MG 5 vs Audi A3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 MG 5 starts from $32,990 before on-road costs, while the Audi A3 opens at $54,800. That makes the MG 5 the more affordable entry point by $21,810.
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 $36,289 and $60,280 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi A3 by roughly $1,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Audi A3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A3 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the MG 5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG 5 and 6 in the Audi A3. The MG 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Audi A3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The MG 5 features a 10-inch touchscreen, while the Audi A3 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A3 counters with heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that the MG 5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Audi A3 offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the MG 5 and 3-zone in the Audi A3.
Drivetrain
The MG 5 uses a 1.5L Turbo Petrol producing 119kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Audi A3 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The MG 5 has the clear power advantage at 119kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG 5 measures 4,675mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 323mm longer than the Audi A3 at 4,352mm (2,635mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 401L in the MG 5 and 325L in the Audi A3, giving the MG 5 a 76L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the MG 5 and $1,511/year for the Audi A3. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the Audi A3.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (MG 5) vs $1,511 (Audi A3). The Audi A3 saves you roughly $313 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG 5 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.
Buy the Audi A3 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG 5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi A3 will save you roughly $313 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MG 5 has a clear edge. The MG 5 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, MG 5 and Audi A3?
The MG 5 is the cheapest at $32,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A3 by $21,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A3 uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Audi A3 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG 5 has the largest boot at 401L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG 5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG 5 makes the most power at 119kW.
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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