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 GWM ORA holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the MG MG3. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the GWM ORA and 74% for the MG MG3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM ORA packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the MG MG3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM ORA and 6 in the MG MG3. The GWM ORA adds a 360-degree camera that the MG MG3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The GWM ORA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 GWM ORA stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the MG MG3. The MG MG3 counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the GWM ORA gets synthetic leather upholstery while the MG MG3 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The GWM ORA uses a Electric producing 126kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 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 GWM ORA has the clear power advantage at 126kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM ORA is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM ORA measures 4,235mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 122mm longer than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM ORA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the GWM ORA and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the MG MG3 a 23L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m 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
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM ORA) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM ORA if: You prioritise performance, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MG3 takes 4 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, GWM ORA and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM ORA by $11,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG MG3 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The GWM ORA 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 GWM ORA makes the most power at 126kW. The GWM ORA is quickest to 100km/h in 9.8s.
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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