MG ZS vs Mazda CX-3

What's the difference?

VS
MG ZS
MG ZS

$22,990 - $36,990

2025 price

Mazda CX-3
Mazda CX-3

2026 price

Summary

2025 MG ZS
2026 Mazda CX-3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 1.5L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
6.7L/100km (combined)

6.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Underpowered engine
  • Not the most fuel efficient engine in the range
  • Sunroof means cabin heats up fast in summer

  • Lack of efficiency
  • Interior tech outdated
  • Could be cheaper?
2025 MG ZS Summary

MG is far more popular as a Chinese-owned brand than it was as a British sports car maker.

The company now makes cars that appeal to a wider range of people, especially those looking for an affordable way into electric vehicles. As part of that broad appeal the company also makes regular petrol cars like the one tested here - the MG ZS Essence.

That’s right, we’re not testing the electric version of the MG ZS, nor the hybrid variant. Not even the one with the turbo. Our ZS is the ordinary petrol version in the mid-level Essence grade. Could it be the pick of the lot? Well… you’ll know soon.

First, who are the ZS’s rivals? The ZS is a small SUV and competes against the likes of the GWM Haval Jolion, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30. Having tested all of them we can say the ZS does some things better but also struggles to match a few of the other qualities of its rivals.

Oh, and don’t confuse the MG ZS with the MG HS. The HS is bigger and a mid-sized SUV, while the ZS is a small SUV. Got it?

Read on and we’ll take you through the strengths and weaknesses of the ZS Essence.

@carsguide.com.au New-gen MG ZS petrol tested! #MG #ZS #car #carsguide #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au
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2026 Mazda CX-3 Summary

Mazda has updated one of its most popular, but rather old models. 

Yes, the Mazda CX-3 is still around after more than a decade since its reveal, and it remains almost at the tippy-top of Mazda’s local sales charts.

With the brand having shifted 8221 CX-3s in the first half of 2025, it seems the light updates and modest price rise haven’t scared away any potential customers.

We’ve grabbed a CX-3 Evolve, the second-up of four available variants, to see if the popular light SUV still stacks up, or if you’re better off taking your money elsewhere.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 MG ZS 2026 Mazda CX-3

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