We road test the all-new, full hybrid MG ZS compact family SUV…
It’s been a busy year for MG Motor UK. Not only has the Chinese-owned brand launched the acclaimed MG3 Hybrid supermini, but the next-generation MG HS mid-sized SUV and the ground-breaking Cyberstar electric sports car.
As if that isn’t enough, along comes the next generation MG ZS, which is now bigger, better and still a bargain.
The new ZS has a lot to live up to. The outgoing model was one of the UK’s best-selling cars. Since launching in 2017, it has notched up more than 100,000 sales.
Priced from £21,995-£24,995, the MG ZS Hybrid comfortably undercuts its many rivals including the Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen T-Cross Skoda Kamiq, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and Toyota Yaris Cross.
For this generation, the ZS is currently only offered as a full hybrid (there’s no EV version) and it uses the same system as the MG3 Hybrid .
In other words, there’s no need to plug it in and the system combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total power output of 193bhp.
The electric motor contributes 134bhp and 250Nm of torque, enabling the ZS to accelerate from 0-62mph in a punchy 8.7 seconds. Paired with a three-speed transmission, drive is via the front wheels (there is no all-wheel drive option).
The small 1.83kWh battery allows for short bursts of pure electric driving, which helps the ZS Hybrid delivers claimed fuel economy of up to 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 115g/km.
Two trim levels are available – SE and Trophy. Entry-level SE offers goodies including a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in sat nav), a 7.0-inch driver’s digital instrument cluster, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and keyless entry, plus the MG Pilot suite of safety and driver assistance systems.
Range-topping Trophy adds black leather-effect upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, rear privacy glass, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The new ZS Hybrid has styling that brings it into line with the HS and MG3 Hybrid . Better proportioned than the outgoing model, it’s longer, taller and wider, while its smoother lines are kinder to the eye, even if the nose treatment does bear more than a passing resemblance to the Suzuki Across.
Considering the ZS is at the budget end of the market, the interior looks and feels surprisingly good. There are some soft-touch surfaces, and the faux leather seats in the Trophy version are top quality.
There’s plenty of space in the cabin with lots of storage areas. Rear seat legroom is especially generous, and taller passengers will have no complaints either.
For the record, the boot has a decent 443-litre capacity, expanding to 1,457 litres with the rear seats folded.
The driving position is pretty high up front. It’s not a deal-breaker and I soon got used to it, but I would prefer a little more downward travel. However, there’s no excuse in 2024 for the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment.
The infotainment system is a big improvement on the previous iteration, but still not the best. On the plus side, there are physical shortcut buttons beneath the main screen. However, it’s not always the fastest or most intuitive system to use, while the steering wheel controls are fiddly.
On the road, the MG ZS Hybrid is pleasant to drive, but let’s be honest, it won’t put a smile on the face of more spirited drivers.
It’s smooth and refined for the most part, but when you put your foot down or head uphill, the petrol engine kicks and the revs rise big time. The gearbox doesn’t help because it’s occasionally unpredictable and holds onto gears longer than necessary.
So, the new ZS is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, or simply cruising along.
The steering is light and precise and it’s a doddle to drive, but the ride is on the firm side and it can be fidgety over poorer surfaces at lower speeds. There’s also a fair amount of wind and road noise make it through to the cabin.
Push it in more challenging corners and body lean is kept well in check, but even with Sport drive mode activated (there’s also Standard and Eco), it’s never going to be a dynamic car to drive.
It’s worth mentioning that there are also three energy regeneration modes that can be adjusted using the two programmable buttons on the steering wheel. Always a joy to engage extra regen on downhill stretches to charge up the battery pack.
Based on our test drive on a variety of roads, we’d say economy of 50mpg is realistic, which is impressive.
Finally, if you’re looking for peace of mind, like all MGs, the ZS Hybrid comes with a generous seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.
Verdict: Put simply, the all-new MG ZS Hybrid is an economical family-sized SUV for about the same price as a supermini. It may not be top of the class for dynamism on the road, but it is a doddle to drive, spacious, well-equipped, and it’s blessed with a seven-year warranty.
