MG ZST vs Honda HR-V
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Honda HR-V

$27,940 - $38,888

2024 price

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Summary

2024 MG ZST

2024 Honda HR-V

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

4.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Seriously good-looking inside and out
Affordable price tag for grade level
Easy to drive in the city

Dislikes

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

Missing features you'd expect for top model
Safety could and should be better
Engine gets whiny on open roads

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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2024 Honda HR-V Summary

Like many car brands, Honda is storming the hybrid field. The new HR-V brings with it a hybrid powertrain and external facelift but is it enough to keep it competitive in the small SUV segment?

As with any cosmetic surgery you may wonder whether the facelift has been successful.

No tricks – I’ll tell you straight up the new external design might be what you’re looking for if you’re on the hunt for a small SUV that doesn’t look like it moonlights as an Uber for Mr Big Ears (a Noddy reference for any youngsters out there).

We're testing out the top hybrid model, the L, to see what else this urban dweller gets right and what it sometimes gets wrong.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2024 Honda HR-V

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.

Verdict

The Honda HR-V e:HEV L offers a respectable driving experience in the city but compared to its rivals, it’s features list and safety don’t always stack up. It sort of straddles the fence between basic and lux at times, which is an odd place for a top-model to be but its sharper styling will win hearts and the cabin is still practical.

MG ZST vs Honda HR-V What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs Honda HR-V
What's the difference?