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.
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished 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?
Punch
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
Punch
ZS
Model Introduced Year
2025
2025
Generation
First-generation South African-market Tata Punch compact five-door SUV
Current local value-positioned ZS compact SUV, sold alongside rather than replaced by the larger turbocharged ZS Pro.
Facelift History
Introduced with Tata Passenger Vehicles' South African return in 2025; no South African facelift has been announced
Current South African ZS specification introduced with MG's market return in 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
2025
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact SUV
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
SUV
Spec
Punch
ZS
Length
3827 mm
4314 mm
Width
1742 mm
1809 mm
Height
1615 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2445 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
187 mm
175 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
159 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
366 l
359 l
Kerb Weight
1059 kg
1258 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1483 kg
1695 kg
Payload Capacity
424 kg
437 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.0 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
1043 mm
Rear Headroom
940 mm
995 mm
Front Legroom
870 mm
1070 mm
Rear Legroom
890 mm
850 mm
Spec
Punch
ZS
Engine
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
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
1199 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
3
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
12
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Multipoint fuel injection
Compression Ratio
11.3:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
77 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
85.8 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
65 kW @ 6000 rpm
84 kW
Maximum Torque
115 Nm @ 3250 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
5-Speed AMT
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
Eco, City
No
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
61.4 kW/tonne
66.77 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
108.6 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
Punch
ZS
Gearbox
5-Speed AMT
4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
4.64
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
5
4
Transmission Type
Automated Manual Transmission
Automatic
Clutch Type
Automated dry single-plate clutch
Torque converter automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automated manual gear selector
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
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 Available
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
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
5
4
Spec
Punch
ZS
Claimed Mileage
17.86 km/l
14.08 km/l
City Mileage
10.7 km/l
10.99 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.9 km/l
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
48 l
Emission Standard
BS VI Phase 2
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
17.86 km/l
14.08 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
35
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
Punch
ZS
Airbags
2
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Through PEPS
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
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
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Through PEPS
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Not Available
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Punch
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
Standard
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
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 Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
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
Punch
ZS
Seat Material
Tri Arrow Design Fabric Seat
PVC + PU
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather-wrapped
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual slide and recline
4-way manual, no height adjustment
Seat Trim
Tri Arrow Design Fabric Seat
PVC + PU
Spec
Punch
ZS
Climate Control
FATC
ETC air conditioning
Power Windows
Front Rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
FATC
ETC air conditioning
Spec
Punch
ZS
Infotainment System
Floating 10.5" Infotainment System
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Connectivity
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless Connectivity
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
4" Digital Cluster
Not Available
USB Ports
Front A and Fast C type USB
Standard
Infotainment Screen
10.5-inch
8-inch
Touchscreen
10.5-inch
8-inch
Spec
Punch
ZS
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
With Cornering Lamps
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Orcus White with Black Roof, Tornado Blue with White Roof, Calypso Red with White Roof, Daytona Grey with Black Roof, Tropical Mist with Black Roof
Pearl Black, Arctic White, Storm Silver, Burnt Orange, Dynamic Red, Atlantic Blue
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Spec
Punch
ZS
Approach Angle
20.3 deg
19.0 deg
Departure Angle
37.6 deg
29.0 deg
Wading Depth
370 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
22.2 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Punch
ZS
Tyre Size
195/70 R16
215/50R17
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel spare wheel, 185/70 R15
16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16
Wheel Rim Size
16-inch
17
Handbrake Type
Manual handbrake
Mechanical
Spec
Punch
ZS
Front Suspension
Independent, Lower Wishbone, Mcpherson Strut with Coil Spring
Independent
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Twist Beam with Coil Spring and Shock Absorber
Torsion Beam
Spec
Punch
ZS
CO2 Emissions
132 g/km
165 g/km
Spec
Punch
ZS
Service Plan
2 years / 30,000 km
5 years/60,000 km
Spec
Punch
ZS
Ownership Role
New passenger vehicle
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
339900 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Recommended retail price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
339900
309900
Starting Price Zar
339900
309900
Spec
Punch
ZS
Warranty
5 years / 125,000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Punch 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: Punch 31 vs ZS 37.
Efficiency index: Punch 68 vs ZS 55.
Safety-equipment index: Punch 44 vs ZS 87.
Practicality index: Punch 61 vs ZS 52.
Ownership-cover index: Punch not separately scored 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
Punch and ZS image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
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
ZS leads by 7 points
Punch 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
Evidence-index leader
ZS
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
52/100
Punch
Performance
31/100
Efficiency
68/100
Safety
44/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMG ZS
leads the specification evidence index with 57 pts
vs 50 pts for Punch
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, ZS leads. However, Punch 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 Africa models and comparable body styles.
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.
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