Kia Seltos vs MG ZST
What's the difference?

Kia Seltos

$17,990 - $36,999

2023 price

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MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2023 Kia Seltos

2024 MG ZST

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

7.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Roomy for a small SUV
1.6-litre turbo engine
New styling

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

Dislikes

LED headlights only on top grade
No hybrid version
CVT transmission with the 2.0-litre engine

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

2023 Kia Seltos Summary

Looking for a small SUV that’s not tiny? The Kia Seltos could be that SUV, and it’s been updated for 2023.

This review covers the entire Seltos range and reviews this small SUV based on its safety, practicality, price and features, plus ownership costs, its fuel economy and what it’s like to drive.

So, if you’re thinking about a Honda HR-V, a Toyota Corolla Cross or something even as large as a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage then you need to be thinking about a Kia Seltos, too.

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2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Seltos 2024 MG ZST

Verdict

Kia’s updated Seltos is more expensive than the previous version but it's better as well.

The entry grade no longer has hubcaps and gets alloy wheels, all grades have directional air vents in the second row, the jerky dual-clutch auto is gone and an excellent regular eight-speed auto has arrived, plus there’s more safety tech and modern displays screens.

What hasn’t changed is the Seltos’s size. It’s a big, small SUV, that’s easy to park in tight spaces but roomy inside even for tall, awkward humans like me.

The sweet spot in the range is the Sport+ with the 1.6-litre engine, if only it had the LED headlights that only come on the GT-Line.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

Kia Seltos vs MG ZST What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Seltos vs MG ZST
What's the difference?