MG ZS review

Is the MG ZS a good car?

MG is going from strength to strength in the UK, with new models appearing left, right and centre, including this latest ZS. From the brilliant MG3 hybrid supermini to the stunningly styled all-electric Cyberster sports car, the brand is attacking the automotive establishment from all angles – and usually with strong results when put through our tests. 

That bodes well for the ZS Hybrid+, whose closest rival is the Dacia Duster when it comes to price and powertrain. However, that’s not the only competition it must overcome; buyers can’t get enough of the Ford Puma, and it’s easy to see why when it drives so brilliantly. Other popular choices in the segment include the Nissan Juke and our class favourite, the Renault Captur, both also offered with hybrid power.

The second generation MG ZS has jettisoned its electric powertrain completely (a new MG electric compact SUV is on the way) while the petrol-engined version has been replaced by a much better hybrid version. It suits this car well and sets it apart from its competitors, in what is fast becoming a vastly overcrowded market. 

While the ZS is good enough to drive, spacious and economical, the real selling point is its low list price, which allows it to undercut rivals by several thousand pounds. Even on a monthly finance deal, MG claims it’s over £100 less than a like-for-like Hyundai Kona. That alone should see it sell in strong numbers – even before a cheaper petrol version joins the line-up later in 2025.

How much does the MG ZS cost?

The arrival of the second-generation MG ZS sees hybrid drive introduced for the first time, but this doesn’t appear to have caused prices to shoot up when compared with the older petrol version. The entry-level model weighs in at around £22,000, so the only compact SUV that’s available for less is the Dacia Duster, while the ZS undercuts the Ford Puma by around £4,000, and is more than £8,000 less than the Hyundai Kona Hybrid.

Even though the MG ZS has a competitive starting price, it’s still well equipped in SE trim, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a reversing camera and a suite of MG Pilot safety systems.

The top-spec Trophy model is around £2,500 extra, but adds luxuries such as heated leather-style seats, a heated steering wheel, rear privacy glass and a 360-degree parking camera. Depending on what your local dealer can offer on a PCP finance deal, it may be worth spending a little extra per month for the Trophy’s additional kit.

At the moment there’s just the hybrid powertrain on offer, but a petrol model is expected to join the range in 2025, and this should see the starting price go even lower, without scrimping on standard equipment.

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The punchy hybrid powertrain gives the MG ZS a fair turn of speed and a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, but it’s not a car that encourages you to press on thanks to its uneven power delivery. The suspension is a little on the firm side, so body control in corners is reasonable but not enough to be uncomfortable, while the ride remains decent. The new model is a marked improvement over the old car, though. Read more about the MG ZS's engine, performance and drive…

There’s just one powertrain option available in the MG ZS, and that’s a hybrid system that first appeared in the MG3 supermini. There’s more weight for it to deal with here, but claimed fuel economy in excess of 55mpg is impressive for a compact family SUV. Combine this with a low list price, and the pence-per-mile costs of the ZS are strong. Read more about the MG ZS's MPG, emissions and running costs…

If we asked you to pick out the MG ZS from a line-up of modem compact SUVs, we’d forgive you if it was a struggle. It has a fairly generic, inoffensive design that offers practicality, but little in the way of design flair. It’s a similar story inside, where form follows function and a large touchscreen sits on the centre console. While it looks smart enough, the cabin’s overall fit and finish leave a little to be desired. Read more about the MG ZS's interior, design and technology…

The space-per-pound ratio of the MG ZS means it’s one of the better value family cars currently on sale in the UK. There’s room for five with plenty of headroom and legroom in every seat, although a lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel means the driving position will be compromised for some occupants. Boot space is fair rather than outstanding, although a low load lip is a useful feature. Read more about the MG ZS's boot space, comfort and practicality…

MG came last out of 32 manufacturers in our 2024 Driver Power satisfaction survey, which is a pretty damning result from current owners. It finished last in the powertrain, exterior, ride and handling, safety and reliability categories, although the ZS’s new hybrid tech should offer improvements in several areas. A four-star Euro NCAP score is also disappointing, but the test is far stricter now than in the past, and the MG Pilot suite of electronic safety systems comes as standard on all versions of the ZS hybrid. Read more about the MG ZS’s reliability and safety…

MG ZS alternatives

There are a lot of options in the small SUV segment, with models offered by nearly every mainstream car maker that can cater for a wide range of needs.

One of the big hitters is the Ford Puma, which is a consistently strong seller, and for good reason. It’s the best car in this class to drive, and while the engine range is limited, Ford’s petrol EcoBoost units suit the car well. Practical features such as the hidden Megabox in the boot mean it’s well suited to family life, too.

Another favourite small SUV of ours is the Renault Captur. Again, clever features such as the sliding rear bench make it a great choice for those with kids, while the option of various hybrid powertrains allows you to keep running costs in check. 

Other options include the Toyota Yaris Cross and Nissan Juke – the latter of which is built in the UK and sells in huge numbers. Cars such as the Vauxhall Mokka, Peugeot 2008 and Hyundai Kona offer plenty of powertrain choices, including zero-emission electric options if they’re of interest.