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Welcome to the MG ZS Vs Suzuki Vitara comparison for 2020. Doing some admin on the site and we noticed this formerly incomplete review of the MG ZS Vs Suzuki Vitara. So here’s the finished article.
The Vitara has been around for since 2015 years so you’d expect a decent reliability history and it is. The MG ZS has been around for about 3 years now and the only problems are claimed ‘owners’ boasting and defending their on it’s cheap price – forgetting that it is only skin deep. At normal retail pricing the MG ZS costs the same as the Suzuki.
MG ZS Vs Suzuki Vitara exterior comparison: The MG ZS is clearly a smaller derivative of the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson from their last generation, so it’s looking a little old in 2020. The Vitara is uses it’s own styling language and thanks to relatively low sales number still looks as fresh as it’s paint work suggests. The updated front and rear ends work great despite being one of the older models on sale.
MG ZS Vs Suzuki Vitara interior comparison: Due to it’s low price (when on sale) the MG ZS has an interior looking like a more expensive model, although from the early 2000’s. So if you’re swapping from a older car this would seem like like a upgrade. The fake leather seat trim looks good but will be uncomfortable without cooling or heating, but at least it will last. The Vitara is not a upmarket place to be in but it’s not a poverty pack either with nicely styles cloth seats. The hard plastics are a better grade than normal which helps. While both have similar overall T-bar designs, in many ways the MG ZS has a more inviting and better interior.
MG ZS Vs Suzuki Vitara engines and and technology comparison. When a manufacturer boasts about single zone climate control we just shake ours heads. Essentially the MG ZS for the price has the least tech and least features in the small SUV class with only modern engine option but equipped with an ancient 4 speed automatic gearbox. This would be OK if it was a pure city city but it’s not. Even the cheaper Hyundai Venue has more features for the price. The Vitara is also quite spartan but high tech materials in the body means it not only weighs less than the MG ZS but more space efficient on the inside and safer. The mid range models of both are the pricing ‘sweet spot’. So avoid base models for both as they are relatively expensive for few gadgets and only compare the mid range models, in particular for the Vitara which comes with auto brakes, adaptive cruise control as options hence wins the tech part of the comparison.
MG ZS Vs Suzuki Vitara street cred comparison: Although both sell in relatively low numbers and a Vitara has more appeal than a MG ZS especially once they realise the MG ZS pricing and other shortfalls. On the other hand, a lightly used CX-5 or Honda CR-V for the same price will lift your driveway appeal far greater than either.The MG ZS sells on price and only seems attractive in ads and showroom not in real specifications.
The winner of the MG ZS Vs Suzuki Vitara is the Suzuki Vitara. It’s about overall package for the price which is why the Vitara will and why the MG ZS fails. Major MG problems include variable pricing – as in random changes. So buying a MG ZS is a lottery, one month you may need to pay more and others less. Not good for resale, your finances or brand reputation. Essentially, only buy a MG ZS, if you must but only when there’s a special. The safety features are short supply instead offering vinyl seats and a sunroof, both unfortunately appeal to lower end buyer demographic who value those gadgets more than surviving the enviable accident. Apart from that there are no other features that equally priced competitors don’t already have. The mid range Vitara has the same pricing and spec as the top range MG ZS but there are drive away deals for Vitara at the usual times of the year, so go for the mid range Vitara it has a decent turbo, high tech construction, more gears and safety systems you can’t get in an MG ZS.
MG ZS | Suzuki Vitara |
Engines | |
3 Cylinder Petrol (95 Octane) 1.0 Litre (999cc) Turbo DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 82Kw @ 5200 RPM Claimed 160Nm @ 1800 RPM |
4 Cylinder petrol (K14C) 1.4 Litre (1373cc) 95 Octane DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 103Kw @ 5500 RPM Claimed 220Nm @ 1500 RPM |
4 Cylinder Petrol (91 Octane) 1.5 Litre (1499cc) DOHC VVT DI EFI Claimed 90Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 150Nm @ 4500 RPM |
4 Cylinder petrol (M16A) 1.6 Litre (1586cc) 91 Octane DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 86Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 156Nm @ 4400 RPM |
Weight | |
Kerb weight FROM 1255Kg Towing capacity up to 500 kg |
From Approx Kerb weight 1075 Kg Towing capacity up to 1200kg |
Fuel capacity & consumption | |
Up to 48 litres IL3 1.0 Turbo Petrol 6.7 litres per 100km IL4 1.5 litre Petrol 7.1 litres per 100km |
Up to 47 litres IL4 1.4 Petrol turbo 6.2 litres per 100km IL4 1.6 Petrol 5.8 litres per 100km |
Other specifications | |
4 or 6 speed Auto Overall height/width 1644/1809 Overall length/wheelbase 4314/2585 4WD system: 2WD ANCAP Safety: 4/5 |
6 speed Auto or 5 speed Manual Overall height/width 1610/1775 Overall length/wheelbase 4175/2500 4WD system: On Demand AWD or 2WD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
Capability | |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 220 mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 185mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Performance | |
Pricing | |
2020 $23,990 – 27,490 AUD 2018 $20,990 – 23,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2020 $22,990 – 34,990 AUD 2016 $21,990 – 35,990 AUD |