Suzuki Ignis vs MG ZS EV
What's the difference?

Suzuki Ignis

$10,990 - $20,990

2021 price

View pricing & specs

MG ZS EV

$19,990 - $33,990

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2021 Suzuki Ignis

2023 MG ZS EV

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.2L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

4.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

505 km

Energy consumption

17.7 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

72.60 kWh

Seating

Likes

Striking design
Superb agility
Ease of operation

440km range on a full charge
Spacious with good storage
Easy to drive

Dislikes

No AEB, DAB+ and telescopic steering
Stiff ride, noisy cabin
Poor EuroNCAP crash-test rating

Pricey compared to rivals
No reach adjustment for steering wheel
High driver's seat

2021 Suzuki Ignis Summary

Welcome to one of the world’s tiniest SUVs, as well as amongst Australia’s cheapest – Suzuki’s diminutive Ignis.

There’s an Aussie connection. Holden designer Peter Hughes styled the original YG Cruze based on the first (FH) Ignis of 2000, with both models sharing most components underneath; but the latter was not well received, prompting Suzuki to change tack for its reborn Swift replacement of 2004. Yet the name and concept were revived 11 years later (without GMH) for the retro-themed high-riding hatch/crossover you see here today.

The point? This quick history lesson serves to remind us how similar both Ignis generations are, as well as how devoted Suzuki is in its pursuit of owning the light SUV space.

In June 2020, a facelifted MF arrived, brandishing a revised grille, bumpers and trim to give it a chunkier appearance, along with minor spec changes.

Here we take a long look at the GLX auto.

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2023 MG ZS EV Summary

If, like just about everybody, you’re a bit concerned that an electric car might not be able to travel as far as you need to go, then the new MG ZS EV Long Range could be the small, fully-electric SUV for you.

We’ve tested the ZS EV Long Range here and can tell you how far you’ll get on a full charge and how much extra you’ll have to pay in price over the standard range version, along with what it’s like to drive, its features, practicality, ownership costs and of course its safety systems.

Be sure to watch the video above, where I’ll take you for a ride and show you my Big Foot tattoo. Yes, seriously.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Suzuki Ignis 2023 MG ZS EV

Verdict

With statement styling, inherent agility, excellent efficiency, proven reliability, high equipment levels and low entry pricing, the 2021 Ignis GLX is in danger of becoming a mandatory short-list proposition for people seeking fun and affordable motoring.

But undermining all that is a distinct lack of driver-assist safety tech that can’t be – and shouldn’t be – ignored. At least give buyers the option of paying more for essentials like AEB.

If Suzuki can address this shortfall, the Ignis would join its excellent Swift supermini stablemate in being a very compelling and enjoyable compact urban runabout. We hope this happens sooner rather than later.

Verdict

The MG ZS EV Long Range is a practical small SUV that's easy to drive and the 440km it can travel on a full charge makes it the better choice over the standard range ZS EV. The extra 120km offered by the Long Range version reduces anxiety and is truly useful in covering more ground between charging.

The asking price may seem expensive but electric vehicle batteries are extremely costly to produce and will remain so for years to come.

Remember, too, that the MG4 electric car has an even great range for the same money - the only catch is, it's a hatch and not an SUV.

Suzuki Ignis vs MG ZS EV What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Ignis vs MG ZS EV
What's the difference?