MG3 vs Suzuki Swift

The MG3 Vibe is $20,990 against the Swift GL's $23,990, a $3,000 saving for the MG, which is significant money at this budget end of the market. Both are among the very cheapest new cars on sale.

Running costs favour the Swift: its 1.2-litre mild-hybrid sips a remarkable 4.0L/100km (about $1,140 a year over 15,000km) versus the MG3's 6.0L/100km (around $1,710), roughly $570 a year cheaper to fuel. But the MG's ownership case is transformed by its warranty: a 10-year / 250,000km term if serviced at an MG dealer, otherwise 7 years, against Suzuki's short 3-year / 100,000km, a vast difference for a first-car or budget buyer keeping the car long-term.

Both carry ANCAP ratings below the maximum, but the MG3 is ahead: it holds a 4-star rating (2024) against the Swift's 3-star (2024). Both still come with autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, but neither achieves the 5-star result most larger cars now manage. If safety rating is a priority, the MG3's extra star is a meaningful edge; if it's a deal-breaker, you may want to look at a 5-star small SUV instead.

The MG3 is the bigger, roomier car at 4,113mm versus the Swift's compact 3,860mm, so it's the more practical choice for carrying people and gear, with a usable back seat and boot for the class. It also leans on a central touchscreen and reasonable standard kit for the money.

The Swift is the smaller, lighter, more city-friendly car, easier to park and nip through traffic, and Suzuki has a long reputation for making the Swift genuinely fun to drive. Its cabin is simpler and tighter than the MG's. So the MG3 is the value-and-space pick; the Swift is the light, frugal, enjoyable one.

The MG3 Vibe's 1.5-litre makes 81kW and 142Nm against the Swift's smaller 1.2-litre mild-hybrid with 61kW and 112Nm. The MG has more power and is quicker (10.8s to 100km/h versus 12.4), so it feels more comfortable on the highway and when loaded. Both drive through CVTs and front-wheel drive.

The Swift's trump card is efficiency: its mild-hybrid 1.2 sips just 4.0L/100km, among the best of any non-hybrid light car, and its light weight makes it nimble and fun in town. If you want the cheapest car to fuel and the most enjoyable to drive, the Swift; if you want more performance, space and value, the MG. And if you want real pace, MG's 155kW MG3 Hybrid+ is a different proposition again, worth a look if your budget stretches.