What should you buy instead of an MG 3?

The MG 3 has been Australia’s top-selling light car for a number of years now due in part to its affordable pricing, and it continued that streak in 2024 amid a new-generation model arriving.

Last year a total of 12,563 examples of the MG 3 were registered, more than double the amount of its closest rival, the Suzuki Swift (6126 examples), which also launched in new-generation guise in 2024.

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

Another major change is the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. This means the Toyota Yaris Hybrid finally has a rival in the segment. It’s worth noting that while the new Suzuki Swift is called a hybrid, it’s only a mild-hybrid and isn’t capable of driving the vehicle under electric power alone.

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Before we get into the meat of this op-ed, the micro and light passenger vehicle segments have been shrinking over the last few years, not only in terms of sales volume but available options, as more people move to buying similarly sized crossover SUVs.

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

While their sales volume is dwindling, the micro and light passenger car segments still include some of the most affordable and fuel efficient vehicles on sale in Australia, plus they’re also up there as the cheapest to maintain.

Below, the members of the CarExpert editorial team have shared what they would buy over the segment-leading MG 3, while sticking within the micro and light passenger car segments.

Interested in buying an MG 3? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything MG 3

Marton Pettendy: Mazda 2

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

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

Like all Mazdas, it has top-notch design, material and build quality, the type of ergonomics that always make you feel instantly at home, and the kind of safety, technology and aftersales backup you’d expect from a long-established, high-volume Japanese brand.

What’s more, it’s still the most dynamic and refined model in its class.

Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda 2

James Wong: Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Like for like, the Toyota Yaris is arguably the MG 3’s closest rival when you factor in the desirable hybrid option.

While the MG represents strong value for money, the Toyota isn’t all that more expensive at the base level and still comes decently equipped.

It’s more fuel efficient, wears 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 (if more expensive) buy.

Interested in buying a Toyota Yaris? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Toyota Yaris

William Stopford: Mazda 2

Mazda Australia made a mistake in axing the most affordable versions of its entry-level car in December, because in defunct G15 Pure guise the Mazda 2 adeptly balanced the competing demands of a sharp price and a long equipment list.

Even with a higher base price, though, the Mazda 2 is a charming little tike.

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

Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda 2

Josh Nevett: Kia Picanto

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

As such, I’ve pivoted to the Kia Picanto, a cute little city car with plenty to offer.

For one, you can have it with a manual gearbox, which can’t be said for the MG. The Picanto is also significantly cheaper… in fact, it’s the cheapest car on sale today, undercutting the MG 3 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid by a long way.

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

While the new MG 3 is certainly compelling, the Picanto is far from an also-ran.

Interested in buying a Kia Picanto? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Kia Picanto

Jordan Mulach: Mazda 2

In this segment I feel it’s a case of picking a vehicle with as few flaws as possible, and that’s surely got to be the Mazda 2.

The Swift is a decent little car but that one-star ANCAP safety rating (due to Australian examples not having the same equipment as other markets) is enough to discount it.

Unfortunately not being able to pick the GR Yaris (BOO) discounts Toyota’s pint-sized hatchback from my options, so I’ve got to go with the Mazda 2, which really isn’t a bad conclusion. As my colleagues have said, it’s a shame more affordable versions were axed.

Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Get in touch with 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 overall a more enjoyable car to drive and a damn sight cheaper, so I’m more than happy to suggest another car.

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

So the obvious choice is the Kia Picanto. The tiny tissue box on wheels has been around for a while now and can still be had for around $20,000 before on-roads, even in top-spec GT-Line trim!

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

Interested in buying a Kia Picanto? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Kia Picanto

Jack Quick: Mazda 2

While it’s hard to deny how good the MG’s lengthy 10-year warranty is, this can’t be all you consider when buying a new car.

With this in mind I’d personally go for the Mazda 2 hatchback, though the outgoing Suzuki Swift Sport is a cheeky alternate choice. Sure the 2 is old, has outdated infotainment tech, and is nowhere near 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 gives big-car energy on the road, plus its zippy dynamics make it fun around the city.

Now the Pure and Pure SP variants have been axed, the entry point is now the Evolve which I reviewed last year and really enjoyed. I’ll have it in Soul Red metallic paint, please and thank you.

Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda 2

Max Davies: Suzuki Swift

I really would’ve loved to have picked the Mazda 2. I had the opportunity to review the (now-defunct) bottom-of-the-barrel G15 Pure manual last year and thoroughly enjoyed the simple, cheap and cheerful motoring it provided.

Alas, Mazda has axed that and a handful of the other range-opening variants for its smallest car, and without the manual gearbox it’s much less appealing to me – not to mention its base price is now several thousand bucks dearer.

Naturally, then, the alternative in my eyes is the Suzuki Swift Hybrid, which against the Mazda has the benefit of being released last year and has plenty of up-to-date tech and a comfortable interior to keep you satisfied in the long run.

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

The Swift’s recent one-star safety rating sure hurts, especially against the MG 3’s befitting three stars. That being said, unobtrusive tech is good, and I never felt unsafe behind the wheel of the Zook.

Interested in buying a Suzuki Swift? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift