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.
EXTER starts ZAR 20,000 cheaperEXTER from ZAR 269,900 · ZS from ZAR 289,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Maximum Power
5 kW
84 kW
Maximum Torque
114 Nm
150 Nm
Engine Size
1197 cc
1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
16.9 km/l
14.08 km/l
Ground Clearance
185 mm
175 mm
Boot / Load Bay
391 l
359 l
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
999 kg
1258 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5
7 years / 200,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
EXTER and ZS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
ZS
+18 pts
Efficiency
EXTER
+11 pts
Safety
ZS
+3 pts
Practicality
EXTER
+13 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
EXTER
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
ZS
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
ZS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
EXTER
ZS
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 local value-positioned ZS compact SUV, sold alongside rather than replaced by the larger turbocharged ZS Pro.
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 South African ZS specification introduced with MG's market return in 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Compact SUV
Five-door compact 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
2024
Production Status
published
active
Segment
SUV
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
999 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Length
3815 mm
4314 mm
Width
1710 mm
1809 mm
Height
1631 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
185 mm
175 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
391 l
359 l
Kerb Weight
999 kg
1258 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)
-
1695 kg
Payload Capacity
-
437 kg
Towing Capacity
-
500 kg
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.6 m
Front Headroom
-
1043 mm
Rear Headroom
-
995 mm
Front Legroom
-
1070 mm
Rear Legroom
-
850 mm
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Independent
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Torsion Beam
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Not Available
ETC air conditioning
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
AC Type
Not Available
ETC air conditioning
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
ZS
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated NSE Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
NSE
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1197 cc
1498 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
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Multipoint fuel 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
84 kW
Maximum Torque
114 Nm
150 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
4-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
5 kW/tonne
66.77 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
114.1 Nm/tonne
119.24 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
ZS
Gearbox
AMT
4-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
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
5
4
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
Not Available
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
4
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
14.08 km/l
City Mileage
13.6 km/l
10.99 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.9 km/l
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
48 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
16.9 km/l
14.08 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
37 l
48
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
ZS
Airbags
6
6
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
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
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
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
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
ZS
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Lights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Seat Material
Cloth
PVC + PU
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear USB Ports
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
6-way manual
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
4-way manual, no height adjustment
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 + PU
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Infotainment System
SYNC
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Not Available
USB Ports
Standard
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
8-inch
Audio Controls On Steering
Multifunction
-
Rear Usb
Standard
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
8-inch
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
8-inch
Spec
EXTER
ZS
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
Pearl Black, Arctic White, Storm Silver, Burnt Orange, Dynamic Red, Atlantic Blue
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
ZS
Approach Angle
Not Available
19.0 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
29.0 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
ZS
Tyre Size
Not Available
215/50R17
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
17
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Mechanical
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Multifunction
-
Spec
EXTER
ZS
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/60,000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years/60,000 km
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years/60,000 km
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Warranty Years
5
7 years / 200,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
7 years / 200,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
7 years / 200,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
7 years / 200,000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EXTER
ZS
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
165 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
ZS
Ownership Role
Flagship
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
334900 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
334900
309900
Starting Price Zar
334900
309900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
EXTER leads by 1 points
EXTER and ZS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
EXTER
Performance
19/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
65/100
Ownership
65/100
ZS
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
52/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Hyundai EXTER
leads the catalogue index with 58 pts
vs 57 pts for ZS
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, EXTER leads. However, ZS may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This EXTER and ZS 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 ZS 37.
Efficiency index: EXTER 66 vs ZS 55.
Safety-equipment index: EXTER 84 vs ZS 87.
Practicality index: EXTER 65 vs ZS 52.
Ownership-cover index: EXTER 65 vs ZS 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.
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