2025 (25) MG ZS 1.5 SE 5dr

Could MG's second generation ZS make more sense in more affordable base SE petrol form? Jonathan Crouch decides.

Ten Second Review

MGs entry-level SUV the ZS makes a much more credible statement in this second generation form, but is it worth saving over the cost of the Hybrid+ version and getting this more affordable un-electrified base SE petrol model? Can less be more here? Let's take a look.

Background

It's difficult to remember now what a fledgling brand MG was in the UK prior to 2017 when the first generation version of the company's ZS compact crossover was originally launched. More than any other, it was the model that properly established this new-era Chinese marque here and over 102,000 examples of the MK1 model subsequently found British buyers. Even in its last year on sale, it out-sold rivals from more established brands like the Dacia Duster, the Skoda Kamiq and the SEAT Arona. Building on that success is this second generation ZS, launched in early Autumn 2024. Unlike its predecessor, it won't be available in full-EV form - the old ZS EV will be replaced by crossover model based on the MG4 hatch. Instead, ZS sales will be based around either a Hybrid powertrain - or the entry-level SE petrol variant we look at here.

Driving Experience

This base ZS gets the same four cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine as is found in the entry-level version of its MG3 supermini showroom stablemate. It's a de-tuned 115PS version of the 169PS unit used by the larger HS and is not a very advanced unit, defiantly un-electrified and offering 148Nm of torque and a rest to 62mph figure of 12.5s (nearly 4s slower than the Hybrid) en route to 111mph. You also have to have it with a manual gearbox; if you want an auto in your ZS, you'll have to find the extra cash for the Hybrid version. On the move, there's a gruff engine note under acceleration, but things settle down at cruising speeds. Don't expect handling or steering feel to be particularly feelsome but a similarly-priced base Dacia Duster wouldn't feel much more involving than this. Still, with this MK2 ZS, MG has clearly worked on body stability through the bends and the drive dynamics will probably now be quite satisfactory for most potential customers. Of more interest will be the reasonably settled ride. Plus there's also the fact that, despite the affordable sticker price, this car comes complete with adaptive and intelligent cruise control and a very complete suite of driver assistance features, including a number that you'd have to pay extra for with rivals. Refinement's OK - at town speeds anyway, unless you count the rather noisy climate fan, but you'll notice more road noise on the highway. This front-driven model has no particular off road ability of course - or the ride height necessary to facilitate it - but extreme conditions aren't really the kind of thing this ZS was designed for. Like its predecessor, it's a resolutely real-world compact family crossover; just these days, a slightly more appealing one.

Design and Build

The original ZS had very much a bargain basement look that increasingly didn't fit with the kind of company that these days makes forward-thinking designs like the Cyberster and the MG4. This second generation ZS is a much more satisfying-looking thing, borrowing cues from second generation versions of the MG3 supermini and the larger HS SUV. That means a wide, distinctive front grille flanked by narrow air intakes on either side. The usual octagonal MG badge features on the nose above a contrasting lower bumper section emulating a skid plate. LED lighting predictably features front and rear. And size-wise, think compact crossovers like the Ford Puma or Peugeot 2008; the mid-sized Qashqai/Kuga SUV-class is left to the larger HS model. It's a lot more modern and nicer feeling inside too, where screens of course dominate, a 7 inch one for the instruments and 12.3-inch central monitor for infotainment. The latter has standard built-in navigation, a reversing camera and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' connectivity. The quality of fixtures and fittings is noticeably better than before; you could now switch to one of these from a comparable Ford or Vauxhall without feeling miserly. And if you did, you'd get more back seat space; two adults would be decently comfortable. And a larger 443-litre boot (the same as the Hybrid, though that's 5-litres less than the previous model offered). Folding down the rear bench extends that to 1,457-litres - which is 82-litres more than the old car.

Market and Model

Value is what will continue to sell this ZS, though it's worth reflecting that this SE petrol model's £19,495 starting price is a full £3,000 more than the mechanically identical MG3 SE petrol supermini, which isn't all that much smaller. Unlike the ZS Hybrid+ (which costs £2,500 more) and as its name suggests, the ZS SE petrol is only available with base 'SE' trim. As with all MG models, it's supported by a 7-year/80,000-mile manufacturer's warranty and a network of over 160 dealers. Equipment levels are very reasonable for the money, with full-LED lighting front and rear, a 12.3-inch HD infotainment display with navigation and live services, a 7-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry. Across the range, options are few but bear in mind that unless you choose your ZS in the only standard colour (solid 'Arctic White'), you'll be paying MG £545 more for your chosen paint shade (or £695 more if you want 'Dynamic Red'). On to safety and drive assist features. The brand includes as standard its very comprehensive 'MG Pilot' package, which includes active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, plus there's forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection with Lane change assist. The Traffic Sign Recognition set-up drives an Intelligent Speed Limit Assist feature and there's also Driver Attention Alert, along with a traffic jam assist system which will virtually drive your ZS for you in urban queues. As you'd expect, there are also twin front, side and curtain airbags, all linked to an eCall system.

Cost of Ownership

If you've opted for this base SE petrol ZS, obviously, here is where you'll lose out big time in your decision not to find the £2,500 more than MG wants for the Hybrid version. Instead of the frugal stats of that petrol/electric model (55.4mpg on the combined cycle and 115g/km of CO2), this conventional version returns 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and 145g/km of CO2. For reference, an (admittedly more expensive) base Dacia Duster TCe 130 manages 51.3mpg and 124g/km, which gives you some idea of how far this MG is away from the class norm. What about other running cost issues? Well, like all MGs, this one comes with an impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty as standard - which is better than most rival brands can offer. You might be aware that rival Kia offers a seven-year 100,000 mile package, but MG still reckons its deal is preferable because it's backed by full factory support throughout, whereas direct manufacturer support for rival warranties declines the longer they go on. In many cases they don't go on too long. Many competitors still limit you to a three year back-up package; a few offer five years. MG does better: this is the brand putting its money where its mouth is. The warranty is fully transferrable to future owners. Additionally, there's a six year factory warranty against rust, while a year's breakdown cover is also part of the deal. The MG dealer network is growing all the time - the brand expects to shortly have 120 outlets in the UK. At those outlets, a full digital service record of checks and maintenance provides the customer with complete transparency and full access to the service history of their vehicle. You'll be offered a range of MG servicing plans to spread the cost of maintenance for up to seven years.

Summary

The original MG ZS was cheap and well-equipped but, frankly, there weren't many other reasons to choose it. Hybrid versions of this replacement model will give competing brands far more to think about. We're not entirely sure that the same is true of this base SE petrol model, but this entry-level variant's super-low sticker price will certain tempt those seeking a bargain in this segment, providing they can deal with this derivative's running costs. It'll be easier to look beyond those stats than it was with the previous generation model because this MK2 ZS dispenses with that original design's cheap-feeling cabin and Lidl looks in favour of a vibe that's far more up to date and of considerably better quality. Plus big steps forward have been made in both safety and media connectivity and it's extremely well equipped for the money. Could all that make sense in offering everything you really need in a small SUV and nothing you don't? Only you can decide.