What else should you buy besides the MG 3?

this machine gun 3 It has been Australia’s best-selling light car for many years, partly due to its affordable price, and it continues that momentum in 2024 with the arrival of a new generation of models.

Last year, MG 3 registrations totaled 12,563 units, more than double the number of its closest rival, the Suzuki Swift (6126 units), which is also due to launch a new generation model in 2024.

This new MG 3 hatchback is quite different from the budget-oriented model it replaces. Most notably, it no longer holds the crown as Australia’s cheapest new car on sale – that title is now held by the smaller Kia Picanto.

Another big change is the introduction of hybrid powertrains. This means the Toyota Yaris Hybrid finally has a competitor in this segment. It’s worth noting that while the new Suzuki Swift is called a hybrid, it’s only a mild hybrid and can’t drive the vehicle on electricity alone.

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Before we get too deep into this column, the subcompact and light passenger vehicle segment has been shrinking over the past few years, not just in terms of sales, as more and more people turn to buying similarly sized crossover SUVs. And that’s true in terms of the options available.

Vehicles being phased out in Australia (and sometimes globally) include the Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage and Suzuki Baleno.

While sales are declining, the mini and light bus segment still includes some of the most affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles on sale in Australia, and they are also the cheapest to maintain.

Below, members car expert The editorial team shares what products they would buy to replace the segment-leading MG 3 while sticking to the mini and light passenger car segments.

Interested in buying an MG 3? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about MG 3

Marton Pettendi: Mazda 2

It may be the oldest car in Australia’s shrinking light car category, which currently has just four entries, but the Mazda2 is still a car I’d buy.

It’s a shame that Mazda has recently axed the base Pure manual hatchback (as well as other Pure variants), but even with an on-road price of $26,990-plus, the current price of the MG 3 and Suzuki Swift is still high compared with the cheaper new MG 3 and Suzuki Swift. The entry-level Evolve car is also a great value.

Like all Mazdas, it has top-notch design, materials and build quality, the type of ergonomics that always make you feel instantly at home, and the safety, technology and after-sales you’d expect from a high-quality car company with a long history support. Japanese brand mass production.

What’s more, it remains the most dynamic and refined car in its class.

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

More: Everything about Mazda2

James Wong: Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Likewise, the Toyota Yaris is arguably the MG 3’s closest competitor if you factor in the ideal hybrid options.

While the MG offers great value for money, the Toyota’s base price isn’t that expensive, and it’s still well equipped.

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

To me, this is a safer (if more expensive) purchase.

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

MORE: All things Toyota Yaris

William Stopford: Mazda 2

Mazda Australia made a mistake last December when it axed the most affordable version of its entry-level car, because in the guise of the discontinued G15 Pure, the Mazda2 deftly balanced the competing demands of a high price and lengthy equipment list. .

Despite its higher base price, the Mazda2 is still a charming little car.

Yes, it’s old. Yes, the infotainment system is laggy and outdated. But it feels solid, still looks good, and is a joy to drive.

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

More: Everything about Mazda2

Josh Nevitt as Kia Picanto

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

So I turned to the Kia Picanto, a cute little city car with lots of features.

For one, you can have a manual gearbox, but not with the MG. The Picanto is also much cheaper…in fact, it’s the cheapest car on sale right now, well below the MG 3 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid.

For the price of a base MG 3, you can drive a top-spec Picanto GT-Line, packed with modern technology, a long warranty and a refreshingly connected driving experience.

While the new MG 3 is certainly eye-catching, the Picanto is far from outdated.

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

More: Everything about the Kia Picanto

Jordan Mullach: Mazda 2

In this segment, I feel the need to pick a vehicle with as few flaws as possible, and that would definitely be the Mazda2.

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

Unfortunately, I couldn’t choose the GR Yaris (BOO) so I settled on Toyota’s small hatchback, so I had to go with the Mazda2, which was a really good conclusion. As my colleague said, it’s a shame that the more affordable version was axed.

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

More: Everything about Mazda2

Sean Rand: Kia Picanto

I really don’t like the new MG 3. I think the first gen was overall a more enjoyable car to drive and was significantly cheaper, so I’d be more than happy to recommend the other car.

It was originally a Suzuki Swift hybrid with a manual gearbox, but it had to be scrapped after receiving poor safety ratings (mainly due to poor occupant chest protection) – 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 can still be purchased for around $20,000 before hitting the road, even in top-spec GT-Line trim!

It’s a fun little car that has a surprising amount of space and looks great, and it comes with a seven-year warranty. Considering the best part about the GT-Line manual trim is that it’s $4000 cheaper than the entry-level MG 3, that’s really a given.

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

More: Everything about the Kia Picanto

Jack Quick: Mazda 2

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

With that in mind, I’d personally choose the Mazda2 hatchback, although the upcoming Suzuki Swift Sport is a cheeky alternative. Sure, the 2 is old, the infotainment tech is outdated, and it’s not nearly as affordable as it once was, but it’s still my lightweight car of choice.

The Mazda2 is one of the few small cars that can deliver the energy of a large car on the road, and that combined with its nimble dynamics makes it fun to drive around the city.

Now that the Pure and Pure SP variants have been axed, the entry point is the Evolve, which I reviewed last year and absolutely loved. I’ll paint it Soul Red Metallic, thanks.

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

More: Everything about Mazda2

Max Davis: Suzuki Swift

I really want to choose the Mazda2. I had the opportunity to review the (now discontinued) base G15 Pure manual last year and thoroughly enjoyed the simple, cheap and enjoyable driving experience it provided.

Alas, Mazda has axed this and a few other range-opening variants from its smallest car, and without a manual gearbox, it’s much less attractive to me – not to mention its base price Now thousands of dollars more expensive.

Of course, the alternative in my eyes is the Suzuki Swift Hybrid, which has the benefit of last year’s launch compared to the Mazda and has plenty of latest technology and a comfortable interior that will keep you happy in the long run.

It’s still cheap, and you can even get a five-speed manual gearbox at the bottom of the range. Even though the mild hybrid technology is not as powerful as the hybrid system in the MG 3 Series, it can still bring some economic benefits.

The Swift’s recent one-star safety rating certainly hurts, especially compared to the MG 3’s commensurate three-star safety rating. That being said, the unobtrusive technology is nice, and I never felt unsafe behind the wheel of the Zook.

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

MORE: All things Suzuki Swift