MG MOTOR UK ZS HATCHBACK 1.5 Hybrid+ Trophy 5dr Auto

The MG ZS Hybrid+ makes proper petrol/electric power significantly more affordable in a small SUV. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

MGs entry-level SUV the ZS makes a much more credible statement in this second generation form, with sales centred around this frugal Hybrid+ version. Do you really need a pricier small crossover than this?

Background

It's difficult to remember now what a fledgling brand MG was in the UK prior to 2017 when the first generation version of the company's ZS compact crossover was originally launched. More than any other, it was the model that properly established this new-era Chinese marque here and over 102,000 examples of the MK1 model subsequently found British buyers. Even in its last year on sale, it out-sold rivals from more established brands like the Dacia Duster, the Skoda Kamiq and the SEAT Arona. Building on that success is this second generation ZS, launched in early Autumn 2024. Unlike its predecessor, it won't be available in full-EV form - the old ZS EV will be replaced by crossover model based on the MG4 hatch. Instead, ZS sales will primarily be based around the Hybrid+ model we look at here, though this model also comes in un-electrified base SE petrol form if you need a lower sticker price.

Driving Experience

The base SE petrol version of this ZS still uses one of the oldest and most inefficient engines it's possible to buy, so the sophistication of the powerplant in this Hybrid+ model is something of a pleasant shock. It's the same self charging non-plug-in Hybrid offered in the second generation MG3. Yes, like you can get in this segment (for significantly more money) with a Toyota Yaris Cross or a Honda HR-V e:Hybrid. But this front-driven powerplant gives you a lot more power than you'd get with those established rivals (presumably because MG also wants to use it in other heavier models). It combines a 102PS 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 136PS electric motor to give a combined 196PS total output. Hence the quite eager 0-62mph time of 8.7s en route to 104mph. Full-Hybrids always come only with automatic transmission, but this one is unusual because it only has three speeds (one less than the clunky auto of the old car). MG says this gives more responsive acceleration. As usual with self-charging full-Hybrids, the battery pack (1.83kWh in this case) isn't large enough to take the car very far on electric power alone. But EV assistance cuts in and out frequently during town travel to aid efficiency. The car can also be driven in Series mode with the engine acting as a generator. Or as a Parallel Hybrid where the two power sources work together to generate the full 196PS output.

Design and Build

The original ZS had very much a bargain basement look that increasingly didn't fit with the kind of company that these days makes forward-thinking designs like the Cyberster and the MG4. This second generation ZS is a much more satisfying-looking thing, borrowing cues from second generation versions of the MG3 supermini and the larger HS SUV. That means a wide, distinctive front grille flanked by narrow air intakes on either side. The usual octagonal MG badge features on the nose above a contrasting lower bumper section emulating a skid plate. LED lighting predictably features front and rear. And size-wise, think compact crossovers like the Ford Puma or Peugeot 2008; the mid-sized Qashqai/Kuga SUV-class is left to the larger HS model. It's a lot more modern and nicer feeling inside too, where screens of course dominate, a 7 inch one for the instruments and 12.3-inch central monitor for infotainment. The latter has standard built-in navigation, a reversing camera and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' connectivity. The quality of fixtures and fittings is noticeably better than before; you could now switch to one of these from a comparable Ford or Vauxhall without feeling miserly. And if you did, you'd get more back seat space; two adults would be decently comfortable. And a larger 443-litre boot (though that's 5-litres less than the previous model offered). Folding down the rear bench extends that to 1,457-litres - which is 82-litres more than the old car.

Market and Model

Value is what will continue to sell this ZS, though it's worth reflecting that this Hybrid+ version's £22,000 starting price is a full £3,500 more than the mechanically identical MG3 Hybrid+ supermini, which isn't all that much smaller. Unlike the base SE petrol version (which costs £2,500 less), the ZS Hybrid+ is available in two trim levels, 'SE' and 'Trophy', with the range topping 'Trophy' variant priced at around £24,500 from launch. Both are supported by a 7-year/80,000-mile manufacturer's warranty and a network of over 160 dealers. Both models come generously equipped with full-LED lighting front and rear, a 12.3-inch HD infotainment display with navigation and live services, a 7-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry. The 'MG Pilot' package, which comprises a comprehensive range of safety and driver assistance technologies, is standard on both models and includes adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist. For its additional £2,500, the 'Trophy' version gains 18-inch 'Sabre' alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, leather style upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 6-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a 360° surround view camera.

Cost of Ownership

As with the MG3, advanced, smart features of the Hybrid+ system include a drive and charge system that allows the petrol engine to drive the wheels whilst also charging the battery through the generator. You'll need to stay away from that feature though to achieve the claimed best efficiency figures - nearly 60mpg on the combined cycle and 115g/km of CO2 (it's 64.2mpg and 100g/km for the MG3 Hybrid+ supermini). To achieve this MG's stated figures, you'll obviously have to regularly select the provided Eco driving mode - the other two settings are 'Standard' and 'Sport'. What about other running cost issues? Well, all versions of this MG come with an impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty as standard - which is better than most rival brands can offer. You might be aware that rival Kia offers a seven-year 100,000 mile package, but MG still reckons its deal is preferable because it's backed by full factory support throughout, whereas direct manufacturer support for rival warranties declines the longer they go on. In many cases they don't go on too long. Many competitors still limit you to a three year back-up package; a few offer five years. MG does better: this is the brand putting its money where its mouth is. The warranty is fully transferrable to future owners. Additionally, there's a six year factory warranty against rust, while a year's breakdown cover is also part of the deal. The MG dealer network is growing all the time - the brand expects to shortly have 120 outlets in the UK. At those outlets, a full digital service record of checks and maintenance provides the customer with complete transparency and full access to the service history of their vehicle. You'll be offered a range of MG servicing plans to spread the cost of maintenance for up to seven years.

Summary

The original MG ZS was cheap and well-equipped but, frankly, there weren't many other reasons to choose it. This replacement model will give competing brands far more to think about, though for such an EV-led maker, you might find it strange that there's now no battery-powered version. MG has other plans in that direction and that does at least leave the spotlight on the Hybrid+ variant we've focused on here, which right now for a lot of potential customers would be a better choice than an EV anyway. Compared to nearly all its direct compact SUV segment rivals, this ZS Hybrid+ is cheaper, more spacious, better equipped much more powerful. It's more frugal than most of them too. If all of this had been delivered with the cheap-feeling cabin and Lidl looks of the previous generation model, it still might not have been enough for sales success, but significant steps forward have been made in both directions. You'll still find many pricier segment rivals are more avant-garde to look at and sit in, but MG is closing the gap. Creating here a small SUV you'd be unwise to ignore.

Body Glass

Heated rear window

Rear privacy glass

Front and rear aero wiper

Front and rear electric windows with driver's one-touch up/down

Rain sensor wiper

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Hill descent control

Electronic Stability Programme

Hill start assist

EBA

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Communication

Android Auto

Apple CarPlay

Bluetooth connectivity

eCall emergency call system

iSmartphone connectivity

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Rear parking sensor

Forward collision warning

Rear cross traffic alert

Driver attention alert system

360 degree view camera

Intelligent speed limit assist

3 driving modes Normal, Eco, Sport

Blind zone detection with lane change assist

3 Energy regeneration modes (1, 2, 3)

Lane keep assist with lane departure warning system

Unsteady driving warning

Adaptive cruise control with intelligent cruise assist

Driver Information

Trip computer

'Lights On' Reminder warning buzzer

Traffic jam assist

Satellite navigation with speed limit recognition

7" Driver display

12.3" colour touchscreen

Driving Mirrors

Body colour electric adjustable folding heated door mirrors

Entertainment

DAB audio

6 speaker audio system

Radio, MP3 and AUX/USB

2x USB ports at Front (1x data and power type A, x1 power only type C) and 1x rearview mirror USB power only - type A

1x USB port at rear (power only) type A

Exterior Body Features

Rear spoiler

Body colour door handles

Body colour bumpers

Silver roof rails

Chrome side window trim

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

LED centre brake light

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED rear lights

Automatic headlamps

LED projector headlights

Intelligent headlamp control

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Front grab handles

Glovebox

Internal chrome door handles

Tilt adjustable steering column

Driver's footrest

Heated steering wheel

Front centre armrest with storage

Rear grab handle

Front sun visors with driver and passenger mirrors

Two position boot floor

12V power sockets

Leather style upholstery

Multifunctional steering wheel

Front adjustable cup holder

Interior Lights

Illuminated switches and controls

Boot light

Front interior courtesy light with time delay and reading lights

Safety

Rear door child safety locks

Fuel cut off safety device

Front side airbags

Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact

Dual front airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Side curtain airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Drivers seatbelt reminder

Front seatbelts (3-point + pretensioner + load limiter)

Front passenger airbag deactivation switch

Anti rolling protection

Active emergency braking with pedestrian/Bicycle detection

Front and rear passenger seat belt reminder

Rear isofix x2

Seats

Heated front seats

Front headrests

Front seat back map pockets

3 rear headrests

2nd row 60/40 split/fold

6 way electric adjustable drivers seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Manual lumbar support on driver seat

Adjustable rear headrests

4 way manually adjustable passenger seat

Single front passenger seat

Security

Keyless entry

Speed sensing door locks

Automatic latching door

Alarm system and engine immobiliser

Remote Central Locking with Fold-away Key

Wheels - Alloy

18" Sabre alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Usable Battery Capacity: 0.9

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.8

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 115

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 4

Transmission: AUTO

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 16.0:1

Gears: 3 SPEED

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 72

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

CC: 1498

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 126.1

WLTP - MPG - High: 57.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 55.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 2.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.1

General

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 80000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22A

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 75

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 73

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 196

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 7

Coin Description: Hybrid+

Coin Series: Trophy

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

Top Speed: 104

Engine Power - KW: 144

Engine Power - RPM: 5462

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.7

Engine Torque - MKG: 47.4

Engine Power - BHP: 196

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 343

Engine Torque - NM: 465

Engine Torque - RPM: 2731

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Style: SABRE

Tyre Size Rear: 215/50 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 215/50 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4430

Width: 1818

Wheelbase: 2610

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1635

Width (including mirrors): 2087

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1890

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.51

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1457

Max. Roof Load: 75

Minimum Kerbweight: 1420

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 41

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 443

Max. Loading Weight: 470

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 500

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 500

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Tri coat paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black pearl

Metallic - Battersea Blue

Metallic - Monument Silver

Metallic - Hampstead grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Paint - Special

Tri coat - Dynamic Red

Trim - Leather

Leather style - Black