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.
Starlet and ZS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Starlet starts ZAR 45,000 cheaperStarlet from ZAR 244,900 · ZS from ZAR 289,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Starlet
ZS
Maximum Power
Starlet72 kW @ 5500 rpm
ZS84 kW
Maximum Torque
Starlet140 Nm
ZS150 Nm
Engine Size
Starlet996 cc
ZS1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Starlet16.7 km/l
ZS14.08 km/l
Ground Clearance
Starlet162 mm
ZS175 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Toyota Starlet
1.0T XR CVT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Starlet
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
ZS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
Starlet
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
ZS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Starlet
ZS
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Auto Lights
Standard
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Emergency Braking
Standard
-
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Rear
-
Parking Sensor
Rear
-
Parking Sensors
Rear
Rear
Pre-Collision System
Not Available
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Standard
-
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
-
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
Standard
-
Reversing Camera
Standard
-
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Starlet
ZS
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
Axle Layout
FWD
Front-wheel drive
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Drivetrain
FWD/
Front-wheel drive
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front-wheel drive
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Number of Gears
4
4
Gear Shift Type
CVT Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox
CVT Automatic
4-Speed Automatic
Gearbox Type
CVT Automatic
Automatic
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
4
4
Transmission Type
Continuously Variable Transmission
Automatic
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Standard
Spec
Starlet
ZS
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
-
19.0 deg
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
-
29.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
162 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
162 mm
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
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 Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Underbody Protection
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Starlet
ZS
60 40 Split Seat
60/40 Split
Standard
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Armrest Front
Not Available
-
Armrest Rear
Not Available
-
Driver Seat
Manual
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
6-way manual
Fabric Seats
Fabric
-
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Full Digital
-
Interior Colour Options
6
-
Interior Colours
6
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Fabric
-
Rear Armrest
Not Available
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Not Available
-
Seat Adjustment
Manual
-
Seat Fold Type
60/40 Split
-
Seat Material
Fabric
PVC + PU
Seat Trim
Fabric
PVC + PU
Steering Adjustment
Height Adjustable
-
Steering Type
Electric
-
Rear USB Ports
2
-
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
4-way manual, no height adjustment
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
Spec
Starlet
ZS
ABS
Standard
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
AEB
Standard
Not Available
Airbags
7
6
Alarm System
Standard
-
Anti Theft Alarm
Standard
-
BA
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Central Locking
Standard
-
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
7
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
7
-
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
7
Standard
Passenger Airbag
7
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Starlet
ZS
AC Type
Automatic AC
ETC air conditioning
Accelerator 0 100
12.0 sec
-
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Air Conditioning
Automatic AC
ETC air conditioning
Auto Dimming Irvm
Standard
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
-
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Centre Console
Not Available
-
Climate Control
Automatic AC
ETC air conditioning
Climate Zones
Automatic AC
-
Common Rail Injection
Direct Injection
-
Diff Lock
Not Applicable
-
Difflock
Not Applicable
-
Digital Speedometer
Full Digital
-
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Standard
-
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Standard
Engine Warranty
Not Applicable
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
6
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Standard
-
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Lift Gate
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Manual Aircon
Automatic AC
-
Mirror
All Doors
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Standard
Passive Entry Start
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Power Mirrors
All Doors
-
Power Windows
All Doors
Standard
Powered Tailgate
Not Available
-
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Rear Seat Split
60/40 Split
-
Rear Wing
Not Available
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
Standard
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Standard
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Roof Rack Compatibility
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Fabric
-
Side Impact Bars
Standard
-
Skid Plates
Not Available
-
Sonar
Rear
-
Sound System
4
6
Source Model Column
starlet
-
Spare Wheel
Full Size Steel
16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Height Adjustable
-
Sub Frame
Monocoque
-
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Telescopic Steering
Height Adjustable
-
Tilt Steering
Height Adjustable
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
TPMS
Standard
Standard
Trim Level
top
-
Unlocking
Standard
Standard
Variant Role
Mid-to-high value derivative
-
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Voice Command
Standard
-
Voice Command Support
Standard
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Standard
-
Walk Away Lock
Standard
-
Wireless Charger
Optional
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Optional
Not Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
All Doors
-
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
265 l
-
Rim Size
15-inch Alloy Wheels
17
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Alloy Wheel Design
15-inch Alloy Wheels
-
Auto Headlights
Standard
-
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Body Cladding
Not Available
-
Body Type
Hatchback
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Standard
DRL
LED
Standard
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
Pearl Black, Arctic White, Storm Silver, Burnt Orange, Dynamic Red, Atlantic Blue
Exterior Colour Options
7
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
All Doors
-
Fog Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lights
Standard
-
Front Fog Lamps
Standard
Standard
Front Fog Lights
Standard
-
Headlamp Levelling
Full LED
-
Headlamps
Full LED
Standard
Headlight Type
Full LED
Standard
Headlights
Full LED
Standard
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Standard
Led Headlights
Full LED
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Roof Type
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Spec
Starlet
ZS
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
City Mileage
13 km/l
10.99 km/l
Claimed Mileage
16.7 km/l
14.08 km/l
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 5
EURO 5
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
48 l
Fuel Tank Litres
40
48
Highway Mileage
18 km/l
16.95 km/l
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
16.7 km/l
14.08 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Audio Speakers
4
6
Audio System
4
-
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Connected Services
Standard
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full Digital
Not Available
Display Audio
9-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2
-
Infotainment System
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch touchscreen
Infotainment Display
9-inch Touchscreen
-
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch
Multi Information Display
Full Digital
-
Navigation System
Standard
-
Rear Usb
2
-
Infotainment Screen Size
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Number of Speakers
4
6
Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch
USB Ports
2
Standard
Voice Control
Standard
-
Voice Recognition
Standard
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Standard
-
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Standard
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Standard
-
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Tyre
Full Size Steel
16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16
Spare Wheel Size Type
Full Size Steel
-
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Steel
16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Not Available
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Standard
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Tyre Size
195/55 R16
215/50R17
Tyre Type
195/55 R16
-
Wheel Material
15-inch Alloy Wheels
-
Wheel Type
15-inch Alloy Wheels
-
Wheels
15-inch Alloy Wheels
-
Wheel Rim Size
15-inch Alloy Wheels
17
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Mechanical
Wheel Diameter
15-inch Alloy Wheels
17
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
-
Maintenance Plan
Optional
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15,000 km or 1 Year
-
Approx Service Cost
Approx R3,200
-
Service Interval
15,000 km or 1 Year
-
Service Intervals
15,000 km or 1 Year
-
Service Plan
Optional
5 years/60,000 km
Service Plan Distance
Optional
5 years/60,000 km
Service Plan Duration
Optional
5 years/60,000 km
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Body Style
Hatchback
Five-door compact SUV
Color Note
White, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red, Orange
-
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2024
Segment
Hatchback
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1005 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
SUV
Model Introduced Year
2020
2025
Generation
First generation Starlet in South Africa on B-segment platform
Current local value-positioned ZS compact SUV, sold alongside rather than replaced by the larger turbocharged ZS Pro.
Facelift History
Minor updates since launch
Current South African ZS specification introduced with MG's market return in 2025.
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2025
Production Status
active
active
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Boot/Cargo Space
265 l
359 l
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
48 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1420 kg
1695 kg
Ground Clearance (Default)
162 mm
175 mm
Height
1520 mm
1624 mm
Kerb Weight
1005 kg
1258 kg
Length
3995 mm
4314 mm
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
4.9 m
5.6 m
Wheelbase
2520 mm
2585 mm
Width
1695 mm
1809 mm
Payload Capacity
415 kg
437 kg
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
1600 kg
500 kg
Front Headroom
982 mm
1043 mm
Rear Headroom
955 mm
995 mm
Front Legroom
1030 mm
1070 mm
Rear Legroom
885 mm
850 mm
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Chassis Material
Monocoque
-
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Front Spring Type
MacPherson Strut
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Independent
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Independent
Front Track Width
1470 mm
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Rear Axle Type
Torsion Beam
-
Rear Spring Type
Torsion Beam
-
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Rear Track Width
1455 mm
-
Steering Column
Tilt Adjustable
-
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Spec
Starlet
ZS
CO2 Emissions
107 g/km
165 g/km
CO2 Emissions G Km
107
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
-
Idle CO2 Output
107
-
Noise Level
67 dB
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Start Stop System
Standard
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Ownership Role
Top
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
319900 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
319900
309900
Starting Price Zar
319900
309900
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Real-world City Mileage Max
17 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Min
14 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
20 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
17 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
31
-
Spec
Starlet
ZS
Engine
1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated NSE Petrol
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
996 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
3
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multipoint fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
72 kW @ 5500 rpm
84 kW
Maximum Torque
140 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
CVT
4-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
175 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
12.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
71.6 kW/tonne
66.77 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
139.3 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
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
NSE
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
No
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
In depth: how these cars differ
This Starlet 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: Starlet 32 vs ZS 37.
Efficiency index: Starlet 66 vs ZS 55.
Safety-equipment index: Starlet 98 vs ZS 87.
Practicality index: Starlet 53 vs ZS 52.
Ownership-cover index: Starlet 43 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
Starlet 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
Starlet leads by 2 points
Starlet 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
Starlet
Performance
32/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
53/100
Ownership
43/100
ZS
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
52/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota Starlet
leads the specification evidence index with 59 pts
vs 57 pts for ZS
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Starlet leads. However, ZS 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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