MG ZS vs MG HS +EV

What's the difference?

The MG ZS stands as a firm favourite with Aussie small SUV buyers, in a close-fought arm wrestle with the Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi ASX for supremacy in a cut-throat competitive part of the new-car market.

Launched here in late 2017, and updated in 2020, MG subsequently added the ZS EV before launching this new-gen version in late 2024. It has initially been offered in hybrid and naturally aspirated petrol versions to maintain its position at the pointy end of the sales race. However, there’s nothing like a turbo model to add some extra spice to your compact SUV line-up. 

And that’s what we have here, the ZS Essence Turbo, a punchy, keenly-priced addition to MG’s local range. Stay with us to see if it has enough boost pressure to muscle its way onto your new-car short list.

The MG HS +EV Essence is a smart-looking hybrid medium SUV that comes well-stacked with features and has a price point that will make you swoon.

Add the plug-in hybrid engine/motor combination and it’s pitched as a firm competitor against heavyweights like the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and the newer-kid on the block – the Haval H6.

For the top model, it has the goods on paper but how does it perform in real life? I’ve been driving it with my family of three to find out for you.