VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
84 kW
Torque
300 Nm
150 Nm
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
Engine
1494 cc
1496 cc
Choosing between the Changan UNI-S and the MG ZS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Changan UNI-S delivers 138 kW while the MG ZS produces 84 kW. On fuel, the UNI-S returns 7.0 l/100km while the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R389 900 for the UNI-S 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
138 kW
84 kW
Torque
300 Nm
150 Nm
Top Speed
190 Km/h
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1494 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.0 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
179 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4539 mm
4314 mm
Width
1865 mm
1809 mm
Height
1680 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2656 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance
167 mm
175 mm
Kerb Weight
1505 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
475 l
359-1166 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
4
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 7 engine
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
30000km
Service Intervals
15000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
UNI-S
Fuel Economy
UNI-S
Value
ZS
Practicality
ZS
Pros & Cons
Changan UNI-S
More powerful engine (138 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
MG ZS
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (84 kW vs 138 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the UNI-S or ZS?
The UNI-S uses 7.0 l/100km and the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The UNI-S is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the UNI-S or ZS?
The UNI-S produces 138 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the ZS delivers 84 kW and 150 Nm of torque. The UNI-S is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the UNI-S and ZS?
The UNI-S starts from R389 900 and the ZS from R309 900. The ZS is cheaper by R80 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the UNI-S or ZS?
The UNI-S 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 UNI-S 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.