This is the new, second-generation MG ZS, now available in some markets exclusively in hybrid form. It’s a different model from the brand’s similarly named ZS EV, which is why it’s officially called the MG ZS Hybrid+.
The previous model was exactly what you’d expect from a mid-2010s budget Chinese crossover. But the new version looks sharp, gets an upgraded interior, and has gotten into competitive shape. Come for the price, but stay because it’s surprisingly decent. Unlike bargain basement cars of the recent past, the ZS doesn’t force you to make any significant compromises. This could be a sign of the larger volumes MG is handling these days, allowing the company to spread the cost savings more efficiently.
It’s fairly generic-looking, but the small-crossover segment is one of the most dangerously crowded parts of the car market. You really have to work hard to stand out. And sure, your expectations are probably pretty low at first, but the ZS goes, turns, and stops reliably. What more could you ask for from an affordable car?
On the road
The ZS drives surprisingly well—another sign of the progress MG has been making recently. That said, the front wheels do spin a lot at junctions and such, though that’s only partly due to the heavy shoes given to Top Gear staff.
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The hybrid powertrain produces 193hp and 465Nm of torque, which is comparable to a 2005-spec Golf GTI, but significant advances have been made since then in terms of delivering power to the front wheels. It’s not a car you’d want to fully exploit for its 0-100 time of around 8.7sec, so perhaps the torque scrabble is just the car’s way of encouraging you to save gas.
The suspension is soft enough to keep things comfortable for family motoring. There’s nothing about the car that would tempt you to get frisky on a winding road—it loses composure if you push it too hard. However, it soaks up the worst of city road surfaces and feels relatively smooth around town. There’s a bit of lean in corners, another reminder to dial it back a bit.
Like most tech-focused hybrids, the ZS is at its best when you’re easing along. Under heavy acceleration, though, the gasoline engine can get fairly noisy, partly due to the way the car manages its power distribution and partly because of the three-speed automatic transmission (yes, you read that correctly), which lacks the flexibility of more modern gearboxes. It quiets down quickly enough, but again, this isn’t one of those silky-smooth hybrids where you’re unsure if the engine is even running.
Driving in cold weather, we averaged just 17.9km/L over 190km of mixed roads in colder weather. A quick run into town and back saw us closer to 21km/L, with the 0.92 kWh battery giving a little boost.
So, it’s not outrageously economical, but keep in mind this is a bluff crossover (though at just over 1,400kg, the ZS isn’t particularly heavy). You can’t expect miracles. The goal of these hybrids is to offer something that isn’t a diesel, but gives you similar fuel savings. In that respect, it works.
On the inside
Once again, the difference between the old ZS and the new one is like night and day. Inside, you get a stylish 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen as standard, a seven-inch digital instrument panel, and durable plastics that can handle daily use without feeling overly cheap.
That said, the design of the fiddly ‘X marks the spot’ controls on the steering wheel probably won’t age well, and the drive selector feels unnecessarily large—it looks more like the thrust lever in an airplane, though perhaps that’s the vibe MG was going for.
The central touchscreen is solid: It’s responsive, quick to react to inputs, and offers plenty of screen real estate, especially when you use the standard Apple/Android connectivity (which is just as well, since the built-in navigation system is a bit lackluster). A row of buttons below the screen provides useful shortcuts, but you’re still reliant on the touchscreen for most of your climate control settings, and that’s where the heated seats and steering wheel controls are hidden away as well.
The digital instrument panel is a little more frustrating. There isn’t enough configurable information, and just when you’ve got it set to show your trip info and other key details, it defaults back to a blank display showing a parked ZS. Come on, MG—this could be easily fixed with a software update.
Legroom in the second row is pretty good, and there’s enough space for two passengers side by side, though the seats themselves feel a little flat. The middle seat is slightly raised, so it»s better suited for occasional rather than everyday use. In the trunk, you get a decent 443 liters of space with the seats up and 1,457 liters with them folded flat.
The ZS does lack some of the clever touches you’ll find in other competitors, so it can’t use the budget-car excuse given that there are vehicles in its segment that manage to offer more toys. That said, the USB plug in the rearview mirror is handy if you want to run a dashcam.
Final thoughts
We already knew from cars like the MG 4 and the Cyberster that this is a brand on the rise. Up was the only direction MG could go, but still, it’s worth noting. The ZS Hybrid confirms the trend with a solid entry into what is undoubtedly the most crowded segment of the entire new-car market.
It’s competitive because of its low price, of course, but you won’t feel shortchanged. The hybrid powertrain also helps save on gas, further extending the ‘gentle on your wallet’ argument. This is very much a head-over-heart purchase: If the ZS gets your pulse racing even slightly, you might want to see a doctor. But at least it’s not a car you’ll be embarrassed to drive anymore.
More photos of the MG ZS Hybrid+ 2025:
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
