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The MG ZS is a great-value small SUV with loads of interior space. It could be ideal if you need a car that’s both family- and wallet-friendly. You get lots of equipment as standard on most models and it feels good to drive.
The ZS has been sold new since 2017 and is available with two petrol engines, called the 1.5 VTi-Tech and the (more powerful) 1.0T GDi. If you prefer an automatic gearbox to a manual, you’ll find one on some 1.0T GDi models. Unlike some other small SUVs, there are no four-wheel-drive models, but there is an electric version called the MG ZS EV.
You can choose from three trim levels, called Explore, Excite and Exclusive. The range was updated in 2020 with a new infotainment system and other tech, and the Explore model was dropped from sale as a new car.
The entry-level Explore model’s standard features include cruise control, aux and USB ports for music streaming and Bluetooth. Excite models have all that plus a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity, a DAB radio and rear parking sensors, while top-grade Exclusive models add sat nav, leather seats and a reversing camera.
When the range was updated in 2020 the Excite and Exclusive models gained some extra equipment, with Android Auto connectivity for both, as well as a digital driver’s display in place of traditional dials and, in the Exclusive model, a 360-degree parking camera system to make manoeuvring easier.
According to official figures, ZS models with the 1.5 VTi-Tech engine can give you an average fuel economy of up to 41mpg. The 1.0T GDi models with a manual gearbox can give up to 42mpg and automatics up to 39mpg. Other costs like Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) and insurance are reasonable for this type of car.
Rivals to the ZS include the Dacia Duster, the Citroen C3 Aircross and the Vauxhall Crossland X, among many other small SUVs. Compared to the MG, the Dacia is more comfortable, the Citroen is more fuel efficient and the Vauxhall has a bigger boot. But the ZS has more passenger space than just about any rival, comes well equipped and is great value.
Compared to other small SUVs, the interior of the ZS is generously spacious. Four tall adults should fit comfortably and be able to stretch out, even in the back seats. Two children should have all the room they need – there are two sets of Isofix child-seat mounts for carrying younger ones. The boot has space for three large suitcases, or more if you take out the parcel shelf and pack up to the roof. The back seats also fold down if you need to carry bigger, bulkier things.
The ZS is the smaller of the two SUVs that MG currently makes, the larger being the HS which replaced the older GS (sold new from 2017 to 2019).
Because it doesn’t have advanced driver safety features like automatic emergency braking, the ZS was given a three-star rating out of five by safety organisation Euro NCAP. The battery-powered MG ZS EV, however, does have those features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
The MG ZS EV is one of the most affordable electric cars available. It can give you a range of up to 163 miles on a fully charged battery, according to official figures. In 2022, a Long Range version is expected, which can travel up to 273 miles between charges.