VS
At a Glance
Power
84 kW
77 kW
Torque
150 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
7.1 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1000 Kg
Engine
1496 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the MG ZS and the Suzuki Grand Vitara is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The MG ZS delivers 84 kW while the Suzuki Grand Vitara produces 77 kW. On fuel, the ZS returns 7.1 l/100km while the Grand Vitara uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R309 900 for the ZS and R359 900 for the Grand Vitara. 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
165 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.1 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
142 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4314 mm
4345 mm
Width
1809 mm
1795 mm
Height
1624 mm
1645 mm
Wheelbase
2585 mm
2600 mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1160 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
359-1166 l
310-1147 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
1000 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
5
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3yr
4yr
Service Plan Distance
30000km
60000km
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
ZS
Fuel Economy
Grand Vitara
Value
ZS
Practicality
Grand Vitara
Pros & Cons
MG ZS
More powerful engine (84 kW)
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Better fuel economy (6.0 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 Grand Vitara?
The ZS uses 7.1 l/100km and the Grand Vitara uses 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Grand Vitara 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 ZS or Grand Vitara?
The ZS produces 84 kW and 150 Nm of torque while the Grand Vitara delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The ZS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the ZS and Grand Vitara?
The ZS starts from R309 900 and the Grand Vitara from R359 900. The ZS is cheaper by R50 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the ZS or Grand Vitara?
The ZS has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the Grand Vitara can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the ZS or the Grand Vitara?
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.