A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Specification evidence leader
HS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
EXTER
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
HS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
EXTER
HS
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2025
Generation
Current South African EXTER listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current five-seat HS on MG's SIGMA-A architecture with 1.5T DCT and 2.0T automatic powertrains.
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Current-generation HS introduced locally in 2025; four petrol derivatives remain active.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Compact SUV
Five-door mid-size SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2025
Production Status
published
active
Segment
SUV
Mid-size SUV
Tare Mass Kg
999 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
EXTER
HS
Length
3815 mm
4655 mm
Width
1710 mm
1890 mm
Height
1631 mm
1655 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2765 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
185 mm
145 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
65 l
Boot/Cargo Space
391 l
507 l
Kerb Weight
999 kg
1590 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-
2065 kg
Payload Capacity
-
475 kg
Towing Capacity
-
750 kg
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.65 m
Front Headroom
-
968 mm
Rear Headroom
-
964 mm
Front Legroom
-
1044 mm
Rear Legroom
-
980 mm
Spec
EXTER
HS
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Not Available
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic electric sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
AC Type
Not Available
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Cloth
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Multifunction
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
exter
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
2.0-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1197 cc
1986 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
5 kW
170 kW
Maximum Torque
114 Nm
370 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
220 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard, Eco, Sport, Custom
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
5 kW/tonne
106.92 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
114.1 Nm/tonne
232.70 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EXTER
HS
Gearbox
AMT
9-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
5
9
Transmission Type
Automated Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
AMT
Automatic
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Standard
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gearbox Type
AMT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5
9
Spec
EXTER
HS
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
11.63 km/l
City Mileage
13.6 km/l
9.35 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.9 km/l
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
65 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
16.9 km/l
11.63 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
37 l
65
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EXTER
HS
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
2
Driver Airbag
6
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
6
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
2
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Lights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Spec
EXTER
HS
Seat Material
Cloth
PVC Seat with hole
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear USB Ports
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Microfibre (PU)
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Powered
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EXTER grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Cloth
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
PVC Seat with hole
Spec
EXTER
HS
Infotainment System
SYNC
12.3-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch driver display
USB Ports
Standard
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
12.3-inch
Audio Controls On Steering
Multifunction
-
Rear Usb
Standard
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
12.3-inch
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
12.3-inch
Spec
EXTER
HS
LED Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
H-signature LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
Black, White, Grey, Silver, Blue, Red
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
H-signature LED
Standard
Led Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Auto Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Daytime Running Lights
H-signature LED
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamp Levelling
Halogen with automatic function
-
Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Headlight Type
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
Approach Angle
Not Available
19.0 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
28.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
Tyre Size
Not Available
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Space-saver spare
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19-inch
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electric
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Multifunction
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years / 90,000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years / 90,000 km
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years / 90,000 km
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
Warranty Years
5
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
195 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
HS
Ownership Role
Flagship
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
334900 ZAR
665900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
334900
665900
Starting Price Zar
334900
665900
In depth: how these cars differ
This EXTER and HS comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: EXTER 19 vs HS 70.
Efficiency index: EXTER 66 vs HS 46.
Safety-equipment index: EXTER 84 vs HS 98.
Practicality index: EXTER 65 vs HS 57.
Ownership-cover index: EXTER 65 vs HS not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
HS leads by 11 points
HS has a modest catalogue-index lead, while EXTER remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
HS
Performance
70/100
Efficiency
46/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
57/100
EXTER
Performance
19/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
65/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMG HS
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 58 pts for EXTER
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, HS leads. However, EXTER may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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