Renault Clio 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.
Renault Clio
Price TBC
Hatch
Petrol
H5Ft 1.2 Energy TCe turbo petrol
88kW
5.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
300L
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 Renault Clio 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 Renault Clio.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MG MG3 counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that the Renault Clio does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Renault Clio uses a H5Ft 1.2 Energy TCe turbo petrol producing 88kW and 190Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed dual-clutch (edc) automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 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 Renault Clio has the clear power advantage at 88kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the Renault Clio is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Clio measures 4,063mm long on a 2,589mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Clio generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 300L in the Renault Clio and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the Renault Clio a 7L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,596/year for the Renault Clio and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Renault Clio.
Estimated annual total: $1,596 (Renault Clio) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The Renault Clio saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Clio) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Clio if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Renault'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 Renault Clio takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Renault Clio will save you roughly $114 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, Renault Clio and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Clio uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Renault Clio has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Renault Clio has the largest boot at 300L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Renault Clio makes the most power at 88kW. The Renault Clio is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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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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