VS
At a Glance
Power
84 kW
77 kW
Torque
150 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
7.1 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1000 Kg
Engine
1496 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the MG ZS and the Toyota Starlet Cross is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MG ZS delivers 84 kW while the Toyota Starlet Cross produces 77 kW. On fuel, the ZS returns 7.1 l/100km while the Starlet Cross uses 5.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R309 900 for the ZS and R342 900 for the Starlet Cross. 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
84 kW
77 kW
Torque
150 Nm
138 Nm
Top Speed
195 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
4
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.1 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
134 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4314 mm
3995 mm
Width
1809 mm
1765 mm
Height
1624 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2585 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1010 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
359-1166 l
304-605-1009 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Climate Control
—
✓ 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 engine
3
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
4 services
Service Plan Distance
30000
60000
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
ZS
Fuel Economy
Starlet Cross
Value
ZS
Practicality
Starlet Cross
Pros & Cons
MG ZS
More powerful engine (84 kW)
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Toyota Starlet Cross
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 84 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the ZS or Starlet Cross?
The ZS uses 7.1 l/100km and the Starlet Cross uses 5.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet Cross 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 ZS or Starlet Cross?
The ZS produces 84 kW and 150 Nm of torque while the Starlet Cross delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The ZS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the ZS and Starlet Cross?
The ZS starts from R309 900 and the Starlet Cross from R342 900. The ZS is cheaper by R33 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the ZS or Starlet Cross?
The ZS has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the Starlet Cross can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the ZS or the Starlet Cross?
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.