MG ZS EV vs Suzuki Swift Sport
Verdict
The MG ZS EV is the bigger, more practical and better-equipped car here, yet it costs RM126,629 against the Suzuki Swift Sport’s RM130,900. Its single motor makes 174 hp and 280 Nm, beats the Suzuki’s 140 hp and 230 Nm, and both do 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds. The Suzuki counters with a much higher 205 km/h top speed, a 970 kg kerb weight and a petrol 1.4 turbo with a 6AT. For Malaysia, this is mainly an EV SUV space-and-kit choice versus a compact hatchback driver’s choice.
Pick the MG ZS EV if you want the larger boot, stronger on-paper output, EV running and the fuller safety kit.
Pick the Suzuki Swift Sport if you want a smaller petrol hatchback with a 6AT, paddle shifters, lower road tax and the higher top speed.
Key differences
- Price: MG ZS EV RM126,629; Suzuki Swift Sport RM130,900
- Power and torque: MG ZS EV 174 hp/280 Nm motor; Suzuki Swift Sport 140 hp/230 Nm 1.4 turbo
- Acceleration and top speed: MG ZS EV 0-100 km/h in 8.0 sec, 170 km/h; Suzuki Swift Sport 8.0 sec, 205 km/h
- Size: MG ZS EV 4,323 mm long, 1,809 mm wide; Suzuki Swift Sport 3,890 mm long, 1,735 mm wide
- Boot space: MG ZS EV 448 litres; Suzuki Swift Sport 265 litres
- Warranty: MG ZS EV 5 years/unlimited mileage plus 8-year/150,000 km battery warranty; Suzuki Swift Sport 3 years/100,000 km
ZS EV
- Bigger 448-litre boot and longer 2,585 mm wheelbase
- 174 hp and 280 Nm from the electric motor, with the same 8.0-sec 0-100 km/h time
- Adds AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise and a 360-degree camera
- Lower 170 km/h top speed versus 205 km/h
- Tyre repair kit only, while the Suzuki has a space-saver spare
- Higher RM120 road tax versus RM70
Swift Sport
- Higher 205 km/h top speed
- 970 kg kerb weight and a compact 3,890 mm length
- Gets a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- Smaller 265-litre boot versus 448 litres
- Less power and torque at 140 hp and 230 Nm
- No AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 126,629✓ | RM 130,900 |
| Body type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,373 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 140 hp |
| Torque | — | 230 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline |
| Timing Type | — | Chain |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.9 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 174 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 280 Nm | — |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | — |
| Battery Capacity | 51.1 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 320 km | — |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7 kW | — |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 50 kW | — |
| V2L | 2.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 6AT |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 6.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 205 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,323 mm | 3,890 mm |
| Width | 1,809 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,625 mm | 1,495 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,585 mm | 2,450 mm |
| Weight | — | 970 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 37 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 448 litres✓ | 265 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 195/50R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 195/50R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Primacy 3 ST | Yokohama Advan A13C |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Driver and Front Passenger |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable, Driver's seat height adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Front Cabin Light |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 7.0" Touchscreen Radio DVD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth, Navigation and 6 speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down | All Four Windows, Driver Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | RM 70✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
ZS EV vs Swift Sport FAQ
Is the MG ZS EV or Suzuki Swift Sport better?
The MG ZS EV is better for space, equipment and EV torque. The Suzuki Swift Sport is better if you want a lighter petrol hatchback with a 6AT, paddle shifters and a 205 km/h top speed.
What is the price difference?
The Suzuki Swift Sport costs RM4,271 more: RM130,900 versus RM126,629 for the MG ZS EV.
Which one is more practical for daily use?
The MG ZS EV is more practical on paper, with a 448-litre boot, rear air vents, dual-zone climate control and five doors. The Swift Sport also seats five, but its boot is much smaller at 265 litres.