Peugeot 208 vs MG MG3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs 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.
Peugeot 208
Price TBC
Hatch
Petrol
1.6L THP turbo petrol
153kW
5.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
311L
MG MG3
From $20,990
Hatch
Petrol
Petrol
81kW
6 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
293L
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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 Peugeot 208 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 Peugeot 208.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Peugeot 208 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the MG MG3 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The MG MG3 counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that the Peugeot 208 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Peugeot 208 uses a 1.6L THP turbo petrol producing 153kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 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.
The Peugeot 208 has the clear power advantage at 153kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the Peugeot 208 is 4.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Peugeot 208 measures 3,973mm long on a 2,538mm wheelbase, 140mm shorter than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 311L in the Peugeot 208 and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the Peugeot 208 a 18L advantage.
For towing, the Peugeot 208 leads with a 930kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 430kg 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 $1,539/year for the Peugeot 208 and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 208.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Peugeot 208) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The Peugeot 208 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Peugeot 208) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Peugeot 208 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Peugeot 208 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories. The Peugeot 208 will save you roughly $171 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Peugeot 208 and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 208 uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Peugeot 208 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Peugeot 208 has the largest boot at 311L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Peugeot 208 makes the most power at 153kW. The Peugeot 208 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.8s.
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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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