VS
At a Glance
Power
68kW@4000
84 kW
Torque
230Nm@1750
150 Nm
Fuel
3.7
7.1 l/100km
Towing
1150
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
11
—
Engine
1560
1496 cc
Choosing between the CITROEN C3 and the MG ZS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The CITROEN C3 delivers 68kW@4000 while the MG ZS produces 84 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 3.7 while the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R230 500 for the C3 and R309 900 for the ZS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
68kW@4000
84 kW
Torque
230Nm@1750
150 Nm
0-100 kph
11
—
Top Speed
180
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1560
1496 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
5
4
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
3.7
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
4.4
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
3.3
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
48 l
CO2 Emissions
98
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3941
4314 mm
Width
1728-1994
1809 mm
Height
1524
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2466
2585 mm
Ground Clearance
—
175 mm
Kerb Weight
1080
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
359-1166 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1150
500 Kg
Load Capacity
300
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5 vehicle / 7 engine
Warranty Distance
100000
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3
Service Plan Distance
—
30000
Service Intervals
40000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
CITROEN C3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
ZS
Fuel Economy
C3
Value
C3
Practicality
C3
Pros & Cons
CITROEN C3
Better fuel economy (3.7)
Lower starting price (R230 500)
Higher towing capacity (1150)
No factory service plan
MG ZS
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or ZS?
The C3 uses 3.7 and the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the C3 or ZS?
The C3 produces 68kW@4000 and 230Nm@1750 of torque while the ZS delivers 84 kW and 150 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the C3 and ZS?
The C3 starts from R230 500 and the ZS from R309 900. The C3 is cheaper by R79 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C3 or ZS?
The C3 has a braked towing capacity of 1150 and the ZS can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C3 or the ZS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.