MG MG3 vs Suzuki Swift
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 Suzuki Swift 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Suzuki Swift by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG MG3 and Suzuki Swift hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 74% for the MG MG3 and 47% for the Suzuki Swift.
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 4 in the Suzuki Swift.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG MG3 and 6 in the Suzuki Swift.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG3 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Suzuki Swift gets a 7-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 Suzuki Swift. 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 Suzuki Swift responds with a Petrol making 61kW and 112Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.4 seconds.
The MG MG3 has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 61kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MG3 is 1.6s 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, 253mm longer than the Suzuki Swift at 3,860mm (2,450mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 293L in the MG MG3 and 267L in the Suzuki Swift, giving the MG MG3 a 26L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.2m
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.8m 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 $1,710/year for the MG MG3 and $1,311/year for the Suzuki Swift. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Swift.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (MG MG3) vs $1,311 (Suzuki Swift). The Suzuki Swift saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Swift). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG3 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 Suzuki Swift if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MG3 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Suzuki Swift will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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