MG MG3 vs Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 56%, worth about R 44 161 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| MG3 | Polo Vivo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 269 900 | R 271 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 717/m | R 4 752/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 75% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 56% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 151 454 | R 195 616 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 118 446 | R 76 284 |
| Value after 5 years | R 112 016 | R 161 989 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Strong mainstream |
MG MG3 →
MG's entry hatch first appeared in SA in 2013 during the CMH era and returned in 2025 in its new generation, priced from R269,900. A self-charging Hybrid+ flagship at R469,900 gives it a powertrain most rivals in this class lack. Resale is unproven and the earlier 2013 to 2016 cars trade cheaply with limited parts backup.
Known for: undercutting swift and starlet on price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo →
South Africa's best-selling passenger car for much of the past decade, built locally at Kariega on the previous-generation Polo platform. Cheap running costs, a huge dealer network and strong resale keep demand high in both new and used markets. A sedan version was sold until 2018 and a panel van variant is also offered.
Known for: south africa's favourite budget hatch
Common questions
Which holds value better, the MG MG3 or the Volkswagen Polo Vivo?
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 56% for the MG MG3, a gap of 16 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The MG MG3 loses about R 118 446 over three years and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo loses about R 76 284. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the MG MG3 runs about R 4 717 per month and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo about R 4 752, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.