VS
At a Glance
Power
61 kW
84 kW
Torque
114 Nm
150 Nm
Fuel
5.9 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.6 s
—
Engine
1197 cc
1496 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Exter and the MG ZS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Hyundai Exter delivers 61 kW while the MG ZS produces 84 kW. On fuel, the Exter returns 5.9 l/100km while the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R314 900 for the Exter 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
61 kW
84 kW
Torque
114 Nm
150 Nm
0-100 kph
12.6 s
—
Top Speed
165 Km/h
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1197 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
5
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.9 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
141 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3815 mm
4314 mm
Width
1710 mm
1809 mm
Height
1631 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance
185 mm
175 mm
Kerb Weight
957 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
290 / 1275 l
359-1166 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
500 Kg
Load Capacity
433 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
5 vehicle / 7 engine
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
3
Service Plan Distance
45000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MG ZS
3 / 4 categories
Performance
ZS
Fuel Economy
Exter
Value
ZS
Practicality
ZS
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Exter
Better fuel economy (5.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (61 kW vs 84 kW)
Higher starting price
MG ZS
More powerful engine (84 kW)
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Exter or ZS?
The Exter uses 5.9 l/100km and the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Exter 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 Exter or ZS?
The Exter produces 61 kW and 114 Nm of torque while the ZS delivers 84 kW and 150 Nm of torque. The ZS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Exter and ZS?
The Exter starts from R314 900 and the ZS from R309 900. The ZS is cheaper by R5 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Exter or ZS?
The Exter has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the ZS can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Exter 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.