The all-new replacement for the top-selling MG ZS compact SUV is here, and it’s vastly improved… in most ways, at least.
The original MG ZS was a surprise hit for the brand, which has roots in Britain but is now connected to China. It played a big role in making the carmaker one of the top 10 in USA.
Now, the new generation of this small SUV is looking to build on that success with a wider range that includes some entry-level petrol versions.
We’ve already reviewed the hybrid models that came out first, and we were impressed by their advanced powertrain technology and efficiency.
But the new petrol lineup makes the starting price much lower. So, should you consider the more affordable petrol versions of the ZS, or go for the more expensive Hybrid+? Keep reading to find out…
How much does the MG ZS cost?
There are several new takes on the MG ZS, but the petrol models are the most affordable.
| Model | Price before on-road costs | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 MG ZS Excite | $25,990 | $26,990 |
| 2025 MG ZS Essence | $28,990 | $29,990 |
| 2025 MG ZS Essence Turbo | $30,990 | $31,990 |
| 2025 MG ZS Excite Hybrid+ | $36,688 | $33,990 |
| 2025 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ | $39,788 | $36,990 |
What is the MG ZS like on the inside?
If you’re thinking of swapping your 10-year-old Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Corolla for the new MG ZS, this information might be enough for you.
The redesigned cabin has a lot of nice design features, and it feels much more advanced than the previous model.
The materials used on the dashboard and doors are better, the cabin design and layout are very sophisticated, and the seats are comfortable and well-adjustable.
Sadly, the same can’t be said for the steering wheel, as it only offers rake adjustment – not reach – which means taller drivers may have trouble finding the ideal driving position.
The steering wheel is nice to hold, but the new, minimalist controls take some getting used to. The cruise control system is on the left, while the right handles media and other settings.
Sadly, these controls are made of a piano black material, which shows fingerprints very quickly.
The driver info screen is easy to understand, with bright digital displays for speed and revs, and a 7.0-inch configurable center section that includes the trip computer and other controls.
The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center of the dash is relatively easy to navigate through the menu system, and it has embedded satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring technology.
But smartphone mirroring requires a cable, which feels a little dated compared to the wireless systems of many rivals. Another issue is that the screen is prone to glare in bright sunlight, especially if the sunroof shade is open.
While basic functions are easy to find, you have to access many of the car’s functions on screen. Climate control and fan adjustments, for example, have to be managed on screen, as while there are physical buttons for demister and volume below the display, there are no toggles for fan speed or temperature.
There’s also a physical home button that takes you back to the main menu. However, it’s a bit more of a hassle when using Apple CarPlay, as you have to go back to the phone’s home screen, tap MG, and then you’re back to the display.
The menu system has some nice features, like a drop-down menu that allows for some quick adjustments, but sadly it’s not fully configurable. It would have been nice if the off buttons for the lane-keeping assistance and speed sign recognition system were there. Instead, if it bothers you, you’ll have to dive into the car’s menus every time you drive.
There’s a sidebar that lets you quickly jump between on-screen controls, but it disappears when using Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
If you’re using a tablet, you’ll be familiar with the on-screen menus, and it has the convenience of a smartphone app that lets you connect your phone and control some of the car’s components remotely. Overall, the media system is a lot better than before, but there’s still some room for improvement.
| Dimensions | MG ZS Essence |
|---|---|
| Length | 4430mm |
| Width | 1818mm |
| Height | 1635mm |
| Wheelbase | 2610mm |
| Boot space | 443L (second row up) 1457L (second row folded) |
What’s under the bonnet?
As you’ll see below, the step up from the ZS to the Turbo model is a significant one.
| Specifications | MG ZS | MG ZS Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl petrol | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 81kW | 125kW |
| Torque | 140Nm | 275Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1266kg (Excite) 1301kg (Essence) | 1361kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 6.7L/100km | 6.9L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55L | 55L |
| Fuel requirement | 91 octane regular unleaded | 95 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 157g/km | 161g/km |
| Braked tow capacity | 500kg | 500kg |
How does the MG ZS drive?
Let me start by saying: I think you should adjust your budget a little, if you can afford to spend an extra $2000 for the turbo or a little more for the hybrid.
That’s not to say that the standard engine won’t be good enough for many buyers, but I think you can get a lot more for a little more.
The base four-cylinder petrol engine makes a modest amount of power and uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), so sometimes it feels like it doesn’t have the pulling power you’d expect.
Indeed, the CVT does reduce the engine’s instantaneous speed, and I’ve had some… um… funny moments. In a few instances I noticed some jerking and jumping when accelerating quickly and slowly. My car even stalled when backing out of my driveway in cold weather.
I shared these concerns with MG, who investigated and identified it as a one-time issue. “This issue has not been reported before and after inspection, our product team is confident that this is an anomaly,” said an MG spokesperson.
The engine only works well when you push the throttle, and the CVT has ‘stepped ratios’ that give it the feel of a traditional automatic gearbox.
But it can feel a little slow and lacks responsiveness in start-stop situations, then jumps forward when the revs are high enough.
It’s also not very efficient. The official claimed average is 6.7 litres/100km, but during my driving – which includes heavy traffic, long drives and rural roads as you would expect – I averaged 7.9 litres/100km, which is fine for such a small SUV but not exceptional.
These engine considerations do dampen an otherwise pleasant drive a bit because, frankly, the new ZS is going to be a super livable choice for most customers and passengers.
It has a comfortable and well-balanced ride, predictable and nicely balanced steering, and it’s relatively quiet inside the cabin when accelerating, even on rough road surfaces. It also offers strong and responsive brake response.
The safety systems are also pretty well integrated, although the bing-bong noise of the speed sign recognition system can get on your nerves. You can disable it every time you drive, but it’s a bit of a hassle.
What do you get?
The Excite and Essence grades offer plenty of spec for the cash, but it’s clear that you’re getting a lot more in the ‘goodies’ column if you can spend a few grand more on the Essence. Here’s a rundown.
2025 MG ZS Excite standard equipment highlights:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Space-saver spare
- Electric parking brake
- Auto hold
- Automatic halogen headlights
- Fabric upholstery
- 3.5-inch instrument cluster screen
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- 12 months of iSmart connected services access
- Remote climate control
- Remote vehicle status
- Push-button start
- One touch up/down power windows
- Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
- 4-speaker sound system
- 60/40 split fold rear seats
MG ZS Essence adds:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Keyless entry
- Panoramic sunroof
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 6-speaker sound system
- 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar
- Heated front seats
- Rear air vents
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leatherette upholstery
- Sunglasses storage box
- Front seat map pocket
- LED front reading light
MG ZS Essence Turbo adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Electronic gear lever
- Selectable drive modes
- Climate control
Is the MG ZS safe?
| Category | MG ZS Hybrid+ |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 75 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 84 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 73 per cent |
| Safety assist | 79 per cent |
Standard safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
- Junction detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Emergency lane-keep assist
- Intelligent Cruise Assist
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
- Tire pressure monitoring
The Excite entry model has a standard reversing camera and rear parking sensors, while the Essence grade features a surround-view camera system.
The ZS has six airbags – dual front, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags. A front center airbag is not fitted.
How much does the MG ZS cost to run?
| Servicing and Warranty | MG ZS |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 10 years or 250,000 kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 10 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 10 years |
| Service Interval | Price |
|---|---|
| 12 months/15,000km | $302 |
| 24 months/30,000km | $607 |
| 36 months/45,000km | $522 |
| 48 months/60,000km | $897 |
| 60 months/75,000km | $309 |
| 72 months/90,000km | $1463 |
| 84 months/105,000km | $309 |
| 96 months/120,000km | $1359 |
| 108 months/135,000km | $490 |
| 120 months/150,000km | $608 |
| Average service cost | $686.60 |
Perhaps you’re helping to subsidise the cost of the warranty by having those maintenance charges.
