I’m going to admit something personal here - I was not a very good student. I didn’t really like school, I was only interested in cars and school didn’t have enough car-related lessons to keep me interested.
The team at MG, on the other hand, appear to be very good students. They learn fast and adapt quickly and, most importantly, test well.
Let me explain.
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When the brand re-entered the Australian market under Chinese ownership just over a decade ago (2013) its cars were, to be blunt, not very good. They were underpowered, had derivative designs and drove poorly.
Fast forward to 2024 and MG is among the most popular brands in Australia and the ZS is the country's best-selling small SUV. Its rapid change in fortunes is a direct result of its ability to learn quickly what the market expects and deliver a new model that meets those needs.
But perhaps MG’s greatest strength was to do that without charging a premium for rapidly developed new models. In fact, MG’s popularity is linked to its cut-price deals - it offers a reasonable package compared to its rivals for less money.
Now, having learnt that Australians know their products and like them, MG is applying new lessons to introduce the second-generation ZS, starting with an all-new hybrid model.
Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10
8 / 10
The ZS Hybrid+ is launching with two variants, Excite and Essence, priced from $33,990 and $36,990 respectively. Those prices are both manufacturer list price and drive-away at the time of launch.
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In terms of price though, that’s a big step up for the brand and the model. The outgoing ZST Excite was priced from $29,490 and the Essence from $30,490, drive-away. For comparison, the Hyundai Kona hybrid range begins at $36,500 and stretches to $46,500, the Toyota Corolla Cross is priced from $36,480 to $50,030 and the Kia Niro hybrid models start at $45,000. So while the Hybrid+ is more expensive than before, it still represents good value in the small hybrid SUV market.
It’s also important to note at this point that there will be non-hybrid versions of the new ZS, which will almost certainly be cheaper and closer to the old model, but they won’t arrive until 2025.
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As for what you get for the money, standard equipment on the Excite includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, two 12.3-inch digital screens for the instruments and multimedia, as well as navigation, a 360-degree camera and the MG Pilot active safety suite.
The Essence adds 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, PVC seats, six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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Design - Is there anything interesting about its design? 6/10
6 / 10
One of the obvious criticisms you could level at the outgoing ZS was the design was derivative of rival models and lacked any unique ‘MG’ traits. That’s less of a problem for this new-generation ZS, at least on the outside, which features a new design, adopting MG’s new ‘family face’ as already seen on the new HS and MG3.
It’s still not the boldest SUV in the segment, but MG is clearly looking for broad appeal and doesn’t want anything polarising.
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However, it still feels a bit derivative on the inside and despite upgraded technology (a pair of 12.3-inch digital screens for the instrument display and infotainment system) it lacks visual impact. There’s elements of other rivals that are noticeable, specifically the hexagonal theme around the air-vents, which remind me of the Mazda CX-5.
It’s a perfectly fine interior, there’s nothing ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ about it, but it does feel like MG likes to play it safe on design when it could have made some bolder choices.
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Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 7/10
7 / 10
This is an all-new model, according to the company, sitting on a new, larger platform that adds 107mm to the length, 25mm to the wheelbase and also makes it 9mm wider. That makes for a more spacious cabin, with noticeably more room in the second row. It’s still a small SUV but it probably borders on mid-size in some regards, especially around knee room in the back.
There’s plenty of small item storage space too, with a small tray ahead of the gear selector, a pair of cup holders in the front, good size door pockets, the centre lidded box and a new small shelf on the dashboard, in front of the passenger.
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In terms of boot space, MG has packaged the battery underneath the rear seats and opted for a tyre repair kit instead of a spare, so there is a sizeable boot with 443 litres of luggage room.
The twin 12.3-inch screens take care of most functions but MG was quick to point out they have retained several physical buttons for some functions; ‘home’, volume for the stereo, the windscreen demister and an on-off for the air-conditioning.
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While physical buttons are a clear positive in terms of usability and safety, the decision to put the demister instead of say, air-con temp or fan speed doesn’t make a lot of sense (surely they’d be more useful every day?).
MG counters that the steering wheel buttons/toggles can be programmed for different functions, including air-con controls but that is an added layer of complexity to what should be a simple function.
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More surprising and disappointing is the steering wheel has no reach adjustment, only height, which is almost unheard of these days in modern passenger cars. It smacks of saving money when developing what is claimed to be an ‘all-new’ model, and is an important element to skimp on as it directly impacts how comfortable you feel in the car.
Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 7/10
7 / 10
The ZS Hybrid+ is powered by a 75kW/128Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100kW/250Nm electric motor, with MG claiming a combined output of 150kW/465Nm.
The electric motor draws power from a 1.83kWh NCM (nickel-cobalt-magnesium) battery and is paired to a three-speed hybrid automatic transmission.
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Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 7/10
7 / 10
MG claims the system delivers an average fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km. While it’s a good return for an SUV of this size, it is higher than both of its key rivals, with the Corolla Cross offering a 4.3L/100km claim and the Kona Hybrid managing 3.9L/100km.
With its 41-litre fuel tank it has a theoretical driving range of more than 870km.
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Driving – What's it like to drive? 6/10
6 / 10
Nobody has ever bought a modern MG because of its dynamic handling or pampering ride. The ZS may have led the segment in price but it hasn’t ever had a class-leading driving experience. Nor was it bad, but clearly there was some work to do because MG says the suspension has been redesigned for improved ride comfort, handling and reduced noise.
It feels like an improvement based on our initial drive, with the ZS feeling more comfortable, riding with more composure than the old model. But the brand still has work to do in terms of ride and steering tuning, especially for Australia’s unique conditions, if it wants to compete with the best-in-class.
As for the powertrain, it does a very good job, it feels smooth and quiet and offers adequate performance for a small SUV. Its real-world fuel economy after a drive through urban, open road and some freeway ended at 4.9L/100km, which is a solid return. More urban driving, which would emphasise the role of the electric motor, would likely bring that figure down.
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Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 8/10
8 / 10
While MG’s efforts to keep its models affordable has created some safety headlines in the past (such as the MG5’s poor ANCAP score), the company has made a concerted effort to ensure the new ZS doesn’t suffer the same fate.
As mentioned earlier, the MG Pilot system is included as standard on both variants of the ZS Hybrid+. This brings a broad line-up of active safety features including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, speed assistance system, front collision warning, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
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There’s also the 360-degree surround-view cameras so you can see what’s around when you’re parking or manoeuvring slowly.
The new ZS Hybrid+ hasn’t been crash tested yet and it’s impossible to speculate on its score with any certainty. The previous generation ZS received a four-star ANCAP rating but the recently launched HS managed five stars, so MG is capable of building models to get top marks.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 8/10
8 / 10
MG Australia offers what it calls a ‘Precise Price’ servicing plan, so you’ll know what you’re paying for the first five years. Service intervals are every 12 months/15,000km and vary from $144 for a minor visit up to $432 for your four year/60,000km check-up. The total cost is $1232 over the five year span.
Like all MG models the ZS Hybrid+ is covered by the brand’s 10-year/250,000km warranty.
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Verdict
So is the MG ZS Hybrid+ another test passed for the company and its fast-learning team? Or is it a rare failing grade?
While there is still clearly some work to be done in certain areas to compete on quality, design and dynamics, the overall package offered by the ZS Hybrid+ is a strong one. It offers a frugal engine, a spacious cabin, inoffensive design and plenty of equipment (including safety) for a very sharp price.
There’s no reason MG shouldn’t stay top of the class in the small SUV segment once the range is completed in 2025.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.
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