A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
ZS
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
XUV3XO
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
ZS
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Model Introduced Year
Not Available
2025
Generation
Current local listing
Current local value-positioned ZS compact SUV, sold alongside rather than replaced by the larger turbocharged ZS Pro.
Facelift History
Not listed by current South African source page.
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
SUV
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
Current
2024
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
SUV
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1362 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Length
3990 mm
4314 mm
Width
1821 mm
1809 mm
Height
1647 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
201 mm
175 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
42 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
364 l
359 l
Kerb Weight
1362 kg
1258 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
5.3 m
5.6 m
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
Doors
-
5 doors
Front Headroom
-
1043 mm
Rear Headroom
-
995 mm
Front Legroom
-
1070 mm
Rear Legroom
-
850 mm
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut with anti-roll bar
Independent
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam with coil springs
Torsion Beam
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
ETC air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Remote keyless entry
Standard
Push Button Start
Push button start
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Skyroof
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
364 l
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Standard
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V socket
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
ETC air conditioning
Front Armrest
Front armrest with storage
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Engine
1.2-litre Turbocharged 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
1197 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
3
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
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
82 kW @ 5000 rpm
84 kW
Maximum Torque
200 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
6-Speed Automatic
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
60.2 kW/tonne
66.77 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
146.8 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
XUV3XO
ZS
Gearbox
Automatic
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
6
4
Transmission Type
6-speed automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Not Applicable
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
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gearbox Type
6-speed automatic
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
Transmission Speeds
6
4
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Claimed Mileage
18 km/l
14.08 km/l
City Mileage
14.7 km/l
10.99 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.8 km/l
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
42 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
18 km/l
14.08 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
42
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
XUV3XO
ZS
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Not Available
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
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Seat belt reminder for all passengers
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Front parking sensors
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Seat belt reminder for all passengers
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Not Available
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Not Available
Standard
Spec
XUV3XO
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
Blind View Monitoring
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Reverse parking sensors
Rear
Rear View Camera
Rear view camera
Standard
360 Degree Camera
360-degree surround view system
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
Reverse parking sensors
Standard
Reverse Camera
Rear view camera
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
360-degree surround view system
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Blind View Monitoring
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Seat Material
Leatherette
PVC + PU
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Armrest
Rear armrest with cup holder
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear AC Vents
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Height-adjustable driver seat
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Height-adjustable driver seat
4-way manual, no height adjustment
Seat Trim
Leatherette
PVC + PU
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Infotainment System
10.25-inch HD infotainment
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wired Apple CarPlay
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch digital cluster
Not Available
USB Ports
Front USB-A and rear USB-C
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wired Apple CarPlay
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Steering audio control
-
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch HD infotainment
8-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch HD infotainment
8-inch
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED signature lamp
Standard
Fog Lamps
LED front fog lamps
Standard
Roof Rails
Standard
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Pearl Black, Arctic White, Storm Silver, Burnt Orange, Dynamic Red, Atlantic Blue
Rear Wiper
Standard
-
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Skyroof
Standard
Spec
XUV3XO
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
Ground Clearance Max
Not Applicable
-
Ground Clearance Min
Not Applicable
-
Spec
XUV3XO
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
Parking Brake Type
Electronic parking brake
-
Wheel Rim Size
R16 steel wheels
17
Electric Park Brake
Electronic parking brake with auto hold
-
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Mechanical
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
165 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Basic Warranty
5 years / 150 000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
Warranty
5 years / 150 000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Service Plan
5 years / 100 000 km
5 years/60,000 km
Spec
XUV3XO
ZS
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
374999 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
259999
309900
Starting Price Zar
259999
309900
In depth: how these cars differ
This XUV3XO 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: XUV3XO 40 vs ZS 37.
Efficiency index: XUV3XO 69 vs ZS 55.
Safety-equipment index: XUV3XO 84 vs ZS 87.
Practicality index: XUV3XO 66 vs ZS 52.
Ownership-cover index: XUV3XO 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.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
XUV3XO leads by 7 points
XUV3XO 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
XUV3XO
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
66/100
ZS
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
52/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMahindra XUV3XO
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 57 pts for ZS
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, XUV3XO 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 African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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