VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
84 kW
Torque
205 Nm
150 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
Engine
1199 cc
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 81 kW while the MG ZS produces 84 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the ZS uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R317 900 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
81 kW
84 kW
Torque
205 Nm
150 Nm
Top Speed
—
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3987 mm
4314 mm
Width
1733- mm
1809 mm
Height
1602 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2540 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
175 mm
Kerb Weight
1094 / 1126 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
315 l
359-1166 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
500 Kg
Load Capacity
385 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
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ 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
100000 Km
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
3
Service Plan Distance
30000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MG ZS
3 / 4 categories
Performance
ZS
Fuel Economy
C3
Value
ZS
Practicality
ZS
Pros & Cons
Citroen C3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 84 kW)
Higher starting price
MG ZS
More powerful engine (84 kW)
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Higher towing capacity (500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or ZS?
The C3 uses 6.3 l/100km 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 81 kW and 205 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 C3 and ZS?
The C3 starts from R317 900 and the ZS from R309 900. The ZS is cheaper by R8 000 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 0 Kg 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.