Dacia Sandero vs Mg 3

The Dacia Sandero trades on a sharp, contemporary look that avoids the dreaded 'cheap car' vibe. It’s spacious yet classy enough that you won't feel dreadfully embarrassed pulling up to your cousin's posh wedding. The MG3, however, looks somewhat like the cousin at that wedding who opted for one too many bold fashion choices; it tries but doesn't quite hit the mark. Made of a healthy dose of hard plastics and uninspired features, it’s a bit like that old t-shirt you can’t bring yourself to throw out.

Ultimately, while both cars offer some charm, the Sandero grabs the edge thanks to a more polished and modern design.

Step inside the Sandero, and you’ll find it a spacious haven for friends and family—not to mention a ridiculously generous boot fit for a weekend getaway or a trip to the local flea market. Meanwhile, the MG3 offers decent accommodation but feels like it tried to squeeze one too many people into a cabana.

The Sandero packs a lineup of modern and efficient engines, bringing the advantage of compliance with EU emissions standards while still offering satisfactory power. In contrast, the MG3 struts in with a peppy 1.5-litre hybrid setup; this bad boy delivers 134bhp and makes driving very groovy, with a pep in its step that leaves the Sandero feeling just a smidge behind at times.

Dacia has made strides with its infotainment system, offering a reasonable seven-inch screen and smartphone connectivity that makes navigation almost as easy as how to find your aunt’s apple pie recipe. Turning the dial to MG3, it cruises in with a 10.25-inch display that brings your tunes to life—just don’t be surprised if it sometimes feels like it needs a software update like a high-maintenance friend on the go.