Compare performance (150 HP vs 194 HP), boot space and price (24,600 £ vs 15,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai i30 or MG MG3?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the ever-competitive hatchback segment, the Hyundai i30 and the MG MG3 stand out for their blend of practicality, technology, and performance. Both models cater to a broad audience, offering a mix of efficiency and power. This article delves into the details of each vehicle to help you decide which hatchback might suit you best.
The Hyundai i30 offers a choice between petrol and mild-hybrid engines, ensuring a flexible selection for eco-conscious drivers or those who prefer traditional petrol power. Engine outputs range from 100 to 140 HP, with torque figures between 172-253 Nm. Depending on the configuration, the i30 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as low as 9.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 197 km/h. Drivers can also choose between a manual gearbox and a dual-clutch automatic transmission, all configured with front-wheel drive ensuring a dynamic driving experience.
In contrast, the MG MG3 is available as both a petrol and a full hybrid variant, offering up to 194 HP and reaching 100 km/h in 8 seconds. This makes it the quicker of the two options in terms of straight-line speed. The MG MG3 utilizes either a manual or automatic gearbox, with power distributed to the front wheels.
When it comes to fuel consumption, the MG3 takes the lead with its hybrid variant consuming just 4.4 L/100km, making it the more economical option in the longer run. Meanwhile, the Hyundai i30's consumption ranges from 5.6 to 5.9 L/100km. CO2 emissions from the MG3’s hybrid model are also significantly lower, giving it an edge in sustainability over the i30 which falls into CO2 efficiency class D.
Hatchbacks are prized for their practicality and compact dimensions. The Hyundai i30 is slightly longer at 4340 mm, compared to the MG3's 4113 mm length, offering more interior space. The i30 boasts a larger trunk capacity with 395 liters against the MG3’s 293 liters, proving to be the more practical choice for those who need more storage space.
However, the MG3 does have a notable advantage in terms of payload, with a capacity of 448 kg versus the i30's best figure of 509 kg. Despite its smaller size, the MG3 can still hold its own when it comes to carrying capacity.
The Hyundai i30 measures 1795 mm in width and 1455 mm in height, while the MG MG3 is slightly taller at 1502 mm but similar in width at 1797 mm. Both models are designed to seat five passengers comfortably, enhancing their appeal as practical family vehicles.
Interior comfort and build quality in the Hyundai i30 are often highlighted as superior, offering a more refined driving environment compared to the MG MG3’s straightforward and functional cabin design. However, the MG3 makes up for this with its user-friendly interface and modern tech features in the infotainment system.
The decision between the Hyundai i30 and the MG MG3 ultimately depends on individual priorities. If a larger interior and stylish cabin are important, the Hyundai i30 might be the better option. However, if fuel efficiency, environmental impact, and acceleration are more critical, then the MG3, particularly in its hybrid form, emerges as a strong contender.
Both vehicles offer compelling packages with advanced technological features and the reliability expected from their respective brands, making them both excellent choices in the hatchback market.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
MG MG3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 15,400 £ , while the Hyundai i30 costs 24,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,137 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the MG MG3 uses 4.4 L/100km and is visibly more efficient than the Hyundai i30 with 5.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.5 L/100km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the MG MG3 offers noticeably more power – delivering 194 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 44 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the MG MG3 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 8 s, while the Hyundai i30 takes 8.9 s. That’s about 0.9 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai i30 delivers substantially more torque with 250 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 102 Nm more.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, MG MG3 is marginally lighter – 1,237 kg compared to 1,315 kg. The difference is around 78 kg.
When it comes to payload, the Hyundai i30 carries barely more – 485 kg compared to 448 kg. That’s a difference of about 37 kg.
The MG MG3 stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Hyundai i30 proves that sensible can also be stylish, offering a confident driving character wrapped in neat, modern design. It serves up a roomy, well-equipped cabin and composed ride that make everyday motoring feel like a clever purchase rather than a compromise.
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The MG3 is a cheeky city hatch that pairs bold, youthful styling with sprightly handling for drivers who want personality on a budget. Its cabin is bright and cleverly packaged, offering sensible space and a fun-to-drive character that turns mundane commutes into something a bit more enjoyable.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
24,600 - 31,400 £
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Price
15,400 - 21,400 £
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Consumption L/100km
5.9 - 6.3 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
4.4 - 6.1 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
134 - 142 g/km
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co2
100 - 137 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,315 - 1,435 kg
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Curb weight
1,237 - 1,285 kg
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Trunk capacity
395 L
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Trunk capacity
-
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,795 mm
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Width
1,797 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
445 - 485 kg
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Payload
373 - 448 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol
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Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
115 - 150 HP
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Power HP
116 - 194 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 - 11.7 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 10.8 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
172 - 250 Nm
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Torque
148 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
85 - 110 kW
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Power kW
85 - 143 kW
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Engine capacity
998 - 1,598 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,490 - 1,495 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2026
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
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Brand
Hyundai
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Brand
MG
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España