What should you buy instead of an MG 3?

The MG3 has been Australia’s best-selling light car for a number of years, thanks in part to its affordable prices, and continued that streak in 2024 when a new-generation model arrived.

Last year, a total of 12,563 units of the MG 3 were registered, more than double the number of its closest rival, the Suzuki Swift (6,126 units), which was also launched in 2024 in new-generation guise.

This new MG 3 hatchback is a drastic departure from the budget-oriented model it replaces. Most notably, it no longer holds the crown for the cheapest new car on sale in Australia – this now goes to the small Kia Picanto.

Another big change is the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. This means that the Toyota Yaris Hybrid finally has a rival in the segment. It is worth noting that although the new Suzuki Swift is called a hybrid, it is only a mild hybrid and is not capable of powering the vehicle on electric energy alone.

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Before we delve deeper into this opinion piece, the micro and light passenger car segment has shrunk in recent years, not only in terms of sales volume but also in terms of available options, as more people switch to buying crossover SUVs from similar size.

Vehicles that have been delisted in Australia (and in some cases globally) include the Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage and Suzuki Baleno.

Although their sales volume is declining, the micro and light passenger car segments still include some of the most affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles on sale in Australia, and also rank at the top as the cheapest to maintain.

Below are the members of the AutoExpert The editors have shared what they would buy for the segment-leading MG 3, while staying within the micro and light passenger car segment.

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MORE: Everything MG 3

Marton Pettendy: Mazda 2

It may be the oldest model left in Australia’s shrinking light car class, which now has just four entrants, but the Mazda 2 is still the one I’d buy.

It’s a shame Mazda recently axed the manual Pure base hatch (and other Pure variants), but even at $26,990 plus on-roads the now entry-level Evolve car is great value compared to the cheaper new MG 3 and Suzuki Swift .

Like all Mazdas, it features premium design, material and build quality, the kind of ergonomics that always make you feel right at home, and the kind of safety, technology and after-sales support you’d expect from a long-standing, high-quality company. -volume Japanese brand.

Moreover, it is still the most dynamic and refined model in its class.

Interested in buying a Mazda2? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda 2

James Wong: Toyota Yaris Hybrid

The Toyota Yaris is perhaps the MG 3’s biggest rival when you take into account the desirable hybrid option.

While the MG represents good value for money, the base-level Toyota isn’t as expensive and is still decently equipped.

It’s more economical, has a five-star ANCAP safety rating (compared to the MG’s three stars) and comes with Toyota’s reputation for reliability and aftersales support.

For me, it’s the safer (albeit more expensive) purchase.

Do you want to buy a Toyota Yaris? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Toyota Yaris

William Stopford: Mazda 2

Mazda Australia made a mistake in December by leaving out the most affordable versions of its entry-level model, as the Mazda 2 in defunct G15 Pure guise ably balanced the competitive demands of a competitive price and a long equipment list .

But even with a higher base price, the Mazda 2 is a charming little one.

Yes, it’s old. Yes, the infotainment is laggy and dated. But it feels solidly put together, it’s still beautiful and it’s a pleasure to drive.

Interested in buying a Mazda2? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda 2

Josh Nevett: Kia Picanto

If you had asked me this question a few months ago, the new Suzuki Swift Hybrid would have been at the top of my list. However, it has since received a one-star ANCAP safety rating, making it difficult to recommend.

That’s why I switched to the Kia Picanto, a cute little city car that has a lot to offer.

Firstly, you can have it with a manual gearbox, which cannot be said for the MG. The Picanto is also significantly cheaper… in fact, it’s the cheapest car on sale right now, significantly undercutting the MG 3 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid.

For the base MG 3 money, you can get behind the wheel of a top-spec Picanto GT-Line, which comes with modern technology, a long warranty and a refreshingly connected driving experience.

Although the new MG 3 is certainly convincing, the Picanto is far from an equally run car.

Do you want to buy a Kia Picanto? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Kia Picanto

Jordan Mulach: Mazda 2

In this segment I think it’s a matter of choosing a car with as few flaws as possible, and that should certainly be the Mazda 2.

The Swift is a decent little car, but that one-star ANCAP safety rating (because Australian examples don’t have the same equipment as other markets) is enough to discount it.

Unfortunately, since I can’t choose the GR Yaris (BOO), Toyota’s small hatchback is taken out of my options, so I have to go for the Mazda 2, which really isn’t a bad conclusion. As my colleagues have said, it is a shame that more affordable versions have been phased out.

Interested in buying a Mazda2? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda 2

Sean Lander: Kia Picanto

I really don’t like the new MG 3. I think the first generation was generally a more enjoyable car to drive and a lot cheaper, so I’m happy to suggest a different car.

It would have been the Suzuki Swift Hybrid with manual transmission, but after it received a poor safety rating (mainly due to poor chest protection for the occupants) it had to be removed – but it’s still a great car!

So the obvious choice is the Kia Picanto. The little tissue box on wheels has been around for a while and is still available for around $20,000 before it hits the road, even in the very best GT-Line trim!

It’s a nice little car, with a surprising amount of space, looks great and has a seven-year warranty. Considering that in manual GT-Line guise it’s the best part of $4000 cheaper than the entry-level MG 3, this really is a no-brainer.

Do you want to buy a Kia Picanto? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Kia Picanto

Jack Snel: Mazda 2

While it’s hard to deny how good the MG’s long ten-year warranty is, it can’t be the only thing you consider when buying a new car.

With this in mind, I’d personally go for the Mazda 2 hatchback, although the outgoing Suzuki Swift Sport is a cheeky alternative choice. Sure, the 2 is old, has outdated infotainment technology, and isn’t nearly as affordable as it once was, but it’s still my light car of choice.

The Mazda 2 is one of the few small cars that puts the energy of a big car on the road, and its snappy dynamics make it fun around town.

With the Pure and Pure SP variants dropped, the entry point is now the Evolve, which I reviewed last year and really enjoyed. I want it in Soul Red metallic paint, please and thank you.

Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda 2

Max Davies: Suzuki Swift

I would have loved to choose the Mazda 2. I had the opportunity to review the (now defunct) G15 Pure manual last year and thoroughly enjoyed the simple, cheap and cheerful motoring it offered.

Alas, Mazda has dropped that, as well as a handful of other opening variants for its smallest car, and without the manual transmission it’s much less attractive to me – not to mention that the base price is now several thousand dollars more expensive.

The alternative in my view is of course the Suzuki Swift Hybrid, which has the advantage over the Mazda of having been launched last year and has plenty of modern technology and a comfortable interior to keep you happy in the long term.

It’s still cheap and you even get a five-speed manual gearbox at the bottom of the range. Even though the mild-hybrid technology isn’t as strong as the hybrid system found higher up in the MG 3 range, there are some economic benefits to be had there too.

The Swift’s recent one-star safety rating certainly hurts, especially compared to the MG 3’s appropriate three stars. That said, low-profile technology is good, and I never felt unsafe behind the wheel of the Zook.

Do you want to buy a Suzuki Swift? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift