MG 3 Hybrid+ vs. Toyota Yaris Hybrid comparison: A battle of specs

first generation machine gun 3 It was a polarizing car – it was dirt cheap and sold like hotcakes, but many complained about its lack of luster.

It’s clear that the Chinese automaker listened to this feedback, because the new MG 3 is a better car, but it costs a lot more.

In fact, the asking price has risen so much that the new MG 3 will cost just under $30,000 before it hits the road, making it perfectly Toyota Yaris territory.

The Yaris is a familiar face among the budget car crowd, dating back to the turn of the century.

The current Yaris is a slightly more expensive, older alternative to the MG 3, with classic small car character and a trustworthy badge.

But if you remove the Toyota brand, does the Yaris still hold up compared to its recently overhauled rivals?

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Pricing

Both model ranges include multiple variants, with the Yaris Hybrid being more expensive overall.

The base Yaris Ascent Sport Hybrid ($28,500 before on-roads) slots between the entry-level MG 3 Excite Hybrid ($27,990 before on-roads) and the flagship MG 3 Essence Hybrid ($29,990 before on-roads).

The mid-spec Yaris SX Hybrid adds another $31,960 plus on-road costs, while the ZR Hybrid adds a further $2570.

Interested in buying an MG 3 or Toyota Yaris? Click the link to contact a dealer.

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Drivetrain and efficiency

The two hybrid cabins offer very unique powertrains, each serving a different buyer.

On the one hand, the new MG 3 Hybrid+ has an extra cylinder, which adds an additional 70kW of power, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 8.0 seconds. In other words, it has more grunt.

The Yaris Hybrid, on the other hand, is lighter, more fuel-efficient, and happily runs on a cheaper 91 RON. This is the frugal choice.

Interested in buying an MG 3 or Toyota Yaris? Click the link to contact a dealer.

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aspect

The new MG 3 Hybrid+ is larger than the Yaris Hybrid in every way, but it’s by no means a large car.

The larger exterior dimensions are reflected in the battle for boot space, which MG also wins – the MG 3 has 293L of cargo space compared to the Yaris’ 270L.

Interested in buying an MG 3 or Toyota Yaris? Click the link to contact a dealer.

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Repair and Warranty

MG Australia offers Australia’s longest warranty – 10 years and 250,000 kilometers – on all its models, including the new MG 3.

The high-voltage battery system is covered by the same warranty, and all versions include a seven-year roadside assistance plan.

The brand also offers a seven-year capped-price servicing plan. Hybrid models require service every 12 months or 10,000 kilometers.

Toyota, on the other hand, offers a five-year, unlimited kilometer warranty on its range.

The warranty can be extended to 7 years for the powertrain and 10 years for the hybrid battery if you have it repaired within the dealer network. Roadside assistance is a paid option and costs $99 per year.

Service is required every 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first.

Interested in buying an MG 3 or Toyota Yaris? Click the link to contact a dealer.

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Safety

From a safety perspective, the previous generation MG 3 provided minimal safety, but the new model brings more benefits.

Although the MG 3 Hybrid has not yet been assessed by ANCAP, it comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features including six airbags, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a reversing camera.

The Yaris, on the other hand, is a proven product in this regard – based on Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2020, it received a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Having said that, only the top-spec ZR comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, both features even the base MG 3 comes with.

The two cars are otherwise similar, although the Yaris Hybrid has two additional airbags.

Interested in buying an MG 3 or Toyota Yaris? Click the link to contact a dealer.

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Standard equipment

The spec differences between the MG 3 Hybrid and Yaris Hybrid depend entirely on the model.

The base MG 3 Hybrid comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, wired smartphone mirroring, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster system and halogen headlights.

Toyota’s base Ascent Sport comes with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen and halogen headlights.

At the top of the range, the MG 3 Essence comes with LED headlights, a sunroof, faux leather trim, a leather steering wheel, satellite navigation and a surround-view camera.

Higher-spec Yaris Hybrid models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, soft-touch trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a head-up display.

Interested in buying an MG 3 or Toyota Yaris? Click the link to contact a dealer.

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Automotive Expert’s Choice

James Wong: The two cars here are the cheapest full hybrids you can buy in Australia, and both offer plenty of metal for good value.

The Yaris is the king of efficiency inefficiencies, excels in safety, and enjoys Toyota’s reputation for reliability with cheap annual servicing.

The MG, meanwhile, arguably looks and feels newer, and in many ways more premium. MG’s longer warranty also provides peace of mind. The extra noise comes at the expense of fuel efficiency, though.

If you want the most efficient running costs in your city car, I’d go with the Yaris.

However, if you want the best deal, you can buy the top-spec MG 3 Hybrid+ Essence for about the same price as a base Yaris Hybrid.

Interested in buying an MG 3 or Toyota Yaris? Click the link to contact a dealer.

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