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All people is aware of the Goldilocks story – the one the place she finds the candy spot amongst three bowls of breakfast left by a household of bears.
Word: This can be a revised model of our most up-to-date evaluate of the MG ZS, as there have been no main modifications to the mannequin because it was printed.
We now have up to date key particulars reminiscent of pricing and specs with the hottest data obtainable. Learn our newest value and specs article right here for all the small print.
Nicely, this could be very related, as a result of whereas I’ve beforehand reviewed the brand new MG ZS in each the budget-friendly Essence petrol type and flagship Hybrid+ guise, I used to be most wanting ahead to taste-testing the MG ZS Turbo Essence as a result of I anticipated it to be the ‘excellent’ variant that nails the temporary for almost all of small SUV patrons in 2025.
And what? It does precisely that, by constructing on the large enhancements made by the new-generation ZS by way of general sophistication however with a extra agreeable sticker value than the upper grade Hybrids and a punchier powertrain than the entry-level variants.
The MG ZS Essence Turbo might very nicely be the candy spot within the new-gen ZS vary. So, let’s discover out extra.
How a lot does the MG ZS price?
There are a number of new takes on the MG ZS, however the petrol fashions are essentially the most reasonably priced.
| Mannequin | RRP | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|---|
| MG ZS Excite | $26,990 | $25,990 |
| MG ZS Essence | $29,990 | $28,990 |
| MG Essence Turbo | $31,990 | $30,990 |
| MG Excite Hybrid+ | $33,990 | $32,990 |
| MG Essence Hybrid+ | $36,990 | $34,990 |
Evaluating it to some rivals, the brand new MG ZS provides extra powertrain selection than the Toyota Yaris Cross (hybrid solely) and Mazda CX-3 (non-turbo petrol solely).
If you wish to see how the MG ZS compares towards its rivals, make sure to take a look at our comparability device.
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What’s the MG ZS like on the within?
If in case you have seen any of our earlier protection of the brand new ZS, you’ll know this can be a vastly totally different machine to the top-selling mannequin it replaces, and that’s clearly evident within the cabin.
It not really feel like an inexpensive compact SUV. As an alternative, I feel the new-look cabin is miles forward of its predecessor in each conceivable manner and even higher than a number of the more-fancied small SUV rivals.
From the supplies on the sprint and doorways, to the subtle cabin design and structure, and the brand new entrance seats that are significantly extra snug and adjustable, it’s simply a much more mature and full package deal.
Sadly, although, oddbods would possibly discover it arduous to get a correctly snug place because the steering wheel provides rake adjustment, however not attain.
The steering wheel controls will take some studying – as with many different new MGs, the buttons are minimalist – and also you handle the cruise management system on the left aspect, whereas the right-side controls media and driver data display screen settings. It’s additionally a disgrace they’re completed in shiny black plastic, which is liable to fingerprint smudging.
The driving force data display screen is fairly straightforward to get your head round, with a vibrant digital show for “the velocity numbers” as my daughter identified, in addition to engine revs. The center half is a 7.0-inch configurable show with a visit pc.
The display screen has a drop-down menu to let you rapidly make some changes, but it surely isn’t fully configurable.
As I mentioned in my ZS petrol evaluate, I for one would love to have the ability to have the off buttons for lane-keeping and velocity signal help in there. As an alternative, if that annoys you, you’ll have to enter the automotive menus every time you drive it.
There’s a sidebar to let you rapidly soar across the controls on display screen, but it surely disappears if you’re utilizing Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
You’ll come to grips with the menus on display screen in case you’ve used any pill, and it has the good thing about a smartphone app to attach your cellphone and management some parts of the automobile remotely as nicely.
The practicality on supply for the motive force and entrance seat passenger is optimistic, with a lot of storage areas, together with cupholders between the seats, a tray in entrance of the shifter, a small shelf in entrance of the passenger, and large door pockets with bottle holders.
Between the seats is a centre console space with additional house, too.
The rear seat provides a stunning quantity of room for a small SUV, and positively greater than many within the class. In reality, I had extra legroom and headroom at the back of the ZS than in some massive SUVs!
At 182cm or 6’0”, there’s ample leg, foot and head room for me to be very snug, even with this grade’s panoramic glass sunroof. Three adults throughout the again? In a pinch, yeah. There’s a small transmission tunnel intrusion, but it surely doesn’t impede an excessive amount of.
There are ISOFIX baby seat anchors within the window seats and three top-tethers, and the kid-friendly facilities are plentiful, too. There are twin directional air vents, a single USB-A port for charging, map pockets on the seatbacks, and door pockets with bottle holders.
It does miss out on a centre console with cupholders, although.
There’s additionally no lighting within the second row, which might be a ache for folks when making an attempt to load a kiddo in or out. I discovered it annoying in precisely that scenario!
Boot house can also be above common with 443 litres of cargo capability, which is extra accommodating than loads of different SUVs within the class.
And there are storage sections on the perimeters of the boot, buying bag hooks on both aspect, a light-weight, and also you’ll additionally discover a space-saver spare wheel beneath the ground.
| MG ZS | |
|---|---|
| Size | 4430mm |
| Width | 1818mm |
| Peak | 1635mm |
| Wheelbase | 2610mm |
| Boot house | 443L (second row up), 1457L (second row folded) |
If you wish to see how the MG ZS compares towards its rivals, make sure to take a look at our comparability device.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
As you’ll see under, the step up from the entry-level ZS to the Turbo variant brings a major improve in efficiency.
| Specs | MG ZS Essence | MG ZS Essence Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl petrol | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 81kW | 125kW |
| Torque | 140Nm | 275Nm |
| Transmission | CVT Computerized | CVT Computerized |
| Drive sort | FWD | FWD |
| Weight | 1301kg | 1361kg |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 6.7L/100km | 6.9L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 55L | 55L |
| Gasoline requirement | 91-octane commonplace unleaded | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 157g/km | 161g/km |
| Braked tow capability | 500kg | 500kg |
As I alluded to in my earlier evaluate of the petrol ZS, the step up in value to get from Essence non-turbo to the mannequin examined right here appears easy.
There aren’t any different SUVs in the marketplace that I can consider which give you a 54 per cent enhance in energy and 96 per cent improve in torque for simply $2000!
Working prices for the turbo-petrol have to be calculated although, because it wants premium petrol and, on paper, consumes just a little extra of it.
In actuality? It does like a drink. I noticed a mixed common return of 8.0L/100km over a mixture of totally different driving. That’s not nice, but it surely would possibly make the step as much as the MG ZS Hybrid+ appear extra palatable than first thought.
If you wish to see how the MG ZS compares towards its rivals, make sure to take a look at our comparability device.
How does the MG ZS drive?
I wasn’t blown away by the non-turbo ZS, particularly by way of the powertrain. That’s why I used to be so wanting to get into this turbo model.
And sure, it’s a straightforward reply in case you’re questioning whether or not if it’s price spending the additional $2000 to get the turbo. Do it.
It’s a notably extra fulfilling, and easy, powertrain in some ways. Having extra torque makes it really feel considerably extra highly effective than the non-turbo fashions, which in flip means a much less nerve-racking driving expertise in lots of totally different conditions.
With a sizeable bump in energy and torque, this engine seems like the proper match for this new-gen mannequin. It’s extra wanting to get transferring, faster in case you immediately have to hit the throttle, and usually will make you’re feeling rather a lot happier in start-stop visitors, too.
Nevertheless, it nonetheless isn’t as exact because it might be for my part. I don’t know that MG might nail it with a greater transmission, because the CVT nonetheless saps the engine of its preliminary burst of energy, and it may at instances really feel just a little lurchy beneath gentle throttle. Put it this fashion: a Skoda or Volkswagen small SUV feels extra on high of its recreation with regards to the transmission, however this one isn’t a humiliation.
The CVT has stepped ‘ratios’ to make it really feel prefer it’s behaving like a standard auto gearbox, but it surely’s in visitors that it doesn’t fairly have the urge you may want, or ship it as easily as you must be capable to get it. And in moist climate, you would possibly have to be cautious together with your throttle inputs as it may spin the entrance tyres fairly readily.
So in case you do an entire heap of visitors jam driving, then possibly the hybrid could be a greater wager, as it’s a sweetheart in these conditions.
It doesn’t matter what, the ZS Essence Turbo has a cushty and composed journey, predictable and properly weighted steering, and it’s comparatively quiet contained in the cabin at velocity, even on coarser street surfaces. It additionally provides sturdy and smart brake pedal response.
I really like that you just get a surround-view digicam system as commonplace, and nervous parkers will recognize that. Moreover, the protection programs are fairly nicely built-in, although the velocity signal recognition system’s bing-bonging would possibly get in your nerves. You may disable it every time you drive, but it surely’s a little bit of a rigmarole.
If you wish to see how the MG ZS compares towards its rivals, make sure to take a look at our comparability device.
What do you get?
Here’s a rundown of the usual tools on supply within the MG ZS lineup.
2025 MG ZS Excite tools highlights:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Area-saver spare
- Electrical parking brake
- Auto maintain
- Computerized halogen headlights
- Material upholstery
- 3.5-inch instrument cluster display screen
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 12 months of iSmart related companies entry
- Distant local weather management
- Distant automobile standing
- Push-button begin
- One contact up/down energy home windows
- Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
- 4-speaker sound system
- 60/40 break up fold rear seats
MG ZS Essence provides:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Keyless entry
- Panoramic sunroof
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display screen
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 6-speaker sound system
- 6-way energy driver’s seat with guide lumbar
- Heated entrance seats
- Rear air vents
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Leatherette upholstery
- Sun shades storage field
- Entrance seat map pocket
- LED entrance studying gentle
MG ZS Essence Turbo provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Digital gear lever
- Selectable drive modes
- Local weather management
If you wish to see how the MG ZS compares towards its rivals, make sure to take a look at our comparability device.
Is the MG ZS protected?
Petrol variations of the second-generation MG ZS haven’t been included beneath the present ANCAP testing, however the hybrid variants achieved a commendable four-star rating in 2024.
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| Class | MG ZS |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 75 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 84 per cent |
| Weak street consumer safety | 73 per cent |
| Security help | 79 per cent |
There’s a bunch of normal security expertise and tools fitted to the new-generation ZS, representing a major soar over the earlier mannequin.
Customary security tools consists of:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bicycle owner detection
- Junction detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Clever Cruise Help
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Secure exit warning
- Tyre strain monitoring
The Excite entry variant has a normal reversing digicam and rear parking sensors, whereas Essence grades have a surround-view digicam system. That’s nice to see in a small SUV on the finances finish of the market, contemplating some established manufacturers don’t even have that tech on their $60,000-plus SUVs.
The ZS has six airbags together with twin entrance, entrance aspect, and curtain airbags for first- and second-row seats. A entrance centre airbag shouldn’t be fitted.
If you wish to see how the MG ZS compares towards its rivals, make sure to take a look at our comparability device.
How a lot does the MG ZS price to run?
MG has an industry-leading 10-year/250,000km guarantee for personal patrons.
| Servicing and Guarantee | MG ZS Essence Turbo |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 10 years or 250,000km |
| Roadside help | 10 years (service-activated) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 10 years or 150,000km |
| Common annual service price (10 years) | $686.60 |
| Complete capped-price service price (10 years) | $6866 |
There are different manufacturers with decade-long warranties that require you to service with their community of workshops – however that’s not the case with MG.
There’s a single situation – it’s for personal use solely, not business use. In the event you’re shopping for an MG for work, the guarantee cowl remains to be good at seven years or 160,000km (whichever happens first).
The model’s service costs are costly for an inexpensive automotive. With a median annual servicing price of $686.60, which is a bit more costly than most, maybe you’re serving to to subsidise the price of the guarantee.
However bear in mind, you don’t have to return to MG to get it serviced – simply as long as it’s logbook-maintained by a professional mechanic, you have to be candy… however learn the phrases and situations of the MG guarantee your self, earlier than taking that as gospel.
There’s roadside help included for the 10-year guarantee interval for personal patrons, too.
If you wish to see how the MG ZS compares towards its rivals, make sure to take a look at our comparability device.
Allow us to show you how to discover your new automotive
Purchase your new automotive with out the stress. It is quick, easy and fully free.
Nice service from Travis and workforce, second time I’ve used this enterprise wouldn’t hesitate to advocate them to anybody
Craig C.
Bought a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
CarExpert helped Craig save $7,224 on his Ford Ranger, now allow us to prevent in your subsequent new automotive.
Get your BEST value
CarExpert’s Tackle the MG ZS
I used to be fairly taken by the MG ZS Essence Turbo. A lot in order that I might fancy it over a variety of its rivals, even when it isn’t as excellent or as exact as a few of them.
That’s as a result of, largely, it guarantees lots of automotive for little money, and the 10-year guarantee additionally provides lots of confidence to prospects concerning the model’s intentions in our market. Regardless of the case, it’s actually the Goldilocks of the brand new ZS vary.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new MG ZS. Click on right here to get an excellent deal
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MORE: Discover the MG ZS showroom
