Kia Cerato 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.
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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 Kia Cerato 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 Kia Cerato.
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 Kia Cerato does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Cerato lines up producing 112kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic 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 Kia Cerato has the clear power advantage at 112kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Cerato measures 4,510mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 397mm longer than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Cerato generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 428L in the Kia Cerato and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the Kia Cerato a 135L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Cerato leads with a 1,100kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
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 $2,109/year for the Kia Cerato and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the MG MG3.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Kia Cerato) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The MG MG3 saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Cerato) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Cerato if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Cerato takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The MG MG3 will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Cerato 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, Kia Cerato and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG MG3 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Kia Cerato has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Cerato has the largest boot at 428L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Cerato has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Cerato makes the most power at 112kW.
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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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