
MG is aiming to prove that bigger is better with its new ZS. Where the first-generation model was a compact SUV, the new, second-generation car has grown by 107mm in length, to 4,430mm, making it more comparable with medium SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai.
Having previously tested the range-topping Trophy version of the new ZS, here we’re trying the entry-level SE. This delivers a £2,500 saving on purchase price, at the expense of equipment such as electric driver’s seat adjustment, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera system (though the SE still gets a reversing camera, which provides an impressively sharp image).
Performance and drive
Whichever equipment grade is chosen, the new ZS comes with the same powertrain, which MG badges as Hybrid+, and which we have previously seen with the MG3 supermini. A notable element of this set-up is that in contrast to most hybrids, with which the petrol engine is more powerful than the electric motor, with the Hybrid+ this ratio is reversed, with a 102hp engine accompanying a 136hp motor (combined output is 196hp). On the road, this contributes to a relatively EV-like driving experience for a hybrid, with the ZS capable of brisk acceleration instantly and in silence, helping it feel sprightly around town. There is the feeling of having a lot of torque available, with strong and smooth acceleration in-gear, and this is supported by the figures, with a combined 465Nm making it a gutsy performer.

The high electric power level explains why MG has decided to fit a three-speed automatic gearbox – something which might sound like a throwback to the 1970s, but generally isn’t a problem, with refinement from the powertrain good most of the time. However, when going uphill, even under moderate acceleration, you can suddenly be confronted with loud engine noise. The first time this happened to us, we thought a motorbike had come up behind us, such was the suddenness and level of the din.
Handling is broadly fine – there is some body roll in corners, but plenty of grip. If pushed really hard the ZS it loses its equilibrium a little, but this just serves to remind that it’s an SUV not a sports car. Ride quality is OK – helped by (small these days) 17in wheels, and seats with a nice amount of cushioning. A minus point for comfort, however, is a steering wheel that doesn’t adjust for reach, making finding a good driving position more difficult.
Interior and tech
For an entry-level spec, the interior trim with the ZS SE is decent. You get a leather steering wheel which feels a good quality item, and some cloth, faux leather, and even dark faux wood trim, with the expected scratchy plastic minimised.
The standard 12.3in touchscreen is clear and responsive, but unfortunately is placed so the right side of the screen – where the menu shortcut icons are placed – is obscured by the steering wheel with this reviewer’s driving position.

Rear legroom is good, helped by there being plenty of room under the front seats for passengers’ feet, and there’s also plenty of headroom. Rear seat occupants also benefit from air vents and a USB port.
A 443-litre boot is on the smaller side for the medium SUV segment. An adjustable floor allows a near-flat load lip to be traded for extra space – although the entire floor can’t be adjusted, so with the lower position you end up with a sort of shelf behind the rear seats.
MG has made great strides in the UK car market in recent years largely thanks to offering superb value for money, and the ZS Hybrid+ is no different. Compared with similarly sized hybrid SUVs such as the Renault Symbioz and Nissan Qashqai, the MG comes in more than £7,000 and £12,000 cheaper on P11D respectively, while even the slightly smaller Toyota C-HR comes in over £9,000 more. Compared with the cheapest of that group, the Symbioz, the MG offers an expected cost-per-mile saving of more than 4p, and will also save 20% taxpaying drivers more than £20 per month in BIK payments. For many fleet buyers, we imagine these savings will be enough to render whatever quibbles we might have with the ZS Hybrid+ insignificant.
Positive: Value for money, gutsy powertrain, rear seat space
Negative: No steering wheel reach adjustment, engine sometimes noisy
Standard equipment: Automatic LED headlights, LED DRLs and tail lights, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, roof rails, 17in alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, four USB ports, 7in driver display, 12.3in touchscreen, sat-nav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, rear parking camera with sensor, adaptive cruise control with intelligent cruise assist, active emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, intelligent speed limit assist, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention alert.
Engines: Hybrid: 196hp 1.5
Equipment grades: SE, Trophy
Transmission: Three-speed automatic
Model | MG ZS Hybrid+ SE |
P11D | £21,730 |
Residual value | 45.7% |
Depreciation | £12,055 |
Fuel | £5,540 |
Service, maintenance and repair | £2,791 |
Cost per mile | 33.97p |
Fuel consumption | 55.4mpg |
CO2 (BIK%) | 115g/km (29%) |
BIK 20/40% a month | £105/£210 |
Luggage capacity | 443 litres |
Engine size/power | 1,498cc/196hp |
Score | 8/10 |