Mazda Mazda2 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.
Data checked: specs 12 Sep 2026, price 22 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$22,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$20,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda2 starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the MG MG3 opens at $20,990. That makes the MG MG3 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $25,289 and $23,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda2 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mazda Mazda2
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000892 · published 27 Sep 2019The vehicle's fuel tank may exceed the specified manufacturing dimensions and place additional strain on the fuel tank retaining strap, which may weaken or potentially break.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- REC-000875 · published 11 Feb 2018On some vehicles, the shape of the teeth on the parking brake sector gear may not meet specification.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2018
- 4 more on the model page.
MG MG3
- REC-006468 · published 3 Nov 2025In the event of collision, the inner side of the cushion frame may move forward and downwards much further than expected, inadvertently contacting the unlocking lever and then the locking pin, thereby causing the inboard rail to unlock.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda Mazda2 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. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda2 uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 142Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda Mazda2 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda Mazda2 measures 4,085mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 28mm shorter than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 250L in the Mazda Mazda2 and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the MG MG3 a 43L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda2 leads with a 900kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.2m
Based on 9.8m 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 $1,425/year for the Mazda Mazda2 and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda2.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda2) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda'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
MG MG3: Top CarSorted Score, 72 vs 71
The MG MG3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (72 vs 71), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (MG MG3 ahead by 17), fuel economy (Mazda Mazda2 ahead by 9), reliability (Mazda Mazda2 ahead by 4). The Mazda Mazda2 will save you roughly $285 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, Mazda Mazda2 and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda Mazda2 by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda2 uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
MG MG3 holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda Mazda2, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MG3 has the largest boot at 293L with the seats up.
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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