MG MOTOR UK ZS HATCHBACK 1.5 SE 5dr

Could MG's second generation ZS make more sense in more affordable base SE petrol form? Jonathan Crouch decides.

Ten Second Review

MGs entry-level SUV the ZS makes a much more credible statement in this second generation form, but is it worth saving over the cost of the Hybrid+ version and getting this more affordable un-electrified base SE petrol model? Can less be more here? Let's take a look.

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 be based around either a Hybrid powertrain - or the entry-level SE petrol variant we look at here.

Engines and Tech Spec

This base ZS gets the same four cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine as is found in the entry-level version of its MG3 supermini showroom stablemate. It's a de-tuned 115PS version of the 169PS unit used by the larger HS and is not a very advanced unit, defiantly un-electrified and offering 148Nm of torque and a rest to 62mph figure of 12.5s (nearly 4s slower than the Hybrid) en route to 111mph. You also have to have it with a manual gearbox; if you want an auto in your ZS, you'll have to find the extra cash for the Hybrid version. On the move, there's a gruff engine note under acceleration, but things settle down at cruising speeds. Don't expect handling or steering feel to be particularly feelsome but a similarly-priced base Dacia Duster wouldn't feel much more involving than this. Still, with this MK2 ZS, MG has clearly worked on body stability through the bends and the drive dynamics will probably now be quite satisfactory for most potential customers. Of more interest will be the reasonably settled ride. Plus there's also the fact that, despite the affordable sticker price, this car comes complete with adaptive and intelligent cruise control and a very complete suite of driver assistance features, including a number that you'd have to pay extra for with rivals. Refinement's OK - at town speeds anyway, unless you count the rather noisy climate fan, but you'll notice more road noise on the highway. This front-driven model has no particular off road ability of course - or the ride height necessary to facilitate it - but extreme conditions aren't really the kind of thing this ZS was designed for. Like its predecessor, it's a resolutely real-world compact family crossover; just these days, a slightly more appealing one.

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 (the same as the Hybrid, 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 SE petrol model's £19,495 starting price is a full £3,000 more than the mechanically identical MG3 SE petrol supermini, which isn't all that much smaller. Unlike the ZS Hybrid+ (which costs £2,500 more) and as its name suggests, the ZS SE petrol is only available with base 'SE' trim. As with all MG models, it's supported by a 7-year/80,000-mile manufacturer's warranty and a network of over 160 dealers. Equipment levels are very reasonable for the money, 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. Across the range, options are few but bear in mind that unless you choose your ZS in the only standard colour (solid 'Arctic White'), you'll be paying MG £545 more for your chosen paint shade (or £695 more if you want 'Dynamic Red'). On to safety and drive assist features. The brand includes as standard its very comprehensive 'MG Pilot' package, which includes active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, plus there's forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection with Lane change assist. The Traffic Sign Recognition set-up drives an Intelligent Speed Limit Assist feature and there's also Driver Attention Alert, along with a traffic jam assist system which will virtually drive your ZS for you in urban queues. As you'd expect, there are also twin front, side and curtain airbags, all linked to an eCall system.

Cost of Ownership

If you've opted for this base SE petrol ZS, obviously, here is where you'll lose out big time in your decision not to find the £2,500 more than MG wants for the Hybrid version. Instead of the frugal stats of that petrol/electric model (55.4mpg on the combined cycle and 115g/km of CO2), this conventional version returns 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and 145g/km of CO2. For reference, an (admittedly more expensive) base Dacia Duster TCe 130 manages 51.3mpg and 124g/km, which gives you some idea of how far this MG is away from the class norm. What about other running cost issues? Well, like all MGs, this one comes 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. Hybrid versions of this replacement model will give competing brands far more to think about. We're not entirely sure that the same is true of this base SE petrol model, but this entry-level variant's super-low sticker price will certain tempt those seeking a bargain in this segment, providing they can deal with this derivative's running costs. It'll be easier to look beyond those stats than it was with the previous generation model because this MK2 ZS dispenses with that original design's cheap-feeling cabin and Lidl looks in favour of a vibe that's far more up to date and of considerably better quality. Plus big steps forward have been made in both safety and media connectivity and it's extremely well equipped for the money. Could all that make sense in offering everything you really need in a small SUV and nothing you don't? Only you can decide.

Body Glass

Front and rear aero wiper

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

Heated rear window

Rain sensor wiper

Rear privacy glass

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

EBA

Electronic Stability Programme

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Manual parking brake

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity

eCall emergency call system

iSmartphone connectivity

Mobile phone bluetooth key

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Driver Convenience

360 high-definition camera with rear sensor

Blind zone detection with lane change assist

Cruise control

Driver monitoring system

Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)

Engine start button

Forward collision warning

Intelligent speed limit assist

Lane keep assist with lane departure warning system

Power assisted steering

Rear cross traffic alert

Rear parking sensor

Unsteady driving warning

Driver Information

'Lights On' Reminder warning buzzer

12.3" colour touchscreen

7" Driver display

Satellite navigation with speed limit recognition

Traffic jam assist

Trip computer

Driving Mirrors

Body colour electric heated/adjustable/folding mirrors

Manual dimming rear view mirror

Entertainment

2x USB-C ports at front (x1 data, x1 power only)

6 speaker audio system

DAB audio

Radio, MP3 and AUX/USB

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Body colour door handles

Chrome side window trim

Rear side wing doors

Rear spoiler

Silver roof rails

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamps

Follow me home headlights

Intelligent headlamp control

LED centre brake light

LED daytime running lights

LED projector headlights

LED rear lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air conditioning

Interior Features

12V power sockets

Driver's footrest

Front adjustable cup holder

Front centre armrest with storage

Front grab handles

Front sun visors with driver and passenger mirrors

Glovebox

Internal chrome door handles

Leather/suede upholstery

Multifunctional steering wheel

Reach and rake 4 way adjust steering column

Rear grab handle

Two position boot floor

Interior Lights

Boot light

Front interior courtesy light with time delay and reading lights

Illuminated switches and controls

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Active emergency braking with pedestrian/Bicycle detection

Anti rolling protection

Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact

Drivers seatbelt reminder

Dual front airbags

Front and rear passenger seat belt reminder

Front passenger airbag deactivation switch

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

Front side airbags

Fuel cut off safety device

Rear door child safety locks

Rear isofix x2

Side curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Seats

2nd row 60/40 split/fold

3 rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

4 way manually adjustable passenger seat

6 way electric adjustable driver seat

Adjustable rear headrests

Front headrests

Front seat back map pockets

Heated front seats

Manual lumbar support on driver seat

Single front passenger seat

Security

Alarm system and engine immobiliser

Automatic latching door

Keyless entry

Remote Central Locking with Fold-away Key

Speed sensing door locks

Wheels - Alloy

17" Valiant alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 145

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1495

Compression Ratio: 12.2:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 73.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Gears: 5 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: MANUAL

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 50.5

WLTP - MPG - Low: 33.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 46.3

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Badge Power: 115

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: N

Coin Series: SE

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

Generation Mark: 2

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 16E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 7

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 75

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 73

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 80000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 12.5

Engine Power - BHP: 115

Engine Power - KW: 85

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 109

Engine Torque - MKG: 15.1

Engine Torque - NM: 148

Engine Torque - RPM: 4500

Top Speed: 111

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: VALIANT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1635

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4430

Wheelbase: 2610

Width: 1818

Width (including mirrors): 2087

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1710

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1457

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 443

Max. Loading Weight: 445

Max. Roof Load: 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 500

Minimum Kerbweight: 1260

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.64

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Tri coat paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Battersea Blue

Metallic - Black pearl

Metallic - Camden grey

Metallic - Cosmic silver

Metallic - Emerald green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Paint - Special

Tri coat - Dynamic Red

Trim - Part Leather

Leather/suede - Black