MG3 price slashed as affordability war heats up

MG has become the latest manufacturer to drop the starting price of its Australian line-up, confirming a $1000 cashback offer on its entry level MG3 Vibe hatchback.

In announcing the Vibe’s $19,990 drive away price this week, MG has directly responded to the BYD Atto 1’s milestone driveway pricing figure confirmed only days ago – a $4000 reduction which, at the time, made the small, four-seat electric hatch the most affordable EV and most affordable new car in Australia.

The MG3 Vibe previously held the title of Australia’s cheapest car when it launched in May 2025 for $21,990 drive away.

It pinched the mantle from what was the country’s most affordable new car for some time, the Kia Picanto (now priced from $19,190 plus on-road costs).

Like the BYD offer, the MG3 Vibe new car price will run for a limited time only, with the car maker confirming the deal until the end of September.

It comes as both cars shared the spotlight in the NRMA’s recent Best Value Cars awards. The MG3 was awarded the overall gong of Australia’s Best Value Car, while the BYD Atto 1 wrapped up Australia’s Best Value EV.

Powering the MG3 Vibe is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 81kW/142Nm. It boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and seven-inch digital driver’s display.

Safety is also comprehensive, with standard features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and a front centre airbag.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming edition of Open Road magazine, where we pit the MG3, Atto 1 and Picanto against one another to see which of these affordable hatches is best in reality.