NEW Suzuki Swift vs MG3 Hybrid review - which is REALLY cheaper to run? | What Car?

The new MG3 is the cheapest full hybrid you can buy in 2024, but is it cheaper to run than the mild hybrid Suzuki Swift (aka Maruti Swift) in the real word? We take these two cheap small cars on a road trip to find out which is the overall better buy.
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[@FromThe9thDimension]

We've had two Swifts in the family over the years, a normal one and a Sport, nothing ever went wrong with either of them. Very well judged controls, light and efficient, you can't really go wrong with one.

[@Nik-8it5p]

We are on our 3rd Suzuki , extremely efficient and reliable cars. Wouldn't touch MG with an extended barge pole. My brother has an MG HS from new electrical gremlins. Sat nav has a mind of it's own ....when it works. Mpg is nowhere claimed and shoddy build. William Morris (Morris Garages) would be turning in his grave!!

[@gazzertrn]

same with Toyota , Japanese engineering is the best . I allways bought Honda and kawasaki motor cycles , you cant go wrong .

[@cloggsy1971]

Would it not have made sense to get a CVT Automatic Swift to make it a fair comparison? 🤔

[@BrateTebra123]

Then it would be demolished by MG

[@icehawk3442]

No, because full-hybrid manuals can exist and Honda's made a few of them before. It's a consumer choice and preference which transmissions are offered. Modern 7/8/10 speed autos are often actually more economical on fuel than 6 speed manuals. It's a budget issue there causing the autos being put on budget cars to perform poorly. A 5-speed manual on the base Swift is already worse than theoretically possible -- with 1 fewer gear than the norm for the past decade. But it's the best shot at this price point that this model can give, budget vehicle auto transmissions aren't good economy and shouldn't be shortlisted by someone just trying to cut costs. In contrast, the MG engineers cut corners and made a 3-speed auto with the expectation that they can make the electric half of the powertrain fill up the gaps. This works in theory, power-wise, but does not work for fuel economy. They engineered this disaster of their own making. They wanted to MARKET the car as full hybrid at the lowest cut-throat discount possible, and in the process made a full hybrid that was so bad at hybrid strengths it couldn't beat non-hybrids. That remains a fact regardless of whether the auto Swift was to be compared against. It's messed up big time regardless of the competitor spec.

[@icehawk3442]

Refer to: recent Yaris hybrid 1.5 comparisons. Similar size segment, similar target audience. 70 to 85 mpg without even trying -- it's not that the Swift sub-model was cherry-picked to be economical, it's that the MG is objectively terrible at its job and a waste of batteries.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

@@BrateTebra123 There is barely any difference in fuel economy between auto and manual in Swift.

[@Elias_Giannakakis-GTI1985]

Am I wrong , or is this a comparison between an 80+hp car and a 190+hp car? Yes no doubt we have a case of similar sized cars etc etc.... but there is a huge difference in performance .

[@BrateTebra123]

They do not emphasise the most important thing, automatic and powerful engine. On the other hand they praise stupid things like marginaly better seats and 1 inch bigger window in the back seat ...

[@MrJonton01]

It's a 100hp engine, which only gets boosted by an electric motor to 190hp for a very short time. So I think it's alright to compare them

[@evergreenalba]

Horse power matters little to people who want small cars. We want fuel efficiency, affordability, and practicality.

[@marcinsobczak2485]

@@MrJonton01 it is not how full hybrid works. it always has 190hp, you would have to drive like a maniac to get the battery so low to lose power

[@fenegroni]

First comment I was thinking of making. Absurd how they choose the cars to compare. Plus I really think what car needs to publish acceleration profiles throughout the journeys on all their tests. Get yourselves an accelerometer ffs! I could easily get a lot fewer mpg yet arrive at destination at the same time and therefore the same average speed but just floor it at every junction…

[@ScrappyPoontachat]

I have just purchased the new Swift and gone for my first Automatic. I must say it is a joy to drive and I am very satisfied.

[@craigroyle860]

They best small car so agile

[@benl8762]

Hi, do you have experience on MINI 1.5T can compare to Swift? I really like an automatic Swift.

[@Tinfoilist]

The one that's cheaper to run in the long run is the more reliable car and that's where almost no other brands can beat Suzuki.

[@Hoppycat908]

Yes but they said the automatic uses more energy. One was automatic and the other a manual car. So surely that made a difference. 🙄 Kinda annoying as I was hoping to find out the most fuel efficient automatic 😶

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

@@Hoppycat908 The most fuel efficient automatic is Toyota Yaris Hybrid. In urban drivin / at low speeds Honda Jazz hybrid is similar, but it's worse at higher speeds.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

​@@Hoppycat908 There is barely any difference in fuel economy between auto and manual in Swift.

[@mchannel100]

TOYOTA.

[@Tinfoilist]

@@mchannel100 Yes, Lexus/Toyota are the best brands for reliability. Suzuki is not far behind though.

[@rodgersmith3215]

Auto V Manual? Sitting in city traffic sliding clutches!? sounds fun!? MG has double BHP! found the power delivery smooth and effective. Also a 7 year warranty V 3 year Suzuki err! So any major mechanical faults on year 4 with the Suzuki and any small savings made here go up in smoke! We have driven both and MG3 Hybrid is the clear winner! Is it me or does that Suzuki look a little bit ugly? Collecting our MG3 next week! If I was going to own a Suzuki it would have 2 wheels! Please drive both and make your own mind up, after 35 years of driving our decision pointed towards the MG3! Safe motoring everyone...

[@mitchreeves1]

Suzukis warranty is also 7 years mate 😉

[@nektariospanagiotisstratis9020]

are you seriously comparing Suzuki's reliability with MG's?

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

The Suzuki is also available with an automatic.

[@LTW530]

SUZUKI made in Japan is the only choice. The most reliable Japanese car.

[@martynmorris8160]

What car really don't like MG, I've driven the car myself and it's a great car, very smooth and I was achieving 48MPG without even trying.

[@nathantubb6255]

That's pretty good considering it has nearly 200bhp

[@ColinMillerYorkshire]

Let's not forget that Renault heavily sponsor What Car, their Hyrid equivalent is MG3's biggest rival, so it's in their interest to not like the MG3 Hybrid. I own a MG3 hybrid and don't agree with a lot they say. I did a 83 mile journey in mine and it returned 65.3mpg

[@wanderingwalle8726]

​@@ColinMillerYorkshirelol watch the mg3 hybrid initial review on this channel, the Renault clio is mentioned every 2nd sentence.

[@nadaalihaider]

Do you have any evidence for this?​@@ColinMillerYorkshire

[@prj2266]

Yes. I had for a test drive MG3 and I had after 2 hours 56.5 mpg in eco mode in the city! so I am not pretty sure how was a driving of reviews guys, but if I will spend time on some motorway only, I am pretty sure that I will touch 60+.

[@InteraliaTony]

Would you please consider commenting on insurance groups when reviewing new cars. Insurance is a recurring cost and therefore significant when deciding. Both cars reviewed this time are far from being in the "economical bands". While a Panda mild hybrid is in groups 6-8, the two review here are in the 20's! It seems some hybrid cars attract greater premiums than others. So insurance costs are a valid concern.

[@SusieSmart]

The insurance group doesn’t seem to make that much difference. As an example, this year, if I had a Volvo EX30 Twin Motor in the top spec Ultra trim, it would have cost slightly less to insure than my 2019 Hyundai IONIQ did.

[@pixie706]

Am i the only person who never notices and doesnt ever bother to touch the dreaded plastic interior. A car is all about reliability and is not a luxury home.

[@sham27007]

I never care about plastics either.

[@SuyashKaul]

I don't either but The plastic reflects more sunlight on the windscreen compared to leather dashboard

[@distilledgogilba]

Me too, especially in non luxury cars. I never find myself scratching the plastics which seems to be an auto journalist staple.

[@ben3291]

I own a Mk3 Sandero and it has a Plastic Interior but its Well Screwed together so no iam not bothered either 😆

[@lasse007]

It’s about the quality feel and the way it handles cabin noise. Harsher, harder materials will have more echo. But if you don’t feel the difference, you’re luckier

[@KeliK1]

I own a Suzuki Vitara now after owning Audis for 17 years, and I am very much enjoying my experience. Suzuki know how to squeeze value into their simple yet gratifying cars. I am very much considering another Vitara or a Swift as a second car when I get rid of my A7. I will have to wait and see how the Swift performs during crash tests as safety is important to me. This review was very helpful. Thank you.

[@ady007pl]

viatras interior is atrocious

[@KeliK1]

@ady007pl Coming from an Audi A7 which has one of the best interiors of the automotive industry, I beg to disagree. I love the interior of my Suzuki Vitara.

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

Great review and interesting comparison. In the rush to add tec to cars, the weight penalty seems to get overlooked (except by Suzuki it seems !). The MG3 is around 300kgs heavier than the Swift, which is a huge amount in relation to what they weigh. The Swift doesn't need to brake, accelerate and corner all that additional mass and therefore it's nicer to drive and more economical. Weight is truly the enemy of efficiency both in ICE and Electric powered cars.

[@jdmguy44]

I'm guessing that's why the MG3 takes 8.0 seconds to reach 60 from rest yet has 190hp....

[@miskatonic6210]

That's not a penalty, that's the battery. And full hybrid makes the car more economical under many circumstances. I own a Toyota C-HR with 1.7 tons and it only needs 5.0 liters. Way less than many smaller and lighter mild hybrid cars. And I bet it's not worse than the Swift under real world conditions. Full hybrid is so much more efficient in most situations, the weight difference isn't that relevant.

[@saityucel8201]

@@miskatonic6210 The test is under real world conditions. Did you even watch the video?

[@garrysmith1006]

Can't recollect if you mentioned it but the MG has a much better warranty, 7 years compared to the Swift's 3 year one.

[@BrateTebra123]

Psssst, they don't want you to know that. MG has 1 inch smaller windows at the back though!!! That is important remark

[@yangerek78]

U need more warranty for sure for a China orgin car

[@espdad]

@@yangerek78 China will be the only country which has space station, most reliable high speed train, etc. the only problem is how much you want to pay!

[@yangerek78]

@@espdad and using other technologies and help. Ya sure and by the way talking about space i sure the Russian have a huge helping the PRCs

[@yangerek78]

@@espdad and they will still use someone else know how ans technology beforebthey can buikd anything. No surprises there unless they can donit from scratch

[@JP-ms3ml]

Never used eco mode to keep it fair ??? The fact that the MG has lots of gadgets to use for the SAME PRICE and the Aircon worked better so turn it to 22 or 23 centigrade. Strangely biased test me think's

[@BrateTebra123]

Very very biased test. It was hard to watch

[@WheelHeadd]

Yeah, MG3 won the comparo. Swift's interior looks very common while on the MG3's looks more like an expensive, modern car.

[@BrateTebra123]

@@WheelHeadd I totally agree. Swift looks waaaay too outdated

[@RodneyW]

There's nothing biased about the review at all. You buy a car to drive it... rather than playing with "gadgets". Also, if the climate control can't sense the temperature correctly, that is actually a flaw in the car.

[@WheelHeadd]

@@RodneyW well, there certainly is, obviously. Most of their critical reasons why the swift won the comparo are too shallow. Lols

[@Kahvetrip]

Good video really! Congrats. But it didnt seem fair to me to compare cars with A/T and M/T. Especially in terms of fuel economy. We know that M/T cars generally spend less fuel. But in the heavy traffic, i believe that MG3 will make the difference even compare to M/T suzuki. For some reason, I got the feeling that the review was a bit biased, because when I test-drove the 2022 model of the swift, the sound in the cabin was uncomfortably loud (which you don't talk about). The cabin quality was really bad. Unless they improved insulation and quality in the new car.

[@breaky73]

This is the new 2024 model, and Suzuki says it did put a lot more sound dampening materials in the Swift.

[@albertozzolo]

That's a new model. If manual swift is slightly more efficient i think that cvt swift would be the same as mg3

[@cdill7637]

A lot of automatic cars are now more economical than manual, especially ZF gearbox used by BMW

[@albertozzolo]

@@cdill7637 a modern automatic can be slightly better only in intense city traffic. Not at regular or high speed

[@victorsvoice7978]

The problem with your test. You are comparing a manual Swift with an automatic MG. Fuel economy will be different. The Swift should be better.

[@SusieSmart]

The auto version of the Swift only officially reduces fuel economy by 4.1 mpg but it’s also slightly quicker from 0-62 mph (11.9 vs 12.5). The real world fuel economy would probably match the MG or not exceed it by quite as much as the manual but it’s not gonna make a huge difference.

[@franciscaletiman5841]

​@@SusieSmart Y debería usar en el MG el modo eco, y el freno regenerativo al máximo, cosa que no han hecho

[@SusieSmart]

@@franciscaletiman5841 if you watch the video, they mention using the eco mode and said it made very little difference under similar conditions

[@justsimon03]

The Swift is not better in fuel economy because it's a Mild Hybrid, while the MG3 is a Full Hybrid.

[@xeniosaias]

you should have tested the cvt swift.

[@stephen546]

How much battery did the MG start off with and what power/charging mode was it set too?. Important to remember the MG is an automatic (manual coming soon) and the Suzuki is a manual and therefore has a fuel efficiency advantage. I've owned a brand new Suzuki and found that very noisy (wind and road noise), so much so I sold it several months later (great engine though). I now drive an MG ZS ev and that's much quieter...I really like it

[@user-wj5qu6bl6g]

When Honda did a hybrid with a Manual in the first generation Insight and then the CRZ I waited for them to expand and do this in practical cars with more than 2 seats but they never did. Suzuki has finally delivered and I am looking forward to this car arriving in Australia. Yet you two have complained that it's a manual which is bonkers, you should be praising Suzuki for the manual hybrid.

[@andreajetfox6715]

congratulations for the video. I followed many videos made by Italian KZbinrs and no one complained about the noise at motorway speeds, on the contrary, they say that it is very quiet and comfortable.....I don't understand where the truth lies...perhaps it's all very subjective. ...

[@MG3-Hybrid]

The new MG3 will be the biggest threat to sales of the Clio IMO so It doesn’t fit Whatcar's narrative to highlight how good the new MG3 Hybrid is and how much cheaper and better specced it is over the Clio given that they are sponsored by Renault. Massive conflict of interest.

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

best drive it yourself in the end, as always.

[@sebastianstoica578]

The Suzuki has a really nice design.

[@ben3291]

It does and as they said it is a likeable Car .

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I think the lack of split-folding seats in the new MG3 is a huge letdown; the outgoing MG3 has this feature.

[@tomdeleener2924]

It's going to come in the near future, oddly enough (I work at a MG-dealership as sales advisor).

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@tomdeleener2924 I assume in a facelift or something like that.

[@alfrredd]

​@@DaveDVideoMakerI don't think a facelift is necessary, just a different rear seat being installed in the factory.

[@ben3291]

The last car i remember with no split folding back seats was the Citroen C4 Cactus

[@tomdeleener2924]

@DaveDVideoMaker no

[@sturoe7361]

Surely in the cost comparison, services and insurance should be considered .

[@nicholasmatthews5989]

A great review. Well done for going to all the effort to produce this review. It is surprising that a mild hybrid manual achieves a better fuel consumption than an automatic full hybrid. It is fantastic that Suzuki is producing a manual mild-hybrid, for those that enjoy their manuals. For me, it is very disappointing (especially for being an all new car) that the MG3 Hybrid does not provide reach adjustment for its steering wheel (only providing tilt). Whenever I hop into a car I always seem to have the need to extend the reach of the steering wheel, whether its a VW Tiguan, Golf, or Subaru BRZ. Without reach adjustment, my driving position is very compromised. Reach adjustment is not only about one's physique and preferred driving position, but also whether one is wearing safety boots/runners, wearing jackets/tee-shirt, so on....

[@joedi6339]

The test compares completely different vehicles. Automatic transmission versus manual transmission, manual transmissions are usually more economical. The MG3's Eco mode was not used. The luggage was optimized for the Suzuki. With other luggage that is optimal for the MG3, things look different again. Perhaps the driving noise was due to different tires louder in the MG (tires can do a lot to reduce noise). All in all, a test that was neither fair nor correct! In addition, the design of the Suzuki takes some getting used to. Greetings from Berlin Germany.

[@huss1205]

Nice review, thanks for the figures at the end.

[@OzgunDoganbaloglu]

I hope you had a good time at Forest retail park in Thetford when you stopped

[@x.kasiouris5503]

If MG3 had come to Greece on time I would seriously consider buying it, I ended up getting skoda fabia mk4 style

[@thomash2806]

A big problem for comparing like for like is the inaccuracy of car measurements. Climate control and trip computers are notoriously inaccurate. My car tells me I am using 8.2 l/100km. My fuel usage since February says 9.1 l/100km. But once again the accuracy of that depends on the car's odometer measuring distance travelled accurately...

[@brianiswrong]

That's why they do a tank to full fill up, and pen and paper maths.

[@adamh7588]

Enjoyed watching i own the New MG3 Hybrid Trophy in Battersea Blue currently on 150 miles

[@polarweis]

Thats fast. Please pay attention to the road at this speed and not youtube.

[@nathantubb6255]

He's talking about mileage, not the speed😂

[@Brad-vk3nd]

How are you finding the car please if you don’t mind me asking? I’m torn between a new MG3 or a new style Honda Civic

[@polarweis]

@@Brad-vk3nd how much more is the civic?

[@ElGatoViudo]

Why are you comparing a manual versus an automatic?

[@Yenhongsin77]

and while manual always significantly cheaper than automatic version of same cars (Especially on budget car), and manual is losing market in western world, never even mention as consideration.

[@miskatonic6210]

Because they are so irrelevant they don't get to choose the car they get.

[@pedropereira5043]

That swift needs a turbo and at least a 6sp manual to wipe the floor with the MG. Prospective buyers will see the MG has over double the power and uses about the same fuel, and can't ignore that.

[@ben3291]

I wanted to like the MG3 but its let down by silly things like no reach adjustment on the steering wheel no spilt folding rear seats and when you realise the Hybrid power train is not that sophisticated like the 1.5 Engine is the same as the old model and a 3 speed Auto which is old too .

[@ColinMillerYorkshire]

Are the adjustable steering wheel adjustable and rear split seats that important, I never have felt the need to use either

[@ben3291]

​@@ColinMillerYorkshire the seats might not be but the steering wheel is really as you expect that on cars like a Hyundai i10 Fiat 500 .

[@1981zayn]

What was the noise like inside the Suzuki cabin? that seems to have been missed ?

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

They clearly said it was less noisy than the MG.

[@shroomyesc]

I'm not quite sure why Suzuki felt the need to give the new Swift the hood out of a PT cruiser.

[@jdmguy44]

It's a better looking car than the MG3 with simpler cleaner lines. The front of the MG3 is a mess IMO. Huge gaping front grille looks like a fish with its mouth open.

[@gregorypaulbox3035]

The third generation Swift (Model Code A2L) has a better looking hood treatment with the taller headlights blending into the hood.

[@oxcart4172]

Saves money!

[@BrateTebra123]

​@@jdmguy44boy, they did not even properly install the hood. It has like an inch gap between the bumper and the hood. Worst fitment in the segment...

[@jdmguy44]

@@BrateTebra123 Its not a fitment issue, obviously. Other cars have this. It's a design feature. Japanese cars don't have poor fitment issues! I have a 2023MY Peugeot 2008 with a larger panel gap between the bonnet wings and grille. It's known as a clamshell bonnet design. Nothing to do with poor finish.

[@Kushikyon]

Damn I just watched this out of curiosity but all what I can say is TOP TIER REVIEW YOU HAVE THERE. Subbed.

[@ColinMillerYorkshire]

Let's not forget that Renault heavily sponsor What Car, their Hybrid equivalent is MG3's biggest rival, so it's in their interest to not like the MG3 Hybrid. I own a MG3 hybrid and don't agree with a lot they said. I did a 166 mile journey in mine and it returned 65.3mpg and don't experience a noisy cabin 🤔

[@MrGavin2011]

Going to look at one next week, this type of feedback really helps, thank you.

[@franciscaletiman5841]

Se ve claramente en el vídeo, que van en contra del MG, están comparando un coche manual con uno automático, y no han usado en el MG el modo eco ni han seleccionado el freno regenerativo al máximo. Por el mismo precio, el MG le gana al Suzuki por goleada.

[@jasonlarcome3008]

Thanks for this feedback I have a test drive booked this week to really see for myself what it is like compared to this video

[@funnyfiveminutes]

Very good comparison. Shame you couldn’t source a Suzuki with the CVT though.

[@MarthaMansbridge]

I always admired the Swift - Suzuki have decades of small car experience but…. BUT…. What the absolute feck have they done to the styling??? It’s diabolical

[@82ndSbabba]

I don't understand why they didn't measure noise levels using phonometers in the same driving conditions. It's not that difficult, they run cheap these days and they provide a number that does not lie and is not subjective. Considering they did a long test, it's a shame they did not think to do the return leg with the eco mode on the MG to test the difference between normal and eco mode on the same journey.

[@grandiora]

The best thing about the Suzuki is that it's using a manual handbrake that takes up all storage space in the middle and there's no centre armrest. Very very hip to buy a brand new model car in 2024 and look/feel like you're driving something with the interior of a car from the 80s and 90s. Huge +

[@Ribeirasacra]

7:36 and 12:54 I came here for the classic Herald. What happened to the steer with piece of mind test? 9:34

[@InBodWeTrust]

Many Chinese cars set the HVAC target temperature to be that of the air leaving the vents rather than the temperature of the cabin. So if you want 21C in the cabin, set the HVAC target to 24 or 25C. 🙂 (I have an MG4 so I expect the HVAC in the MG3 will work the same).

[@clanmac66]

Who wants a manual car for city driving? It would be more interesting to spec the Swift to the MG and then compare.

[@roylow6287]

No mention of predicted reliability, in which case, my money is on the Suzuki.

[@jdmguy44]

MG have had their fair share of quality issues.

[@zhenmingyu6186]

I'm wondering about this aspect as well. Japanese cars hold their reputation, but MG has an astonishing 7-year warranty while Suzuki has a standard 3-year warranty. How should I weigh these two?

[@whatcar]

We don't have any data on the MG3 Hybrid yet (it's too new) so a comparison is difficult. However, the previous-generation Swift was the most reliable small car in our latest survey: www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-small-cars/n26142

[@whatcar]

Suzuki's warranty on the Swift also lasts for up to seven years - but only if you have your car serviced annually at a franchised dealer.

[@jjt80]

I agree. I think both will be pretty good on balance but less is more sometimes. A 12 volt hybrid system will be far safer and simple to work on compared a 48v or greater system. So going forward when 2nd and 3rd gen owners have them they'll be able to keep them running for longer. Plus less weight means a load less wear on all the other components and is generally more fun.

[@Denistone]

Comprehensively informative and entertaining. Nice.

[@dkrampage2933]

I love the old swift design more than the new one honestly

[@ady007pl]

frog

[@dkrampage2933]

@@ady007pl Toad

[@jaisabai4155]

My, that lovely little green and white Triumph Herald. 👍

[@Szoke-ManeaCorneliu-bf4me]

I think the mpg of mg3 would have been smaller in city if the highway test had been done first

[@gunsroses9640]

So true

[@AlexReyTheBest]

Justo la reseña que estaba esperando como comparativa en mis dos opciones consideradas, excelente por cierto, ya he tomado mi próxima decisión a compra, saludos!!!.

[@ingmarlangerak8973]

In the Netherlands the MG is 448€ roadtax per year more than the Suzuki. Also the insurance is way more than the suzuki😢

[@grahamcook9289]

My Fiat 500 had a stop/start engine. Did that make it a hybrid?

[@grahamcook9289]

@@chp9450 My point is that the term hybrid should be better defined, especially by this review, if they actually know what they are talking about.

[@alfonsotatto8365]

Yes and no. Start and stops systems are the most basic hybrid although they’re not classified as such. Most of them work thanks to a reinforced alternator which starts the car after it stopped and a bigger 12V battery but that’s all. Modern mild hybrid systems add a lithium-ion battery to store the energy recovered and have an even bigger alternator which also gives power to the engine in certain conditions acting like a small additional electric motor.

[@markuc]

😂

[@dt8101]

Why are you comparing an automatic MG3 with a manual Suzuki Swift when you are aware that MG3 will have a manual car coming in the future and the manual gear box makes Swift more efficient?

[@piglet5287]

You've answered your own question, "in the future..."

[@seamusspratt7205]

All full hybrids are automatic but due to the hybrid system use way less fuel than a manual car it's just the MG hybrid system isn't very good 😕 the 1.5 litre engine is pretty much bought over from the old model and very dated and three speed auto has been used in other MG models so nothing new .buy a 3 year old toyota yaris hybrid and you still have 7 years warranty left same as the mg gives you from new .you will easily achieve 70 + mpg in real world driving and its seamless when switching between petrol electric and hybrid mode no other hybrid system comes close perfected over 20 years. I drive a 6 year old lexus ct200h 1.8 petrol hybrid and get 58mpg round town .it's false economy buying the mg hybrid fast maybe but that misses why you buy a hybrid

[@philipchouliaras5879]

​@@piglet5287that doesn't answer the question. The fair comparison would have been an automatic Swift for now

[@momchilyordanov8190]

In my country the lowest trim is £ 15'700. And it has adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, backup camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay plus navigation. The deal of the century ;)

[@michaelhastings7441]

Definitely the Suzi everyday ! I have a 2014 SZ4 4x4 with 109000 miles on it still 45mpg city driving 56mpg on a run and drives beautifully i would not swap it for a new MG .

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

I must admit with our cars we use for the business, I have never 'felt' the dash etc, because it is a car, or van, and you are supposed to get in it to drive somewhere, ( I hope )! I only touch the armrests and so on, that I actually come into contact with . It is only after watching all these and other you tube videos, that I have noticed all these so called 'scratchy plastics'. So what?

[@Yorkman7]

That must have been hard to swallow for Will because he has previously been very critical of Suzukis. Here in the southern hemisphere we get the Suzuki Swift Sport for approx £15500 from Japan and it noticeably more powerful than either of these , usually gets 50 mpg, and has all the bells and whistles. Are there tariffs on Japanese cars in the UK . that explain the price difference ?

[@Nka893]

Although you have the mg climate control on in auto mode i think you might still have to turn off AC to get that 21°c

[@RichieAustinMagician]

how did they get such little MPG from the MG hybrid, problem is you have to change your driving style to get the best out of a Hybrid

[@CaiSpidox]

Especially around town, was utterly baffling. I feel its down to driver and these sorts of tests these sort of oddities happens quite a bit

[@RichieAustinMagician]

I have a 2020 RAV4 full hybrid around town I'm getting 60 miles per gallon on a motorway run I'm getting 55 to 60 and the RAV4 is a much bigger and heavier car than the mg3 little bit of an unfair test if you ask me

[@CaiSpidox]

@RichieAustinMagician yeah my Auris average was 50, but that was mixed and hilly roads on my mostly town only drive to work I could get 70-80mpg. Maybe the mg3 needed a run in engine wise more..but other reviewers seem to hit high 60s just odd.

[@gavjlewis]

​@@CaiSpidoxI suspect that at low use the Suzuki engine is more efficient than the bigger MG engine. Is driving across London for nearly 2 hours to do 16 miles really representative of normal "city" driving. I suspect not which is why most reviews will see better results. So a much quicker route for the mileage to actually make more use of the regen.

[@ben3291]

Not really Me and my Partner Briefly owned a 2017 Toyota Yaris Hybrid from it being inherited and we drove the same way as our normal Petrol car at the time and the MPG in the Yaris was getting Mid 50s MPG in town and Mid 60s on the motorway so no not really its just the MG3 Hybrid System is Just Average .

[@marcinsobczak2485]

well 192hp, 420nm (its probably closer to 300 but still) automatic vs 81hp 112nm manual. you tell me which one you would like to drive. tiny higher fuel usage is completely acceptable.

[@UCMpDwp7VEfKXRH3NyAW7kuj]

definitely Suzuki，reliable quality，and interior design is much better than MG, that MG3's interior is like MG4, many functions are being integrated into screens,which is very inconvenient during driving and potential lagging respond will drive you crazy

[@benl8762]

I got MINI COOPER 1.5T 40mpg on clock. What I hate is having clutch pedal and heavy steering wheel.

[@alileevil]

For lower back support, put in a pillow lol.

[@camilstoenescu]

So the Suzuki is the overall better car, even though the MG has better specs on paper.

[@sa34w]

It’s like Android and IPhone.

[@killianlpc]

I have the previous model SZ5 Mild Hybrid with 1.0L 3 cyl Boosterjet Engine which has 109bhp. Got to say very underwhelmed by the new model, it just looks lie a facelift of my car. Slightly different at the front, and the tail lamps slightly different as well. Interior is almost identical apart from the larger infotainment screen. Overall the car is not that much different. The main disappointment is the engine only delivering a measly 81bhp, don't get me wrong I love my Swift, but to release a new model almost identical with a lesser powered engine that is so much slower is a backwards step by Suzuki. BTW having now had a test drive in the new model last week can confirm it is like a snail on valium compared to The 1.0 SZ5 Boosterjet Engine, I was actually shocked at how much slower it was. Again I absolutely love my current Swift as it has everything, but current owners will be massively put off by a ridiculous loss in performance of a so called new model,and many like myself will not purchase this 'clone' of the previous model with a woefully underpowered engine.

[@user-fb7qu8lu7s]

A really fair comparison would be with the Auto Suzuki…..this is not apples for apples.

[@apecamper]

driving style of both drivers makes a massive difference. They should redo the tests by swapping cars and comparing again. I have the MG3 Hybrid and have averaged 63mpg in the 800 miles I have done so far.

[@gavjlewis]

Would have been nice to have a bit of info on how the cars drive and economy with an actual family (simulated) in the car. So 2 adults, 2 kids and 10kg in 4 carry on cases. So about 280kg in the car.

[@miskatonic6210]

Why would you carry 4 people in these tiny tin boxes? It's obvious they won't drive that well fully loaded. For a family you buy a proper, bigger car or you live with the consequences.

[@gavjlewis]

@@miskatonic6210 Because they are designed and marked as a small family hatchback. So is testing it as a small family hatchback out of the question?

[@ilgwent8061]

I'd take the Swift over the MG anytime anyday especially because handling, design and reliability/quality

[@MrReuin]

Im loving this kind of comparison well done for doing this! Keep it up guys!

[@Ambienfinity]

I really like the Swift. I think it would be a reliable and practical companion. My Hyundai Ioniq averages 65mpg in all conditions, and over 55mpg in very heavy traffic, so hybrids can be great in the real world. (However, Atkinson cycle petrol engines are a bit noisy in some conditions.)

[@mitchreeves1]

I just bought an 18 month old Suzuki Vitara SZ5 1.4T mild hybrid with AWD and 12k on the clock for £18700. It has a hell of a lot more kit and practicality than tbese cars and i average about 46mpg. For me £20k on a low trim supermini is bonkers when you can get a next model up in top trim at only 18 months old for less money. Suzuki had a 7 year warranty too providing you service it with Suzuki in that time frame. It was a no trainer for me!

[@paulnewman2314]

one of these will be reliable,

[@katzicael]

I can't not see the Swift's Monobrow bonnet line. It's *AWFUL*

[@MrSensible2]

The MG3 Hybrid has just been launched in The Philippines with a starting price of 1,088,888 pesos...the equivalent of £14,157! This really does highlight how we're getting shafted on car prices in the UK. Interestingly they have also launched the non-hybrid MG3 there too. It starts at 678,888 pesos...or £8,840. I'd bet a penny to a pinch of salt, when the same car reaches these shores, it will have magically 'gained' an extra six grand!! This is what happens when car companies choose cooperation & coordination over competition...

[@seancrabtree2657]

Glad I ordered the new swift now.

[@danilogonzalezmx]

Comparing Pears vs Apples, well done

[@franciscaletiman5841]

En el MG3 se tiene que usar el modo eco y la frenada regenerativa al máximo, así, si que gasta menos que el Suzuki, además por el mismo precio el MG es automático y el Suzuki no. Así que mi vencedor es el MG.

[@williama-d6]

I don't really adjust my steering wheel

[@mikesanders5433]

Just goes to show the basic numbers on a car can be misleading. The swift bossing the practicality tests was a genuine surprise, but I guess it’s all down to the shape and design.

[@uzeyrhassan]

Love the new MG3, I wish they'd make a hot hatch in the future

[@martynmorris8160]

It's got almost 200hp now!

[@user-kt5ez9pf4o]

believe me itscan move like a hot hatch!

[@michaelnicholas7266]

On the subject of the MG having worse fuel economy, it has to be taken into account the MG has double the power and the 8.0s 0-60mph. The slight drop in economy I think is justified.

[@7shpongle]

Swift sport faster

[@michaelnicholas7266]

The swift sport is designed to be sporty and not a competitor to this car. These are economical city cars.

[@7shpongle]

@@michaelnicholas7266 but swift sport has less hp than mg

[@michaelnicholas7266]

@@7shpongle it also has less fuel economy, hence why it’s not in the same class. Comparing apples and oranges mate.

[@7shpongle]

@@michaelnicholas7266 the same karl, the same..

[@zaidtareen3982]

The MG is better in ever way than the swift, its got more features a hell lot more power along with rear ac vents a more cohisive interior design. While only being slightly less spacious and fuel effecient than the swift.

[@alancobbin]

Yet you clearly just contradicted yourself.

[@paulb1951]

Ever way? Ones part owned by the CCP the other one isn’t. So it’d be the Suzuki all the way for me… not funding that regime.

[@ScotsWhaHae]

And, according to the review, the MG is a LOT louder and more tiring to drive. 😬

[@presterjohn71]

Both are good cars but clearly the Suzuki is better. Anyone who needs an auto box would also clearly not be disappointed with the MG though.

[@jonburnell532]

Probably will be less reliable as well

[@zuti071]

I think that these 2 cars are extremly overpriced. 2-3 years ago for 18000 euros or pounds we could choose between cars like Octavia, Megane, 308, Astra, Focus... I don't know how much more do you people in UK earn but i'm pissed of because my salary in EU now worth even less than 2-3 years ago.

[@robsmall6466]

We don't earn more in the UK. We are being taken for a ride. It's payback for loss of revenue during the pandemic and the enforced adoption of EV with associated R&D costs

[@7shpongle]

U r lucky, in russia prices are 3 times more! Swift costs 40 000$

[@BotsisAnargyros]

The Panda is a more practicable car from both and rear passengers have head space and can use the head rest

[@MG3-Hybrid]

Ridiculous comparison review, a smaller manual Suzuki against a bigger automatic MG with almost 2.5 times the bhp. The reviewer has history with MG, check his other "full" review of the new MG3 ( sponsored by Renault), i would urge anyone looking at a full hybrid to test drive the new MG3.Super smooth, quiet ..loads of safety tech and great MPG.I have had 2 test drives and pick up my new silver MG3 hybrid+ next week :)

[@user-kt5ez9pf4o]

I have driven just short of 500 miles in my MG3 Hybrid, and find it a pleasure to drive, great mpg, great response, not a noisy interierior and the seating is very comfortable. as for the boot space, its much more than my old hyundia i10 - I hope you enjoy your new silver as much as I am enjoying mine

[@santanuda22]

Which colour swift it's?

[@d.c.Jones70]

Can’t believe someone signed off on the rear seats on mg3,bet that gets changed in the future.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Gosh this video makes me want to present for a bigger channel. This was such a well produced, interesting video!!

[@AA-bx6uq]

A manual vs auto 😆

[@SteveChapman]

I think this review glossed over the fact that the climate control readout was probably incorrect in the MG, resulting in the cabin being notably colder and probably dramatically impacting the resultant fuel economy. Given the scientific approach to measuring the fuel consumed by brimming the tank, would it not have been more fair to also ensure HVACs were reporting similar cabin temperatures using an independent readout? Or turning off the air-con pump altogether to ensure it is not a factor in overall drivetrain efficiency?

[@myothurazaw]

I am selling my suzuki ignis to get the mg3 hybrid plus.

[@MrSensible2]

These were my two prime contenders to replace my 8 year old Suzuki Celerio & based on this video & everything else I've seen on these two cars, NEITHER comes close to what I have now! Real life fuel economy is especially disappointing given the OEMs have had a decade to improve things. I rack up most of my miles trolling up & down the M3 interspersed with trips to the supermarket. The last time I brimmed the tank, the car averaged 72.9 mpg!! This is fully inline with what the trip computer says. My long term average is currently sitting at 71 mpg & will edge up slightly to 73 mpg as the warmer weather kicks in. The annoying thing is that I know the new car I want to buy & I can't buy it in the UK. I have driven the Indian-made, right-hand drive, new model Suzuki Celerio in South Africa multiple times & like mine, it happily returns 70+ mpg (no mean feat on South African roads!). The range starts at 188,900 Rand or £8,050!! So both greener & cheaper...so why isn't someone allowing The Great British Public to buy one??

[@jjt80]

The UK government created a rule (which came into affect on 3rd Jan 2024) that 22% percent of a manufactures sales had to be electric and there is a £15,000 fine/penalty per vehicle. So 100 very sensible and economical cars i.e. yours sold, if they were the only 100 sold Suzuki would incur a £330,000 fine/penalty which would equate to a £3300 fine/penalty per vehicle. Which is mental to be fair. There should be some Japanese style Kei car tax class so cars under a tonne and say 100 hp/ps and maybe a certain size are exempt.

[@keithhooper6123]

Agree,car class similar to Japan's Kei cars,would make so much sense.I have had Kei vehicles for over forty years,in the UK. Me, Suzuki Every, should sell,here. Honda N Box, is available.

[@7shpongle]

Swift is better then celerio

[@MrSensible2]

@@7shpongle On fuel economy, the Celerio beats the Swift hands down!

[@7shpongle]

@@MrSensible2 no. The same

[@royed31]

I have never spilt 60 / 40............always 100

[@MG3-Hybrid]

Same, non issue for me and for many others who have already placed their order for a shiny new MG3

[@RundFyrkant]

Sportversion of the Swift's gonna be interesting 🙂

[@ManpreetSingh-mu4xn]

Trust you guys to cause a diplomatic issue with your title 😂. Japan wins. Some years ago when I went to buy a swift I ended up buying an Ignis. I wonder how many MG customers will approach MG owing to their 3, but end up buying a 4 instead. Could very well be a marketing ploy from MG to attract small petrol car buyers into their showrooms.

[@vp272]

Loving these twin tests and format! Great edit and engagement. Was expecting the MG3 to win this test hands down! Great to see the Suzuki win but will most prefer an auto gearbox?

[@whatcar]

Glad you enjoyed! Plenty more to come.

[@Galacticmaster]

they messed up the front of the Suzuki swift

[@sIightIybored]

I'm surprised the economy figures are so bad. Getting about those figures with a plain petrol car that's quite a bit bigger and weighs 100kg more. I'd thought the weight difference would be a lot more given the size differences however, maybe they're just too heavy.

[@loandy11]

What does anyone think of the orange colour on the swift. I think it looks nice.

[@nicholasmatthews5989]

The Flame Orange Swift looks great.

[@stoop25]

There's a Triumph Herald at 7.20

[@angusielts7.00]

Possibly a Vitesse. I'd rather have spent the time discussing that than these boring econo boxes.

[@jdmguy44]

@@angusielts7.00 That rubbish is best consigned to the history books.