MG is looking to make a comeback in the fleet sector but the Chinese-owned carmaker admits that without the right products in place, it stands little chance of seriously taking on the competition.

It's not exactly been an easy journey for MG so far. Its unpopular 6 was replaced last year by the Qashqai-rivalling GS SUV, another model that is struggling to gain any real traction, while its 3 hatchback, although a good choice in terms of value, is starting to feel its age.

According to MG, its new compact SUV, the ZS, marks the start of a new era for the firm and will potentially double sales to 9,000 cars by the end of next year. Entering possibly the most competitive segment (and the biggest in terms of growth), the ZS will have quite a fight on its hands challenging the likes of the Renault Captur, Citreon C3 Aircross, Seat Arona and Nissan Juke.

Mixed feelings

Relying heavily on its low starting price and new seven-year warranty, from the outside the ZS is arguably the best-looking MG of the modern era.

True, it lacks imagination, looking more like a hybrid of Mazda's CX-3 and Seat's Arona, but it's well proportioned and, unlike some of its rivals, unlikely to divide opinion.

Raising the premium bar in the cabin has been a key focus for the designers and although you'll still find a few cheap plastics lurking, the interior feels robust enough considering the price tag and better than anything that's come from MG since Chinese firm Nanjing Auto took over in 2006.

Space is very good too, especially in the rear where head and legroom will trump most of its rivals, while boot space is among the best in its class at 448 litres, and includes a handy variable floor.

Restricted choice

Here in the UK you've got a choice of two engines; the current 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol used in the 3 and GS, and a new 111hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol developed in conjunction with General Motors.

Mainly because of cost, the engine combinations are very limited. Buyers have a choice of a five-speed manual paired with the 1.5-litre, or the new 1.0-litre matched up with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Both engines do very little to impress. The 1.5-litre is particularly noisy and unrefined, while the 1.0-litre is hampered because of its jerky and delayed gear changes - plus, it costs an eye-watering £2,000 extra. Perhaps the most frustrating thing is that the best combination would be the manual and the 1.0-litre, which is not currently available.

Handling wise, the ZS performs quite admirably; only a little body roll is felt in the corners and the car felt planted in the corners at speed. Around town the ZS is easy to manoeuvre and park, while cruising on the motorway, although a noisy affair, is good for the most part. The steering is very artificial, however, especially when in Dynamic mode, and ride quality isn't great either, with the suspension struggling to swallow small lumps and bumps in the road.