MG ZS – Pulpaddict

MG ZS Hybrid+ review

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.

MG Motor UK

New Vauxhall Frontera EV and hybrid models will cost the same

Gareth Herincx

16 mins ago
Auto News

In an industry first, Vauxhall has confirmed its new Frontera compact SUV will be launched with price parity for electric and petrol-powered models.

The average list price difference across the wider market between an electric and petrol car is currently 31%. That has been reduced to 0% with the new Frontera.

So, for £23,495, entry-level customers will be able to choose either an EV version with a 111bhp front-mounted electric motor and 44kWh battery, giving a claimed range of up to 186 miles, or a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid with total power of 99bhp.

The hybrid will come with a choice of five or seven seats, while the EV will be a five-seater only. Additionally, a ‘Long Range’ EV version will arrive in 2025 with a range of up to 248 miles.

The Frontera, which is a replacement for the Crossland, will sit between the Mokka and upcoming all-new Grandland in the Vauxhall range.

The launch of the new model also marks the return of the Frontera name, which was originally used on a forgettable SUV in the 1990s.

The all-new Frontera’s many rivals include the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS, Ford Puma, Kia Soul, Dacia Duster and Nissan Qashqai.

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MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The MG HS has gone from an also-ran to an affordable PHEV frontrunner, ideal for a family – read on to find out why…

Launched in 2019, the MG HS is a worthy mid-sized SUV that has the unenviable task of stealing sales from the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga and Hyundai Tucson.

Sitting above the successful ZS in the fast-growing Chinese brand’s range, up until now the HS has only been available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that isn’t class-leading when it comes to pulling power, economy or refinement.

On the plus side it’s offered big bang for your buck because it’s priced from just £22,995, and it delivers good looks, practicality, space, a pleasant driving experience and generous equipment levels.

Fast forward to 2022 and a plug-in hybrid version has been introduced. Suddenly the HS is a serious contender. Starting at £31,095, it’s one of the best value PHEVs on the market.

Like all plug-in hybrids, it offers the best of both worlds, delivering some of the experience of an EV without any of the associated range anxiety.

MG has used the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the regular HS, but here it works in tandem with a 90KW electric motor (drawing power from a 16.6kWh battery) to give a combined output of 254bhp (and 273 lb ft of torque), enabling it to reach 0-60mph in just 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 118mph.

Perhaps more importantly, it has an electric-only range of 32 miles (plenty for most commutes).

On paper, it’s capable of as much as 155.8mpg if your journeys are modest and you keep your battery charged up, while CO2 emissions are as low as 43g/km. That last figure is crucial for business users because the lower the emissions the higher the tax benefits.

The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid uses a new 10-speed automatic transmission which works with both the petrol and electric motors to optimise power delivery and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels only (unlike some rivals, an all-wheel drive version is not offered).

As for charging, the battery can be topped up to 100% in 4.5 hours using a 7kW home wallbox.

MG has kept things simple and there are just two trims levels – Excite and Exclusive.

Standard equipment on the ‘entry-level’ Excite model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-1-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, plus a 360-degree camera system.

Upgrade to the Exclusive and it brings upgraded LED headlights, smart leather sports seats and a panoramic sunroof.

MG Pilot – a suite of driver assistance systems that gives the MG HS one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class (helping the HS achieve a maximum five-star rating) is also standard.

In other words, driver assistance and safety aids include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Intelligent Headlight Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection.

MG is best known as a budget brand these days, but the HS is anything but cheap and cheerful.

The cabin is well put together with quality materials (the leather upholstery on the Exclusive model is especially good). It has a solid feel and the doors close with a satisfying clunk.

The digital driver’s display works well, though the central infotainment screen is a little sluggish and unfortunately also includes the climate controls, which isn’t ideal in hot and cold weather.

There’s plenty of space. In fact, rear passengers have a superb amount of head and legroom. The boot is a decent 448 litres, expanding to 1,375 litres when the 60:40 rear seats are folded.

Like many plug-in hybrid SUVs, it’s at its best cruising along. Most are let down by their gearbox/engine combo which invariably sends the revs shooting up if you put your foot down.

The MG HS is one of the better ones, but not perfect. More spirited drivers will find it a little hesitant, while the engine can become a little vocal if you floor it.

That said, it’s fine if you take it easy, offering pleasantly refined driving with ample power in reserve for overtaking.

It’s no performance SUV, so don’t go expecting massive amounts of driving engagement, but it covers its brief well and feels substantial and planted.

The transition from electric to petrol and vice versa is fairly seamless, while running in electric-only mode is beautifully smooth.

The driving position is commanding (though I’d prefer the option to be able to lower the front seats a little more), visibility is good and the ride is comfortable.

Fuel economy will depend on keeping the battery charged up and the length of your journeys, so your visits to the service station for petrol will be few and far between if you complete most of your trips in EV mode.

However, on long journeys where you’re almost totally reliant on the petrol engine, economy can dip below 40mpg.

The good thing about the PHEV system on the MG HS is that it will feed in the electrical assistance, leaving you with a little charge even at the end of a long trip.

Finally a quick mention for the factor which may swing it for many as the cost of living crisis bites – not only is it great value, but the HS offers peace of mind thanks to a generous seven-year warranty.

Verdict: With the introduction of plug-in hybrid technology, the MG HS is now the tempting family car it could always have been. Comfortable, safe, refined, well built and economical, it’s one of the most affordable PHEV SUVs on the market.

MG UK