Overview

THE second-generation MG ZS is a massive step forward in every respect.

Better finished, more pleasant to drive, and equipped with safety and technology features it previously lacked, the ZS is now worthy of consideration not only for those on a budget, but for anyone considering a petrol-electric hybrid from within the Small SUV segment.

A big call? Perhaps… But it’s evident MG Motor’s parent SAIC has taken on criticism of the former ZS to present a vehicle that is now in step with the best in its class.

Priced from $33,990 drive-away (or $36,990 as tested), the MG ZS Hybrid+ is a solid rival to the likes of the GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid (from $32,990 drive-away), Hyundai Kona Hybrid (from $36,500 plus on-road costs), and even the Nissan Qashqai Ti-L e-Power (from $52,365 +ORC), arriving with a generous level of amenity and technology.

Against the tape, the MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ measures 4430mm in length (+107mm), 1818mm (+9mm) in width, 1635mm (-18mm) in height, and 2610mm (+25mm) in wheelbase. It tips the scale at 1400kg, however braked towing is listed at just 500kg.

Cargo space is measured at 443 litres in five-seat mode, stretching to 1457 litres with the 60:40 split-fold rear seats flipped forward. The cargo area features a 12-volt power outlet, area light, a pair of tie-down points, and two shopping bag hooks, while a tyre repair kit and 12-volt battery are found beneath the floor.

At the other end of the vehicle is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor pairing that delivers 158kW/465Nm – a rather purposeful figure from a vehicle in this category.

Drive is to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, with MG claiming a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.7 litres per 100km using premium 95RON unleaded (meaning the 41-litre fuel tank should allow a theoretical range of just over 870km).

Electrical energy is stored in a 1.8kWh NCM battery.

In Essence grade, the ZS Hybrid+ offers 18-inch alloy wheels, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats with powered driver seat adjustment, keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights, panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control, acoustic reversing sensors, a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, and a 360-degree camera system accessed via a central 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

That touchscreen infotainment array provides six-speaker sound, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (both wired), AM/FM/DAB+ radio reception, Bluetooth audio and telephony, and MG’s iSmart connected services app allowing remote access to functions including locking, route planning, vehicle location, and vehicle status via a paired smartphone.

A comprehensive list of standard safety inclusions sees the MG ZS Hybrid+ equipped with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (with cyclist and pedestrian detection, and junction intervention), blind spot monitoring, lane centring and keeping assistance (with emergency lane-keep intervention), rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, traffic sign recognition, and more.

Unfortunately, the new MG ZS Hybrid+ received a four-star safety rating, unable to reach five-stars through its performance in the assessment area of Adult Occupant Protection (75 per cent), where a minimum score of 80 per cent applies.

Paint colours include Emerald Green, Diamond Red, Dover White, Lunar Grey, Brighton Blue, Black Pearl, and Sloane Silver. Premium paint attracts a $700 surcharge.

The MG ZS Hybrid+ is backed by a 10-year/250,000km warranty. Capped-price servicing is available for the first five years (or 75,000km) of ownership with maintenance intervals set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). Servicing costs across the five-year period total $1232.

Driving Impressions

In around town driving, you’d almost be forgiven for thinking the MG ZS Hybrid+ is electrically powered. The electric motor provides much of the car’s lower speed motivation, the petrol contributing as you progress into higher speed zones or climb a hill.

It’s an experience that is unusual to most hybrid-powered vehicles we’ve driven, where the petrol engine is almost always ‘on’, and one that shows MG Motor is taking its own approach.

Power delivery is mostly consistent, but we did find that throttle input did not always match the driveline’s response. Whether the vehicle was “caught” between petrol and electric power or simply in between gears was hard to determine, and we’ll be interested to note if ZS Hybrid+ owners note the same.

Whatever the case, there is no arguing that the available power is sufficient for the job.

The ZS Hybrid+ gets up to speed effectively and has enough in reserve for confident passing. Steep grades do not appear to bother the driveline to a significant degree, the petrol engine contributing with a steady beat, rather than flaring in and out (as is the case with some hybridised rivals).

On test, the fuel consumption of the ZS Hybrid+ adhered closely to the 6.0-litre per 100km mark, or 1.3 litres more than the manufacturer’s claim. While it’s not a considerable difference, it does see the MG rank as a thirstier alternative to rivals like the Honda HR-V (from $39,900), Hyundai Kona (from $36,500), Nissan Qashqai (from $52,365), and Toyota Corolla Cross (from $36,480).

Dynamically, the ZS Hybrid+ is vastly improved from its predecessor with pleasant road manners and a hushed ride. The steering is sensibly weighted, contributing to a sense of connection with the car, the vehicle’s bump absorption likewise a terrific fit for lumpy suburban roads.

On faster flowing country roads, where potholes and pockmarks now appear to be the norm, the ZS Hybrid+ is equally composed. Larger craters and corrugations will make their presence known, but in all we are impressed with the vehicle’s more mature on-road attitude – the badge the only connection to the ZS of yore.

The braking abilities of the ZS Hybrid+ are also pleasing, the action of the pedal consistent regardless of driveline mode. The pedal pressure of many hybrid models can change depending on whether the petrol or electric motor is in use, leading to discrepant feedback for the driver. We encountered no such issue in the MG.

Elsewhere, the ZS Hybrid+ is roomy and with very good outward visibility. We found the seating especially comfortable with deeper cushioning than many in the segment, yet still with adequate support for those longer trips.

One issue we could not get past, however, was the lack of steering column reach adjustment, which for this scribe meant a driving position that was not exactly to preference.

Aside from that issue, the cabin comfort of the ZS Hybrid+ proved very hard to fault. The climate control worked diligently to maintain temperature while the infotainment and instrumentation screens remained easy to view in changing light conditions.

If we were picky, we could criticise the speed sign recognition system for its inaccuracy, but as MG is not alone in this respect, we’ll simply note it and move on.

As we said at the outset, the second-generation MG ZS is a massive step forward in every respect.

Barring a couple of niggles, and a less-than-perfect ANCAP safety rating, it is an entirely pleasant vehicle that we think has the potential to change the mind of even the most critical small SUV buyer.

With a long warranty and competitive service pricing thrown into the deal, there’s very little not to like, and we strongly recommend adding this one to the test drive list.