2025 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ review

• Doors and Seats

  

  NA

• Engine

  

  NA

• Engine Power

  

  75kW, 128Nm

• Fuel

  

  Hybrid 4.7L/100KM

• Transmission

  

  NA

• Warranty

  

  NA

• Ancap Safety

  

  4/5 star (2024)

Family Cars Guide

MG has played an important role at the entry-level end of Australia's new car market. Compact cars like the MG ZS SUV and MG 3 city car were often lauded for their affordable price and value-for-money features but showed room for improvement in dynamics and technology.

With an all-new generation of the MG ZS, the brand has caught up to other new models in its range. Putting its cheap and cheerful image to rest, with a more complete vehicle that includes technology and safety features previously lacking.

While the new MG ZS is more expensive than the model it replaces, it hasn't completely abandoned the affordable end of the market. Standard equipment inclusions step up, and for the first time a hybrid model is available.

A rush of hybrid models in the small SUV segment from brands like Toyota, Hyundai, GWM and more sees the MG ZS face stiff competition, but the new model is match-fit and ready to rumble in this hotly contested segment.

The ZS range starts with regular petrol-powered versions priced from $26,990 drive-away for the entry-level ZS Excite, and $29,990 for the ZS Essence. Both are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 81kW and 140Nm. An Essence Turbo is also available with a 1.5-litre turbo engine producing 125kW and 275Nm.

MG offers the ZS Excite Hybrid+ from $33,990 drive-away or the up-spec Essence from $36,990 drive-away. Premium paint attracts a $700 surcharge, like the Black Pearl shown here, with no other optional equipment available. Hybrid+ models feature a 1.5-litre petrol engine plus an electric motor for a combined 158kW and 465Nm.

As the range-topper in the ZS line-up, the Essence comes fully loaded with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an opening panoramic roof with blind, 360-degree camera system, keyless entry and push-button start, faux leather on the seats and steering wheel, single-zone climate control, heated front seats with power adjustment for the driver, six-speaker audio, and a 7.0-inch driver's display, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

Buyers considering the MG ZS should also consider the GWM Haval Jolion, priced from $38,990 drive-away for the top-spec Ultra Hybrid or $35,990 for the Lux Hybrid before limited offers. The Hyundai Kona hybrid range starts from $36,500 plus on-road costs, while the Toyota Corolla Cross starts from $36,480 plus on-road costs making the flagship MG ZS an attractive option.

The MG ZS hybrid stops the tape at 4430mm long, 1818mm wide and 1635mm tall on the outside. That's about 107mm longer, 9mm wider, and 18mm lower than the model it replaces and 20mm shorter, 7mm narrower and 50mm lower than a Hyundai Kona.

The driving position in the MG ZS is high and upright, making it easy to get in and out of the car and providing a commanding view of the road ahead. The MG has only a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and I found I needed to bring the driver's seat forward more than usual to get a comfortable reach.

I have quite long arms, but couldn't comfortably make the reach to the ZS's steering wheel. The ZS also has low-placed pedals that tend to encourage the further-forward driving position too, but the overall driving position ends up rather upright.

The MG ZS has a fairly narrow centre console but fits in two shallow storage spaces ahead of, and alongside, the gear selector. While they look like the perfect place for a wireless charger, there's no such feature in the ZS. The lidded centre console and cupholders are present, but compact, and there's a small shelf above the glovebox that might be handy for small items you'll want to access quickly

In terms of equipment, the MG ZS looks flash with its leather-look interior trim (available in black or the two-tone black and white shown here), leather-wrapped steering wheel, powered driver's seat, heated front seats, single-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power-folding exterior mirrors with heating, rear seat air vents, 60:40 folding rear seats, dusk-sensing LED headlights, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

In the rear seats you'll find generous head room, and like the front seats, the upright stance helps here. As a compact model, rear leg room is generous for adult passengers of average height but starts to fall short for taller adults. The ZS comes with rear air vents and charge ports in the back of the centre console, but lacks a fold-down armrest – though it has a comfy and softer-sprung middle seat position as a result.

The MG ZS has 443 litres of boot space, plus features a shallow storage space under the boot floor. With the rear seats folded, space expands to 1457L but the rear seats don't fold fully flat. The ZS boot includes two bag hooks and two tie-down points, and has a tyre repair kit and 12-volt battery under the boot floor.

With a slick new 12.3-inch infotainment system, the MG ZS follows the lead set by the larger and more expensive MG HS. It has a similar layout, with a tiled homepage that makes it easy to adjust climate control or media without needing to jump between menu screens. It's responsive to touch inputs and has onscreen menus that are logical and allow quick access to different functions.

The system offers access to AM/FM/DAB radio, satellite navigation, and Bluetooth, plus wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but no wireless smartphone mirroring. The native system is both faster and easier to use than the ZS before it, and with the easy-to-decipher graphics and modern look, it feels slick and modern.

The MG also offers an iSmart companion app, allowing remote access to vehicle functions like remote lock/unlock, vehicle location, route planning, and status checks. Access is included for the first 12 months and offered via subscription after that. MG has overhauled the iSmart app recently with a more user-friendly layout than earlier versions.

Worth pointing out too that while MG calls the instrument screen a "12.3-inch Virtual Driver Instrument Display", the outer sections are simply light-up LCD panels with a 7.0-inch display in between.

Under the most recent crash-rating criteria, the MG ZS received a four-star safety rating (out of a possible five stars) from safety body ANCAP in 2024.

The MG ZS received a 75 per cent adult occupant protection score, 84 per cent child occupant protection rating, 73 per cent for vulnerable road user (pedestrian and cyclist) protection, and 79 per cent for safety assist systems.

To qualify for a five-star score, the adult occupant rating would need to be higher than 80 per cent (but the other criteria make the five-star grade).

Compared to the outgoing MG ZS, which could be a little thin on driver assist features depending on the model, the new ZS comes with a more complete safety suite, with a more up-to-date tune to intervention systems.

Standard equipment includes autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and junction intervention), rear cross-traffic alert, lane-centring and lane-keep assist with emergency lane-keep intervention, tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, safe exit assist, rear collision warning, reverse sensors and a 360-degree camera system.

The MG ZS is set up well, and worked agreeably in most driving situations. The lane-centring system can feel twitchy on some roads, and starts to struggle on rural roads with changing lane markings, but behaves appropriately in highway settings. It's easy to toggle on and off via the steering wheel too.

The adaptive cruise control feels alert and responsive to traffic around it. The left steering wheel rocker switch lets you adjust stepped in 5km/h increments by pressing and holding, or one kilometre at a time if you prefer. Following distance for the adaptive system is also easy to set without the need to dive into the infotainment system.

The ZS has a speed detection function that reads traffic signs and alerts you if you run over speed limits.

Systems like lane assist and driver monitoring can be turned off via the infotainment screen, but they revert to on each time the car is started.

Ten-year warranties are the new battleground in Australia's new car market. Mitsubishi started the trend and Nissan also recently joined the 10-year club.

The MG range is covered for 10 years or 250,000km. In the case of the MG ZS that coverage extends to the vehicle and the high-voltage hybrid battery. Some exclusions apply, with a seven-year paint and perforation term, and 24 months for decal kits (if fitted) and the 12-volt battery. In instances where the vehicle is used commercially (for ride-share, taxi, delivery, rental or similar) the warranty reverts to seven years or 160,000km.

MG's capped-price plans equate to $1232 over five years/75,000km, with the most expensive of the first five capped-price services costing $432. Intervals are set at a uniform 12 months or 15,000km.

Looking at comprehensive insurance, based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male, living in Chatswood, NSW, the MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ would cost $1647.

The same owner details a GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid Ultra came to $1595, or a Hyundai Kona hybrid for $1886. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

MG makes some pretty bold claims when it comes to fuel consumption. The boldest of these is the city-cycle driving figure of 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Testing in purely urban conditions we saw a final figure of 5.7L/100km – over five times the official figure.

Balanced out to the combined cycle, MG claims 4.7L/100km. Our testing used 5.6L/100km, which is a respectable figure, if not the sharpest of the hybrid small SUV class.

The MG ZS relies heavily on its electric motor for initial acceleration from a standstill, which helps keep consumption down, and it can run briefly in EV mode at highway speeds, switching between petrol and electric as required.

The ZS Hybrid+ recommends 95-octane premium unleaded as a minimum. Its 41-litre fuel tank results in a touring range of just over 730km based on our as-tested consumption.

Based on raw numbers, the MG ZS Hybrid+ looks like it has power to impress. The hybrid system claims a combined output of 158kW and 465Nm, and those are big numbers for a small SUV – especially one that's not specifically performance-oriented.

Broken into individual outputs, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces 75kW and 128Nm while the electric motor contributes 100kW and 250Nm. In most driving situations the electric motor starts things off, leaving the petrol motor to chip in as speeds rise and the need for bulk torque tapers off.

The MG ZS feeds power in gradually, so it's not aggressive or abrupt from a standing start. It also has a frustratingly variable pedal response. Pushing the accelerator becomes a bit of a lottery as to whether you'll get a zippy reaction or a much more slovenly response. I tried as hard as I could to see if acceleration and battery charge were linked, but the state of charge didn't appear to impact the result.

The system can use petrol or electric as required, or combine the two. If you floor the accelerator there's usually a few seconds before everything comes online. When overtaking, this held-back power can result in the system devoting full thrust right as you've finished your overtake and no longer need the extra speed.

While it's no superstar dynamically, the MG is capable and predictable. It has well-weighted steering and a consistent feel through bends. Its home is in the suburbs, though, not on winding mountain roads, and some owners might find the steering a touch heavy at parking speeds.

On busy surfaces the MG can keep pace with cobbles and patchy surfaces, and is a great fit for city streets thanks to an absorbent suspension tune. As the pace picks up it maintains its composure, stable on the highway and only rattled by severe potholes or successive corrugations.

Road and wind noise are well managed too. It's not completely silent, but you won't find yourself needing to raise your voice to maintain a conversation with your passenger. Overall, the MG ZS feels far more complete and settled in the way it drives compared to the model that came before it.

It might be best to give the MG ZS Hybrid+ a miss if you plan on towing. The maximum towing capacity is rated at just 500kg, either for a braked or unbraked trailer. It's potentially enough to manage a compact garden trailer, or move around something like a mobility scooter, but not much more.

Based on factory figures, the MG ZS Hybrid+ has a payload of 470kg, accounting for the weight of passengers, cargo, and accessories. While not a particular standout figure, it's enough to safely carry four adults plus luggage without overloading the vehicle.

The MG ZS is a fantastic example of how MG as a brand has cemented its reputation for great value. While this new model is more expensive than before at the top of the range, the included equipment and levelled-up safety technology ensure MG still ranges as a smart choice for buyers looking to drive their dollar further.

While this car may not be perfect in every aspect, it offers a roomy interior and a relatively efficient powertrain with sensible day-to-day dynamics. The MG ZS plays it safe, but that conservative approach gives it widespread appeal. Add in the peace of mind of a 10-year warranty and reasonable service costs, and the long-term benefits stack up.

There's some sharp competition at this end of the small SUV market, but the MG ZS can hold its own.

Family Cars Guide

Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.

Read more about Kez Casey