MG MG3 vs BYD Atto 1
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 MG MG3 starts from $20,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 1 opens at $23,990. That makes the MG MG3 the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
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 $23,089 and $26,389 respectively.
The BYD Atto 1 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 BYD Atto 1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the MG MG3. Adult occupant protection scored 74% for the MG MG3 and 82% for the BYD Atto 1.
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 1 in the BYD Atto 1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG MG3 and 6 in the BYD Atto 1.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG3 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Atto 1 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG3 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the BYD Atto 1. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MG3 uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 142Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.8 seconds.
The BYD Atto 1 responds with a Electric making 65kW and 175Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The MG MG3 has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 65kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 1 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG MG3 measures 4,113mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 123mm longer than the BYD Atto 1 at 3,990mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 293L in the MG MG3 and 440L in the BYD Atto 1, giving the BYD Atto 1 a 147L advantage. The MG MG3 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.4m
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BYD'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. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 1 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, MG MG3 and BYD Atto 1?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Atto 1 by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG MG3 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The BYD Atto 1 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 1 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG MG3 makes the most power at 81kW. The BYD Atto 1 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.5s.
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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