Source type: Official OEM South Africa
KIA Picanto Panel Van vs MG ZS
A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
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KIA Picanto Panel Van
1.0 LS Panel Van Auto
Petrol
4-Speed Automatic
Current
ZAR 269,995
ex-showroom
⚡ 49 kW
🔧 94 Nm
⛽ 16.4 km/l
VS
MG ZS
1.5L 4AT Luxury
Petrol
4-Speed Automatic
Current
ZAR 309,900
ex-showroom
⚡ 84 kW
🔧 150 Nm
⛽ 14.08 km/l
＋
Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
KIA Picanto Panel Van vs MG ZS: the short answer
Picanto Panel Van and ZS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Picanto Panel Van starts ZAR 39,905 cheaper
Picanto Panel Van from ZAR 249,995 · ZS from ZAR 289,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivativesSwipe sideways to compare every column
| Specification | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Power | Picanto Panel Van49 kW @ 6000 rpm | ZS84 kW |
| Maximum Torque | Picanto Panel Van94 Nm @ 3500 rpm | ZS150 Nm |
| Engine Size | Picanto Panel Van998 cc | ZS1498 cc |
| Combined Fuel Economy | Picanto Panel Van16.4 km/l | ZS14.08 km/l |
| Ground Clearance | Picanto Panel Van155 mm | ZS175 mm |
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Source type: MG Motor South Africa
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Picanto Panel Van
Strengths
- Better fuel efficiency
- Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
- Less powerful engine setup
- Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:
Published Efficiency
Published Practicality
Specification evidence leader
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?
Picanto Panel Van
- 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
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Position | Transverse Front-Mounted | - |
| Gearbox | 4-Speed Automatic | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Gears | 4 | 4 |
| Clutch Type | Torque Converter Automatic | Torque converter automatic |
| Paddle Shifters | Not Applicable | Not Available |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.286:1 | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Drivetrain Layout | Front Wheel Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD — Front Wheel Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Steering Turns Lock to Lock | 2.8 | - |
| LSD Available | Not Applicable | Not Available |
| Differential Lock | Not Applicable | Not Available |
| Transfer Case | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Gear Shift Type | Floor-Mounted Selector | Automatic |
| Gear Shift Indicator | Yes | Standard |
| Gearbox Type | 4-Speed Automatic | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 4 | 4 |
| Axle Layout | FWD | Front-wheel drive |
| Automatic Shift Paddles | Not Applicable | Not Available |
| 4WD Engagement | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Hi Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Lo Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Transfer Case Guard | Not Available | - |
| Low Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Low Range Ratio | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Front Differential Lock | Not Applicable | Not Available |
| Rear Differential Lock | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Selector | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Differential Type Front | Not Available | - |
| Differential Type Rear | Not Available | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Variable Valve Timing | CVVT on Intake Camshaft | - |
| Fuel Octane Requirement | 93 RON Unleaded | - |
| CO2 Emissions | 140 g/km | 165 g/km |
| Start Stop System | No | - |
| Noise Level | 68 dB | - |
| Hybrid System Type | Not Applicable | - |
| Particulate Filter | GPF Fitted | - |
| Euro Emission Standard | Euro 5 | - |
| Green NCAP Rating | Not Independently NCAP Green Rated | - |
| Idle CO2 Output | Within Euro 5 Emission Limits | - |
| Fuel Evaporation Control | Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) | - |
| CO2 Emissions G Km | 140 | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3.2 l | - |
| Service Interval | 15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First | - |
| Approx Service Cost | Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service | - |
| Battery Warranty | 12 Months KIA Battery Warranty | - |
| Maintenance Plan | Included — 3 Years/45 | - |
| Engine Oil Change Interval | 10,000 km or 6 Months | - |
| First Service At | 1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check | - |
| Service Plan Duration | 3 Years/45 | 5 years/60,000 km |
| Service Plan Distance | 3 Years/45 | 5 years/60,000 km |
| Service Plan | 3 Years/45 | 5 years/60,000 km |
| Anti-Rust Treatment | Underbody Anti-Rust Protection | - |
| Alternator | 80A Alternator | - |
| Service Intervals | 15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First | - |
| Accessory Battery Type | 12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| 4WD System Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Hill Descent Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Approach Angle | 17 deg | 19.0 deg |
| Departure Angle | 22 deg | 29.0 deg |
| Wading Depth | 0 mm | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Terrain Modes | Not Available | Not Available |
| Locking Differential | Not Applicable | Not Available |
| Underbody Protection | Not Available | - |
| Ramp Breakover Angle | 0 deg | - |
| Ramp-over Angle | 0 deg | - |
| Recovery Hooks | 1 Rear Tow Hook | - |
| Ground Clearance Min | 155 mm | - |
| Ground Clearance Max | 155 mm | - |
| Off Road Descent Control | Not Available | - |
| Terrain Response System | Not Available | - |
| Crawl Control | Not Available | - |
| Underbody Camera | Not Available | - |
| Energy Recovery Display | 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 | - |
| Off Road Traction Assist | Not Available | - |
| Skid Plates Transfer Case | Not Available | - |
| Skid Plates Fuel Tank | Not Available | - |
| Front Skid Plate Guard | Not Available | - |
| Rear Skid Plate Guard | Not Available | - |
| Approach Angle Deg | 17 deg | - |
| Departure Angle Deg | 22 deg | - |
| Wading Depth Mm | 0 mm | - |
| Breakover Angle | 0 deg | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3595 mm | 4314 mm |
| Width | 1595 mm | 1809 mm |
| Height | 1480 mm | 1624 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm | 2585 mm |
| Ground Clearance (Default) | 155 mm | 175 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 950 kg | 1258 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | 1400 kg | 1695 kg |
| Payload Capacity | 450 kg | 437 kg |
| Minimum Turning Radius | 4.8 m | 5.6 m |
| Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Seating Capacity | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Boot/Cargo Space | 620 l | 359 l |
| Front Legroom | 1040 mm | 1070 mm |
| Front Headroom | 970 mm | 1043 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 l | 48 l |
| Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) | 151 mm | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Towing Capacity | 0 kg | 500 kg |
| Number of Rows | 1 rows | 2 rows |
| Rear Headroom | Not Applicable | 995 mm |
| Rear Legroom | Not Applicable | 850 mm |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Front Track Width | 1415 mm | - |
| Rear Track Width | 1420 mm | - |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring | Independent |
| Rear Suspension | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring | Torsion Beam |
| Chassis Type | Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform | - |
| Power Steering | Electric Power Assisted (EPAS) | - |
| Steering Column | Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable | - |
| Front Spring Type | Coil Spring | - |
| Rear Spring Type | Coil Spring | - |
| Front Anti-Roll Bar | Standard Anti-Roll Bar | - |
| Rear Anti-Roll Bar | Standard Anti-Roll Bar | - |
| Shock Absorber Type | Telescopic Gas Dampers | - |
| Front Suspension Type | MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring | Independent |
| Suspension | MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring | - |
| Rear Suspension Type | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring | Torsion Beam |
| Rear Axle Type | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring | - |
| Shock Absorbers | Telescopic Gas Dampers | - |
| Chassis Material | Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform | - |
| MagneRide Damping | Not Available | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Space Seats Folded | 620 l | - |
| Load Bed Length | 1485 mm | - |
| Load Bed Width | 1150 mm | - |
| Fuel Consumption Combined | 6.1 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle | - |
| Spare Wheel | Full Size Spare Tyre | 16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16 |
| Tyre Repair Kit | No — Full Size Spare Provided | - |
| Adaptive Dampers | No | - |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | - |
| Seatbelt Pre Tensioner | Yes — Front | - |
| Speed Alert System | Yes | - |
| Surround View Monitor | No | Standard |
| Digital Speedometer | Yes — Digital Speedometer Display | - |
| Driver Display | Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID | - |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | - |
| Multi Function Steering | Yes | - |
| Voice Command | Yes | - |
| Voice Command Support | Yes | - |
| Wireless Charging | No | Not Available |
| Seat Type | Cloth Fabric | - |
| Rear Seat Split | N/A Panel Van | - |
| Front Armrest | No | - |
| Headrest Adjustable | Yes | - |
| Climate Control | Manual Air Conditioning | ETC air conditioning |
| AC Type | Manual Air Conditioning | ETC air conditioning |
| Climate Zones | Single Zone | - |
| Power Windows | Yes — Front Windows Only | Standard |
| Keyless Entry | No | Standard |
| Push Button Start | No | Standard |
| Push Button Start | No | Standard |
| Engine Start Stop Button | No | Standard |
| Engine Start Button Illumination | No | - |
| Remote Start | No | - |
| Remote Engine Start | No | - |
| Sunroof | No | Standard |
| Panoramic Roof | No | Standard |
| Electric Tailgate | No | Not Available |
| Powered Tailgate | No | - |
| Boot Opener | Yes — Electric Boot Release Button | - |
| Fuel Lid Opener | Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener | - |
| Automatic Headlamps | Yes | - |
| Rain Sensing Wipers | No | Not Available |
| Auto Dimming Mirror | No | - |
| Auto Dimming Irvm | No | - |
| Rear Defogger | Yes | - |
| Rear Window Defroster | Yes | - |
| Electric Mirror Folding | No | - |
| Electric Folding Mirrors | Yes | - |
| Power Mirrors | Yes | - |
| Remote Side Mirror | Yes | - |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | Yes | - |
| Tachometer | Yes | - |
| Trip Computer | Yes | - |
| Speed Limiter | Yes | - |
| Follow Me Home Headlamps | Yes | - |
| 12V Accessory Socket | Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket | - |
| Front Power Outlet | Yes — 12V Socket | - |
| Rear Reading Lamps | Yes | - |
| Vanity Mirror | Yes | - |
| Door Ajar Warning | Yes | - |
| Impact Sensing Door Unlock | Yes | - |
| Engine Check Warning | Yes | - |
| Service Reminder | Yes | - |
| Rear Wing | No | - |
| Chrome Grille | No | - |
| Chrome Exterior Highlights | No | - |
| Side Steps | No | - |
| Skid Plates | No | - |
| Engine Start Stop | No | Standard |
| Heads Up Display | No | - |
| Intercooler | Not Applicable — Naturally Aspirated Engine | - |
| Performance Data Logger | No | - |
| Ride Mode Selection | No | - |
| Rev Matching | No | - |
| Roof Antenna | Yes | - |
| Aero Kit | No | - |
| Exhaust Finish | Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip | - |
| Exhaust Type | Single Exhaust System | - |
| Glovebox Cooling | No | - |
| Headlamp Height Adjust | Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment | - |
| Headlamp Washer | No | - |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.32 Cd | - |
| Stabilizer Bar | Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars | - |
| Steering Response | Electric Power Assisted Steering | - |
| Tail Lamps | No | - |
| Engine Warranty | 7 Years/150 | - |
| Loadbox Length Mm | 1485 mm | - |
| Loadbox Width Mm | 1150 mm | - |
| Trim Level | mid | - |
| Variant Role | Commercial utility derivative | - |
| Accelerator 0 100 | 14.5 sec | - |
| Common Rail Injection | Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) | - |
| Diff Lock | Not Available | - |
| Difflock | Not Available | - |
| Vdc | Yes | - |
| TPMS | Yes | Standard |
| Sonar | No | - |
| Automatic High Beam | No | - |
| Steering Column Adjustment | Tilt and Telescopic | - |
| Tilt Steering | Tilt and Telescopic | - |
| Telescopic Steering | Tilt and Telescopic | - |
| Bottle Holders | 2 | - |
| Rear Air Conditioning | No | - |
| Glove Box | Yes | - |
| Air Conditioning | Manual Air Conditioning | ETC air conditioning |
| Manual Aircon | Manual Air Conditioning | - |
| Intelligent Keyless Entry | No | - |
| Remote Central Locking | No | - |
| Passive Entry Start | No | - |
| Wireless Charger | No | Not Available |
| Lift Gate | No | - |
| Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors | No | - |
| Power Socket 12v | Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket | - |
| Sound System | 6 | 6 |
| Roof Rack Compatibility | No | - |
| Mirror | Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators | - |
| Rim Size | 14 Inches | 17 |
| Stabilizer Bar Front | Standard Anti-Roll Bar | - |
| Stabilizer Bar Rear | Standard Anti-Roll Bar | - |
| Sub Frame | Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform | - |
| Vehicle To Grid | Not Available | - |
| Vehicle To Load | Not Available | - |
| One Pedal Driving | Not Available | - |
| Regenerative Braking Levels | Not Available | - |
| Rear Electric Motor | Not Available | - |
| Battery Preconditioning | Not Available | - |
| Source Model Column | picanto-panel-van | - |
| Intelligent Battery System | Not Available | - |
| Front Diff Lock | Not Available | - |
| Rear Diff Lock | Not Available | - |
| Loadbox Depth Mm | Not Available | - |
| Load Bed Cover | Not Available | - |
| Load Bed Light | Not Available | - |
| Load Bed Steps | Not Available | - |
| Loadbox Rope Hooks | Not Available | - |
| Loadbox Tiedown Brackets | Not Available | - |
| Bed Extender | Not Available | - |
| Canopy Fitment | Not Available | - |
| Sports Bar | Not Available | - |
| Tailgate Damper | Not Available | - |
| Tailgate Lock | Not Available | - |
| Tow Bar Type | Not Available | - |
| Sport Plus Mode | Not Available | - |
| Unlocking | No | Standard |
| Walk Away Lock | No | - |
| Walk Away Auto Door Lock | No | - |
| Rear LED Combination Taillights | No | - |
| Front Wiper | Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer | - |
| Front Wipers Type | Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer | - |
| Rearview Mirror Inside | No | - |
| Vanity Mirror Illuminated | Yes | - |
| Reading Lights Rear | Yes | - |
| Centre Console | No | - |
| Side Impact Bars | Yes | - |
| Boot Space Seats Folded | 620 l | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Front Shoulder Room | 1355 mm | - |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 0 mm | - |
| Steering Adjustment | Tilt and Telescopic | - |
| Steering Type | Electric Power Assisted (EPAS) | - |
| Instrument Cluster Type | Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster | - |
| Rear USB Ports | 0 | - |
| Seat Material | Cloth | PVC + PU |
| Fabric Seats | Yes | - |
| Leather Seats | No | - |
| Seat Adjustment | Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment | - |
| Driver Seat Adjustment | 6-Way Manual Adjustment | 6-way manual |
| Adjustable Driver Seat | Yes | - |
| Passenger Seat Adjustment | 4-Way Manual Adjustment | 4-way manual, no height adjustment |
| Adjustable Front Seat | Yes | - |
| Memory Seats | No | - |
| Heated Seats | No | Not Available |
| Ventilated Seats | No | Not Available |
| Cooled Seats | No | - |
| Driver Lumbar Support | No | - |
| Steering Wheel Material | Urethane | Leather |
| Ambient Lighting | No | Not Available |
| Folding Rear Seats | Not Applicable — Panel Van | - |
| 60 40 Split Seat | No | Standard |
| Front Armrest | No | - |
| Rear Armrest | No | - |
| Cup Holders | 2 | - |
| Rear AC Vents | No | - |
| Door Map Pockets | Yes | - |
| Front Headrest | Yes — Adjustable | - |
| Rear Headrest | Not Applicable | - |
| Interior Colour Options | 2 | - |
| Interior Courtesy Lamps | 2-seat cab with sealed cargo bulkhead, air conditioning, electric windows, basic audio system, flat commercial load floor | - |
| Boot Space Seats Down | 620 | - |
| Seat Belt Warning | Yes | - |
| Seat Trim | Cloth | PVC + PU |
| Leather Accented Seat Trim | Cloth | - |
| Driver Seat | Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment | - |
| Seat Fold Type | Not Applicable — Panel Van | - |
| Armrest Front | No | - |
| Armrest Rear | No | - |
| Rear Seat Centre Armrest | No | - |
| Interior Colours | 2 | - |
| Interior Trim Colour | 2 | - |
| Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest | No | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Front Overhang | 735 mm | - |
| Rear Overhang | 460 mm | - |
| Panoramic Sunroof | No | Standard |
| Body Type | 3-Door Panel Van | - |
| LED Headlamps | No | Standard |
| Led Headlights | No | Standard |
| Daytime Running Lamps | Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights | Standard |
| DRL | Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights | Standard |
| Fog Lamps | No | Standard |
| Fog Lights | No | - |
| Front Fog Lights | No | - |
| Rear Fog Lights | Yes | - |
| Led Taillights | No | - |
| Roof Rails | No | Standard |
| Alloy Wheel Design | Standard Design | - |
| Chrome Exterior Finish | No | - |
| Body Cladding | No | - |
| Rear Spoiler | Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler | - |
| Exterior Colour Options | 5 | Pearl Black, Arctic White, Storm Silver, Burnt Orange, Dynamic Red, Atlantic Blue |
| Roof Type | Standard Fixed Roof | - |
| Wing Mirror Type | Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators | - |
| Rear Wiper | Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer | - |
| Door Handle Finish | Body-Coloured Door Handles | - |
| Exterior Colour Options | 2 | - |
| Exterior Mirror Electric | Yes | - |
| Auto Headlights | Yes | - |
| Automatic Headlamps | Yes | - |
| Headlamps | No | Standard |
| Headlights | No | Standard |
| Headlight Type | No | Standard |
| Exterior Mirror Folding | No | - |
| Headlamp Levelling | No | - |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights | Standard |
| Front Fog Lamps | No | Standard |
| Rear Spoiler | Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler | - |
| Exterior Door Handle Colour | Body-Coloured Door Handles | - |
| Load Bed Liner | Not Available | - |
| Active Exhaust | Not Available | - |
| Electric Blind Sunroof | Not Available | - |
| Sunroof Slide | Not Available | - |
| Sunroof Tilt | Not Available | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 l | 48 l |
| Claimed Mileage | 16.4 km/l | 14.08 km/l |
| City Mileage | 13.5 km/l | 10.99 km/l |
| Highway Mileage | 20.4 km/l | 16.95 km/l |
| Real-world Mileage | 16.4 km/l | 14.08 km/l |
| Distance To Empty | Yes | - |
| Low Fuel Warning | Yes | - |
| Emission Standard | Euro 5 | EURO 5 |
| AdBlue Tank Capacity | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Auto Start Stop | No | Not Available |
| Fuel Tank Litres | 35 | 48 |
| Charging Port Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Electric Consumption | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Charging Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Combined Driving Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Range Real World Highway | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Range Real World Mixed | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Real-world City Mileage Min | 6.9 l/100km | - |
| Real-world City Mileage Max | 8.4 l/100km | - |
| Real-world Highway Mileage Min | 4.5 l/100km | - |
| Real-world Highway Mileage Max | 5.3 l/100km | - |
| Owner Review Count | 0 | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Size | 175/65 R14 | 215/50R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless Radial | - |
| Wheel Type | Standard Design | - |
| Wheel Rim Size | 14 Inches | 17 |
| Wheel Diameter | 14 Inches | 17 |
| Front Tyre Width | 175 mm | - |
| Rear Tyre Width | 175 mm | - |
| Front Brake Type | Ventilated Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Drum | Disc |
| Brake Type Front | Ventilated Disc | - |
| Brake Type Rear | Drum | - |
| Front Brake Disc Diameter | 247 mm | - |
| Rear Brake Drum Diameter | 180 mm | - |
| Parking Brake Type | Conventional Handbrake | - |
| Tyre Load Index | 82 | - |
| Tyre Speed Rating | T | - |
| Spare Wheel Type | Full Size Spare Tyre | 16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size Spare Tyre | 16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16 |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Display | Yes | - |
| Hydraulic Brake Assist | Yes | - |
| Autonomous Emergency Brake | No | - |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Yes | - |
| Wheel Material | Standard Design | - |
| Wheels | Standard Design | - |
| Spare Wheel Size Type | Full Size Spare | - |
| Handbrake Type | Conventional Handbrake | Mechanical |
| Electric Park Brake | Conventional Handbrake | - |
| Wheel Size Type | 14 Inches | - |
| Fifth Wheel Prep | Not Available | - |
| Steering Wheel Cruise Controls | No | - |
| Steering Wheel Phone Controls | Yes | - |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Urethane | - |
| Steering Wheel Trim | Urethane | - |
| Brakes | Ventilated Disc | - |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | - |
| Cornering Brake Control | Yes | - |
| Auto Brake Hold | Conventional Handbrake | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | Standard |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | Standard |
| Side Airbags | Yes — Front Side Airbags | Standard |
| Curtain Airbags | Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags | Standard |
| Knee Airbag | No | Not Available |
| ABS | Yes | Standard |
| EBD | Yes | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control | Yes | Standard |
| TCS | Yes | Standard |
| Traction Control | Yes | Standard |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | Standard |
| Hill Descent Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Brake Assist | Yes | Standard |
| BA | Yes | Standard |
| Brake Override System | Yes | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Child Safety Lock | Yes | Standard |
| ISOFIX Mounts | Yes | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Monitor | Yes | Standard |
| Engine Immobiliser | Yes | Standard |
| Engine Immobiliser | Yes | Standard |
| Alarm System | Yes | - |
| Central Locking | Yes | - |
| Side Impact Beams | Yes | - |
| Seatbelt Warning All Seats | Yes | Standard |
| Seatbelt Pretensioners | Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners | Standard |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Yes | Standard |
| Speed Alert System | Yes | - |
| Safety Rating | 3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment) | - |
| Whiplash Protection | Yes — Active Head Restraints Front | - |
| Hill Hold | Yes | Standard |
| Stability Control | Yes | Standard |
| AEB | No | Not Available |
| Pedestrian Detection AEB | No | - |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | No | - |
| Lane Change Warning | No | - |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | No | Not Available |
| Fatigue Detection | No | - |
| Front Parking Sensors | No | Not Available |
| ABS EBD | Yes | Standard |
| ESC With Traction Control | Yes | - |
| Driver Front Passenger Airbags | 6 | - |
| Driver Passenger Airbags | 6 | - |
| Anti Theft Alarm | Yes | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomous Emergency Braking | No | Not Available |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | No | Not Available |
| Lane Keep Assist | No | Not Available |
| Lane Departure Warning | No | Not Available |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | No | Not Available |
| Driver Fatigue Alert | No | Not Available |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | No | Not Available |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | No | Not Available |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | No | Not Available |
| Cruise Control | No | Standard |
| Auto Highbeam | No | Not Available |
| Parking Sensors | No | Rear |
| Rear Parking Sensors | No | Standard |
| Rear View Camera | No | Standard |
| Reverse Camera | No | Standard |
| 360 Degree Camera | No | Standard |
| Park Assist | No | Not Available |
| Auto Lights | Yes | - |
| Auto Wipers | No | Not Available |
| Eco Mode | Yes | - |
| Sport Mode | No | - |
| EV Mode | Not Applicable — Petrol Engine | - |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | Not Available |
| Emergency Braking | No | - |
| Pre-Collision System | No | - |
| Rear View Camera | No | - |
| Reversing Camera | No | - |
| Reverse Camera Type | No | - |
| Around View Monitor | No | Standard |
| Surround View Camera | No | Standard |
| Parking Distance Sensors | No | - |
| Parking Sensor | No | - |
| Front Camera | No | - |
| Automatic High Beam | No | - |
| Rain Sensor Wipers | No | - |
| Forward Collision Warning | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment System | 8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System | 8-inch touchscreen |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-Inch Touchscreen | 8-inch |
| Infotainment Display | 8-Inch Touchscreen Display | - |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 8-Inch Touchscreen | 8-inch |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | Standard |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Yes | Standard |
| Android Auto | Yes | Standard |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Standard |
| Navigation System | Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay | - |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster | Not Available |
| USB Ports | 2 | Standard |
| Rear Usb | No | - |
| Number of Speakers | 6 | 6 |
| Premium Audio | No | - |
| FM Radio | Yes | - |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Yes | - |
| Audio Controls On Steering | Yes | - |
| Voice Recognition | Yes | - |
| AUX Input | Yes | - |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No | - |
| Head Up Display | No | - |
| Multi Information Display | Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster | - |
| Display Audio | 8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System | - |
| Touchscreen | 8-Inch Touchscreen | 8-inch |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Yes | - |
| Connected Services | Yes | - |
| Audio Speakers | 6 | 6 |
| Front Rear USB Charge Ports | 2 | - |
| Voice Control | Yes | - |
| Radio | Yes | - |
| Audio | Yes | - |
| Audio System | Yes | - |
| Wireless Android Auto | Yes | Standard |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty Years | 7 Years/150 | 7 years / 200,000 km |
| Warranty Kilometers | 7 Years/150 | 7 years / 200,000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years Roadside Assistance | - |
| Anti-Corrosion Warranty | 5 Years | - |
| Basic Warranty | 7 Years/150 | 7 years / 200,000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years Roadside Assistance | - |
| Warranty | 7 Years/150 | 7 years / 200,000 km |
| Warranty Roadside Assistance | 5 Years Roadside Assistance | - |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Van | Five-door compact SUV |
| Model Year | 2026 | 2024 |
| Segment | Van | Compact SUV |
| Vehicle Type | Van | SUV |
| Dealer Stock Note | Mid grade in the South Africa lineup | - |
| Color Note | Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl | - |
| Tare Mass Kg | 950 kg | - |
| Model Introduced Year | 2018 | 2025 |
| Generation | Based on third-generation JA Picanto platform; commercial derivative | Current local value-positioned ZS compact SUV, sold alongside rather than replaced by the larger turbocharged ZS Pro. |
| Facelift History | Updated with third-generation Picanto platform in 2021 | Current South African ZS specification introduced with MG's market return in 2025. |
| Facelift Launched Since | 2021 | 2025 |
| Facelift Version Ending | Current | Current |
| Production Status | active | active |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Price Zar | 269995 ZAR | 309900 ZAR |
| Pricing Role | Current listed price | Current South African MSRP |
| Starting Price | 269995 | 309900 |
| Starting Price Zar | 269995 | 309900 |
| Ownership Role | Mid | Passenger vehicle |
| Spec | Picanto Panel Van | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol | 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated NSE Petrol |
| Engine Code | G3LA | NSE |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Hybrid System | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Engine Displacement | 998 cc | 1498 cc |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
| Cylinder Layout | Inline | Inline |
| Valves | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Valves per Cylinder | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel System | Multi-Point Injection | Multipoint fuel injection |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Bore | 71 mm | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Stroke | 84 mm | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Maximum Power | 49 kW @ 6000 rpm | 84 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 94 Nm @ 3500 rpm | 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 | 4-Speed Automatic | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Top Speed | 148 km/h | Not Officially Disclosed |
| 0-100 km/h | 14.5 sec | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Quarter Mile | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Drive Modes | Eco | No |
| Launch Control | No | No |
| Rev Limiter | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 51.6 kW/tonne | 66.77 kW/tonne |
| Torque-to-Weight Ratio | 98.9 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 |
In depth: how these cars differ
This Picanto Panel Van and ZS comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Picanto Panel Van 22 vs ZS 37.
Efficiency index: Picanto Panel Van 63 vs ZS 55.
Safety-equipment index: Picanto Panel Van 68 vs ZS 87.
Practicality index: Picanto Panel Van 59 vs ZS 52.
Ownership-cover index: Picanto Panel Van 77 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.
Model imagery
Picanto Panel Van and ZS image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
KIA Picanto Panel Van
View 8 more Picanto Panel Van images
MG ZS
View 8 more ZS images
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-index readout
ZS leads by 2 points
Picanto Panel Van and ZS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Evidence leader
57
/100
Lead
2
points
Data
73%
source coverage
57
#1
Evidence leader
ZS
73% source coverage
1 strong categories
Best at
Safety 87
Check
Performance 37
Performance
37
Efficiency
55
Safety
87
Practicality
52
Leads by 2 points
55
#2
Picanto Panel Van
92% source coverage
1 strong categories
Best at
Ownership 77
Check
Performance 22
Performance
22
Efficiency
63
Safety
68
Practicality
59
Ownership
77
Performance 24%
Safety 22%
Practicality 22%
Efficiency 17%
Ownership 15%
Category leaders
What moves the verdict
Performance
ZS +15
Efficiency
Picanto Panel Van +8
Safety
ZS +19
Practicality
Picanto Panel Van +7
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this score View full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
ZS
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
52/100
Picanto Panel Van
Performance
22/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
68/100
Practicality
59/100
Ownership
77/100
What the evidence means
Evidence index
MG ZS
leads the specification evidence index with 57 pts
vs 55 pts for Picanto Panel Van
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, ZS leads. However, Picanto Panel Van may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
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Picanto Panel Van vs ZS questions
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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.