2025 MG 3 v 2025 Suzuki Swift: Specs battle

There are new generations of Australia’s two cheapest cars: the MG 3 And Suzuki Swift.

While the outgoing MG 3 holds the title of cheapest car on sale in Australia, the new generation is $5000 more expensive than even the cheapest variant.

It now offers available hybrid power and a host of new safety tech, although a higher price would bring it closer to rivals like the Suzuki Swift.

Suzuki has added mild hybrid technology to the latest generation of its popular hatchback, but only increased the base price by $500.

You can also still get a manual transmission in the new Swift for which the MG 3 has no direct answer.

With that in mind, which of the two is the better choice for a cheap small car? We’ve broken down the spec sheets to find out.

Pricing

With the new model, MG 3 has lost the title of cheapest car in Australia, replaced by Kia Picanto – although there is still enough stock for the upcoming MG 3 lasts until the end of the year.

The old MG 3 series started at $18,990 drive away, which means it will now cost more than $5000 if you want the base-spec petrol version.

The most expensive MG 3 today is equipped with hybrid technology but is 10,000 USD more expensive than the most advanced model in the previous generation.

The previous Swift range started at $23,990 drive-away everywhere except Queensland, where it cost $25,490 drive-away.

The new Swift Hybrid is now priced at $24,490 drive away for the base manual model, an increase of just $500 over the previous generation.

While the Swift Hybrid is slightly more expensive than the MG 3 at the top end, the premium Suzuki is $500 cheaper than the equivalent MG.

However, it has a mild hybrid system instead of a full hybrid powertrain like the range-topping MG 3.

Powertrain and efficiency

Hybrid technology is a new addition to the MG 3 range, meaning power output has been increased to 155kW on Hybrid+ models.

Petrol models retain the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, although its power output is down 1kW and 8Nm compared to the previous generation.

MG 3 hybrid models produce less power and torque from the engine than non-hybrid models, although the addition of an electric motor increases power significantly. MG has not announced the total torque of the system.

With a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine, the Swift Hybrid produces less power and torque than the MG 3.

Its hybrid system is mild hybrid only, consisting of a 12V lithium-ion battery and a single electric motor that produces 2.3kW of power and 60Nm of torque.

The Swift Hybrid is claimed to be more fuel efficient than the MG 3, while also emitting significantly less carbon dioxide.

Suzuki also retains the manual transmission option for the new generation Swift, while the MG 3 is only automatic with continuously variable transmission (CVT) or Hybrid transmission.

Size

They are similar in height and width, but the MG 3 is significantly longer and heavier than the Swift Hybrid.

The body of the MG 3 is about 250 mm longer than the Swift Hybrid, while its wheelbase is 100 mm longer.

You get similar boot capacity on each, although the MG 3 offers slightly more space in both seat up and seat down configurations.

The Swift Hybrid weighs less than a ton in both manual and automatic variants, although the automatic is heavier than both. Gasoline MG 3s are nearly 250kg heavier than the automatic Swift Hybrid.

With a weight of more than 1300kg, the MG 3 Hybrid+ model is 351kg heavier than its rival Swift automatic.

Service and warranty

MG Australia offers a seven-year, unlimited kilometer warranty on its range of vehicles, including the new MG 3.

Hybrid models come with a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty on the high-voltage battery system, while all models come with a seven-year roadside assistance package.

MG also offers a seven-year price-capped service plan.

Suzuki offers a five-year, unlimited kilometer warranty with the new Swift Hybrid, with servicing required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

Service prices are listed on Suzuki websitewith the first year of service totaling $1955 for the entire product line.

Safety

The new MG 3 has not yet been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP but is equipped with many advanced safety features that the previous version missed out on.

All MG 3 models feature the following standard safety technology:

• 6 airbags
  • Dual front
  • Dual front
  • Curtains on both sides
• Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
• Lane keeping assist with emergency function
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Smart cruise support
  • Traffic congestion support
  • Supports steering, acceleration, braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic warning
• Smart speed support
• Reverse the camera
• Rear parking sensor
• Monitor tire pressure

Extra essence model:

Hybrid+ models add:

• Outside pedestrian warning system

The new Suzuki Swift Hybrid has not yet been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. A lot of the safety technology previously available on more expensive Swift variants has now been fitted as standard on more affordable models.

All Suzuki Swift Hybrid models are equipped with the following standard safety technology:

• 6 airbags
• Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
• Lane keeping assist
• Lane departure warning with prevention function
• Textile warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• High beam support
• Traffic sign recognition
• Rear parking sensor
• Reverse the camera
• Hill hold control

Hybrid Plus models add:

• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic warning

Standard features

The MG 3 range is divided into Excite and Essence variants, with some minor differences between the petrol and hybrid versions of each.

The stimulate Has the following standard equipment:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Spare wheel saves space
• Front and rear disc brakes
• Halogen headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Automatic headlights
• Rear fog lights
• Front USB-A and USB-C ports
• Rear USB-A port
• 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 6-way manual driver’s seat
• 4-way manual passenger seat
• Rear air vent

Hybrid+ extra models:

• No spare wheel – tire repair kit
• Automatic climate control function
• Dial-style gear selector
• Driving mode

Perfume Additional models (on Excite):

• Projector LED headlights
• Keyless entry system
• Rain sensor wipers
• sunroof
• Faux leather and fabric trim
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Rear map pocket
• Front center armrest
• Satellite positioning
• DAB+ digital radio
• Connected mobile service (iSmart compatible)

THAN: Everything MG 3

The Swift Hybrid is divided into three main models, although a manual transmission is only available on the cheapest version.

Base Swift hybrid Has the following standard equipment:

• 15-inch steel wheels
• Tire repair kit
• Front disc brake
• Rear drum brakes
• LED headlights
• Rear fog lights
• Digital speedometer
• 9.0-inch touch screen infotainment system
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• Connect your phone via Bluetooth
• Satellite positioning
• 12V socket
• USB phone connection port
• The interior is all black
• Keyless entry and start
• Heated rearview mirrors
• Stop/start function

Hybrid Plus extra models:

• 16-inch painted alloy wheels
• Rear privacy glass
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Front heated seats
• High quality fabric upholstered chair
• The interior has two tones of gray and black
• USB-A and USB-C charging sockets
• Adjust driver’s seat height

Hybrid GLX extra models:

• 16-inch polished alloy wheels
• Automatic climate control
• Wireless phone charger
• Electric folding rearview mirrors with integrated indicator lights
• Gear shift lever
• Rear heating duct

THAN: Everything Suzuki Swift