MG3 vs Suzuki Swift
$20,990 vs $23,990. Two of the cheapest new cars in Australia. The MG is cheaper with a 10-year warranty; the Swift sips less fuel and is more fun.
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 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 against Suzuki's short 3-year / 100,000km, a vast difference for a first-car or budget buyer keeping the car long-term.
Safety Rundown
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.
Feature Showdown
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.
Drivetrain
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.
CarSorted Data Insight
In our database, the MG3 Vibe is one of the cheapest new cars on sale in Australia, and its 10-year warranty is the longest in the light-car class by a wide margin. The Suzuki Swift's 4.0L/100km, meanwhile, is among the best fuel figures of any non-plug-in light car, the classic value-and-warranty versus economy-and-fun trade-off.
The Verdict
Buy the MG3 if: you want the lowest price, more space, a higher safety rating and the longest warranty.
Buy the Suzuki Swift if: outright fuel economy and a fun, light drive matter more than the spec sheet.
Compare both on CarSorted. See also: Yaris vs Swift | Polo vs Swift.
The Verdict
Two of the cheapest new cars in Australia, with very different value cases. The MG3 Vibe is $3,000 cheaper, more powerful, bigger inside, holds a 4-star ANCAP rating, and is backed by a remarkable 10-year warranty. The Suzuki Swift is the more efficient (a mild-hybrid 4.0L/100km is excellent) and the more fun, lightweight thing to drive, but it's only 3-star ANCAP and its warranty is a short 3 years. For value, space, safety rating and warranty the MG3 wins clearly; choose the Swift if outright economy and driving enjoyment matter more than the spec sheet. (MG also offers a punchy 155kW MG3 Hybrid+ if you want more.)
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (21 June 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 · 21 June 2026
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