VS
At a Glance
Power
84 kW
74 kW
Torque
150 Nm
152 Nm
Fuel
7.1 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
13.4 s
Engine
1496 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the MG ZS and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MG ZS delivers 84 kW while the Nissan Magnite produces 74 kW. On fuel, the ZS returns 7.1 l/100km while the Magnite uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R309 900 for the ZS and R344 900 for the Magnite. 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
74 kW
Torque
150 Nm
152 Nm
0-100 kph
—
13.4 s
Top Speed
195 Km/h
168 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
4
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.1 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
142 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4314 mm
3995 mm
Width
1809 mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1624 mm
1572 mm
Wheelbase
2585 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
205 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1095 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
359-1166 l
336 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
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 vehicle / 7 engine
6
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
3
Service Plan Distance
30000
30000
Service Intervals
—
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MG ZS
3 / 4 categories
Performance
ZS
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
ZS
Practicality
ZS
Pros & Cons
MG ZS
More powerful engine (84 kW)
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Higher towing capacity (500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Nissan Magnite
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Less power than rival (74 kW vs 84 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the ZS or Magnite?
The ZS uses 7.1 l/100km and the Magnite uses 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Magnite 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 Magnite?
The ZS produces 84 kW and 150 Nm of torque while the Magnite delivers 74 kW and 152 Nm of torque. The ZS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the ZS and Magnite?
The ZS starts from R309 900 and the Magnite from R344 900. The ZS is cheaper by R35 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the ZS or Magnite?
The ZS has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the Magnite can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the ZS or the Magnite?
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.