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.
XUV700 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while ZS remains close.
ZS starts ZAR 205,299 cheaperXUV700 from ZAR 495,199 · ZS from ZAR 289,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
XUV700
ZS
Maximum Power
XUV700149 kW @ 5000 rpm
ZS84 kW
Maximum Torque
XUV700380 Nm
ZS150 Nm
Engine Size
XUV7001997 cc
ZS1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
XUV70013 km/l
ZS14.08 km/l
Ground Clearance
XUV700200 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.
Mahindra XUV700
AX7L BE Automatic
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
XUV700
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
ZS
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
XUV700
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
ZS
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
XUV700
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
2040 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Length
4695 mm
4314 mm
Width
1890 mm
1809 mm
Height
1755 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
175 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
240 l
359 l
Kerb Weight
2040 kg
1258 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
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
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.6 m
Front Headroom
-
1043 mm
Rear Headroom
-
995 mm
Front Legroom
-
1070 mm
Rear Legroom
-
850 mm
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Independent
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Torsion Beam
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone fully automatic climate control
ETC air conditioning
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Passive keyless entry
Standard
Push Button Start
Push button start
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless front charger
Not Available
Sunroof
Skyroof
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
AC Type
Dual-zone fully automatic climate control
ETC air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Engine
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
1997 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
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
149 kW @ 5000 rpm
84 kW
Maximum Torque
380 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
Not Officially Disclosed
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
ZIP, ZAP, ZOOM, CUSTOM
No
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
73 kW/tonne
66.77 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
186.3 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
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Gearbox
Automatic
4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
4
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Claimed Mileage
13 km/l
14.08 km/l
City Mileage
10.6 km/l
10.99 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.1 km/l
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 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
13 km/l
14.08 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
60
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
XUV700
ZS
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Not Available
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Latest Gen Electronic Stability Programme
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
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
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
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
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Latest Gen Electronic Stability Programme
Standard
TCS
Not Available
Standard
Knee Airbag
Driver knee airbag
Not Available
ABS EBD
Not Available
Standard
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Cruise Control
Not Available
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
Not Available
Rear
Rear View Camera
Reverse camera and park assist
Standard
360 Degree Camera
360-degree camera view
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Driver drowsiness detection
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Reverse camera and park assist
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
360-degree camera view
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Blind view monitoring
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Seat Material
Leatherette
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
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way powered driver seat with memory
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
6-way powered driver seat with memory
4-way manual, no height adjustment
Seat Trim
Leatherette
PVC + PU
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Infotainment System
26.03-inch dual HD superscreen
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
12-speaker Sony 3D sound system
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Available
USB Ports
Not Available
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen
26.03-inch dual HD superscreen
8-inch
Touchscreen
26.03-inch dual HD superscreen
8-inch
Spec
XUV700
ZS
LED Headlamps
Clear-view LED headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Pearl Black, Arctic White, Storm Silver, Burnt Orange, Dynamic Red, Atlantic Blue
Headlights
Clear-view LED headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Skyroof
Standard
Spec
XUV700
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
XUV700
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 park brake
-
Wheel Rim Size
R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels
17
Electric Park Brake
Standard
-
Handbrake Type
Electronic park brake
Mechanical
Spec
XUV700
ZS
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
165 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
XUV700
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
XUV700
ZS
Service Plan
5 years / 100 000 km
5 years/60,000 km
Spec
XUV700
ZS
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
627899 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
495199
309900
Starting Price Zar
495199
309900
In depth: how these cars differ
This XUV700 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: XUV700 66 vs ZS 37.
Efficiency index: XUV700 53 vs ZS 55.
Safety-equipment index: XUV700 94 vs ZS 87.
Practicality index: XUV700 67 vs ZS 52.
Ownership-cover index: XUV700 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
XUV700 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
XUV700 leads by 14 points
XUV700 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while ZS remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
XUV700
Performance
66/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
ZS
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
52/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMahindra XUV700
leads the specification evidence index with 71 pts
vs 57 pts for ZS
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, XUV700 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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