MG ZS Hybrid Review

MG’s second-gen mid-size SUV introduces new tech and fresh styling

By carsales.com.au

It’s not often that sequels are better than the original.

But that’s Hollywood, and not the car industry which almost certainly sees significant improvements with every new instalment.

Which is exactly what we have here with the second-generation MG ZS, the Chinese-owned brand’s mid-size family SUV that brings a fresh exterior design, more spacious interior and, for the first time, the availability of hybrid powertrain technology.

So how does the new ZS Hybrid stack up? First impressions are positive.

How much does the MG ZS Hybrid cost?

The MG ZS is available with the choice of either a conventional petrol engine or with a petrol-electric powertrain.

The former is one of the most affordable vehicles in its class and offered in three model grades, the entry-level Vibe that costs just $22,990 driveaway with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder or $25,990 driveaway with a turbo charged version of the same engine, and the range-topping Essence (exclusively with the turbo motor) that costs $28,990 driveaway.

With the Hybrid models, they share the same mechanical set-up but buyers can choose between the base model Excite+ for $30,888 driveaway or the flagship Essence+ that we’re testing here for $33,888 driveaway.

What standard equipment does the MG ZS Hybrid feature?

Both versions of the MG ZS Hybrid feature an extensive list of standard equipment, including:

• LED headlights and taillights
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Climate control
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen
• DAB+ digital radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Embedded sat nav
• Smartphone mirroring
• Six-speaker audio system

The Excite+ has cloth interior trim and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels while the Essence+ adds a heap of extras for the relatively small price increase, including larger 18-inch alloys, synthetic leather trim, heated front seats with electric adjustment and a panoramic glass sunroof.

What safety features does the MG ZS Hybrid have?

The MG ZS scores a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and is fitted with a comprehensive suite of advanced crash avoidance systems and driver aids, under the banner of MG Pilot, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assistance
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Blind spot detection
• Driver attention monitoring
• Road sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• 360-degree parking display

What is the MG ZS Hybrid like on the inside?

The first thing you notice about the 2024 MG ZS Hybrid is how user-friendly it is. There’s a certain ease with which you can get in the ZS, find your way around its key controls quickly, then set off.

In second-gen form, it adopts MG’s latest design language already seen on the smaller MG3 hatchback, sporting a sleeker look with more curvaceous lines and angles throughout. Simply put, it no longer has dated optics, both on the outside and in the cabin.

Now riding on the brand’s Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), it’s also grown 107mm longer (4430mm) and 9mm wider (1818mm) compared to the first-gen ZS, while a 25mm longer wheelbase is said to increase rear seat and boot space, the latter of which has grown to 443 litres, up by a meaningful 84 litres.

Given a choice, we’d opt for the top-spec Essence with manual-adjust lumbar support for the driver if longer stints behind the wheel are high on the agenda.

Meanwhile, peel back the sunblind and the big panoramic sunroof is a welcome addition. The portion of glass that opens the cabin to the outside air is big and adds a nice touch to what is already a very pleasant cabin to spend time in.

While first impressions are largely positive, the MG ZS Hybrid misfires in a few ways.

For example, a pair of rubberized trays would make the perfect spot for a wireless phone charging pad – but there isn’t one.

Worse still, the steering wheel gets tilt but no telescopic reach adjustment (to aid short-limbed humans). And a more niche issue: you can’t adjust the height of the seat belt on the B-pillar, so again, if you’re on the smaller/shorter side, the seat belt may rub against the side of your neck.

What is under the bonnet of the MG ZS Hybrid?

The MG ZS Hybrid comes powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100kW electric motor and 1.83kWh lithium-ion (NCM) battery. Power is sent to the front wheels via three-speed auto.

But this hybrid isn’t all about fuel efficiency, according to MG.

Although it’s relatively thrifty, sipping a claimed 4.7L/100km on a combined city/highway driving cycle, MG says it’s also about performance and driving enjoyment, claiming combined total outputs of 158kW and a (questionably) huge 465Nm.

What is the MG ZS Hybrid like to drive?

While MG says the ZS Hybrid is about efficiency as much as it is performance. And although we were almost able to match its 4.7L per 100km combined fuel consumption claim (we got 4.8L/100km), it doesn’t deliver the kind of immediate punch you might expect when you floor it off the line.

However, what it lacks in initial liveliness the ZS Hybrid makes up for on the move, building speed with ease to make highway speed overtakes a breeze.

Meanwhile, the MG ZS Hybrid may very well be more fuel efficient than many of its petrol-powered rivals in the segment but it’s worth noting that you must fill it with 95 octane petrol at a minimum, so it’ll cost you a bit more at the pump.

For the most part, the powertrain is seamless in its transition from electric to petrol-electric power but the hybrid system isn’t without quirks.

At highway speeds using cruise control, it has a strange tendency to pulse or surge, where it feels as if the driver is constantly on and off the accelerator, when they are in fact, not touching the pedal at all.

It’s noticeable enough for everyone on board to make mention but not quite as aggressive as a sleep-deprived taxi driver.

There’s also a question mark over MG’s combined torque figure for the ZS Hybrid, which is claimed at 465Nm. Frankly, that sounds absurd and its 8.7 second to 100km/h sprint would suggest this figure is a miscalculation.

Even in Normal and Eco drive modes there’s a weighty feel to the steering, which is further enhanced in Sport mode, the latter of which delivers a noticeably sharper throttle response.

It’s enjoyable to punt around town yet feels poised and nicely balanced over harsher roads. Even decent-sized potholes failed to shake the ZS’s confidence, suggesting a lot of effort has been put into the suspension tune.

A distinct lack of body roll during high-speed cornering helps the ZS Hybrid’s case, while decent grip levels from its budget Kumho Solus tyres impress. That said, wheel spin from the inner wheel does occur on occasion, which could be remedied via fine tuning of the stability and traction control systems.

Aside from isolated wind noise (emanating from the passenger side mirror or wiper blade) the cabin is measurably hushed and it’s an easy place to spend a few hours.

Some of the driver aids and safety systems do more to distract than help, which can make the driving experience frustrating. For example, lane assist works well on roads with proper lane markings but its tendency to incorrectly read other road markings as lanes means it’s better switched off.

Like our experience in the MG3 Hybrid hatch, the traffic sign recognition system rarely reads speed signs correctly, so that’s also best switched off to avoid confusion.

All of those functions are easy enough to switch on and off via the central touchscreen but it’s worth mentioning how fiddly that screen can be to operate if you’re using smartphone mirroring.

It’s a similar story when adjusting the single-zone climate control if you’re defaulting to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. That’s because you have to exit the Apple/Android operation system and return to native MG home screen, then find the sub-menu (climate or Pilot assist) you’re looking for.

It doesn’t revert to your smartphone mirroring afterwards, either; you need to click the relevant icon on the screen. Little things, but once you’ve performed them several times in a short drive, it becomes irritating.

How much does the MG ZS Hybrid cost to maintain?

All MG ZS Hybrid SUVs are covered by a strong 10-year/250,000km warranty and servicing is due every 12-months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.

MG’s capped-price service costs equate to $656 and $1232 over the first three and five services, respectively, which is fairly competitive.

Should I lease a MG ZS Hybrid?

The second-generation MG ZS Hybrid is a big improvement over the model it replaces – but let’s face it, the bar was set fairly low.

Nevertheless, it is better to drive and brings more active safety and standard equipment to the party, along with a host of cabin improvements and an overall fresher design.

The addition of a hybrid powertrain adds significantly more showroom appeal as well.

It’s not perfect but it’s easy to see why this small SUV is so popular with Aussie car buyers.

2024 MG ZS Hybrid Essence at a glance:

Editor’s Rating: 7.6/10

^{Disclaimer: Images supplied by carsales}