MG ZS Review 2024

MG ZS At A Glance

2/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The MG ZS is a budget-priced small SUV with a long warranty and spacious, practical interior. Quality feels low inside the car, however, and the driving experience is underwhelming.

+Very affordable for a new SUV. Long standard warranty. Excellent boot space.

-Neither engine choice is particularly powerful or economical. Slow-witted automatic gearbox. Three-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

New prices start from £15,495
Insurance Groups are between 10–11
On average it achieves 87% of the official MPG figure

The MG ZS was updated in 2020, but the pace of change in the small SUV class is demonstrated by how rapidly it now feels left behind in most key areas by newer, better rivals and even models from within MG’s own line-up, such as the MG ZS EV. The MG ZS offers cheap family transport, but faces plenty of competition from rivals such as the Suzuki Vitara, popular Dacia Duster and South Korea’s SsangYong Tivoli. Read on for our MG ZS review.

First launched in 2017, the MG ZS landed right in the heart of the affordable SUV sector. With prices starting from less than £18,000, it is one of a growing army of cheap SUVs.

In terms of price versus interior space, it looks a bargain, with a roomy cabin and plenty of boot capacity. There is also a lot of standard equipment, with every version gaining LED headlights, air-conditioning, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Following a facelift in 2020, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity was made standard across the range.

The facelift also improved cabin quality, but it still lags behind most mainstream rivals. There is lots of shiny black plastic to remind you of the budget price tag.

On the road, the driving experience also reflects the budget price, with vague steering and plenty of body roll. Many newer MG models are engaging to drive, but the MG ZS is not one of them.

The engine range has been kept simple for the MG ZS, with just two petrol options available to choose. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine has been used in previous MG models, while the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit is more modern.

When first launched, the latter engine could only be combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox, but a six-speed manual is now available as well.

Neither engine is particularly quick, or that economical, with official figures showing a combined average of up to 42.7mpg with the 1.0-litre T-GDI.

There is, of course, a separate, all-electric MG ZS EV, which solves many of the issues found in the regular MG ZS. As one of the cheapest electric cars around it is worthy of your attention, with a competitive battery range and no real loss of boot capacity. It also comes with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The MG ZS is a demonstration of how rapidly the MG brand has developed in only a short space of time. New models such as the electric MG4, and indeed the larger MG HS, have made the MG ZS look behind the times.

There is certainly value for money to be had with the MG ZS, but the Dacia Duster does the budget SUV role much better if you want a new car. For those considering used options, the Kia Stonic and stablemate the Hyundai Kona both offer a strong warranty.

Unless you are considering the electric MG ZS EV, which has many more redeeming features, the MG ZS is now too outdated in this ultra-competitive market to recommend.

Looking for a second opinion? Read heycar’s MG ZS review.

MG ZS handling and engines

Driving Rating
The driving experience in the MG ZS is unremarkable, with two average petrol engines combined with rather vague steering.

MG ZS 2024: Handling and ride quality

The reborn MG brand has developed a reputation for building cars that are fun to drive. The electric MG4 is a truly engaging EV, for instance.

Unfortunately, the older MG ZS does not benefit from the same enjoyable handling. Although its steering may be quick once you start to apply lock, it is vague when trying to drive in a straight line.

This results in a need for constant adjustment, making the MG ZS feel tiring on a long motorway journey.

Even with three driving modes to pick from, with steering weights to suit, you still sense little about what the front wheels are doing. MG ZS owners will not be waking up early on a Sunday morning to go for a drive.

The ride itself is unsettled, with bumps in the road often transmitted back into the cabin. It is never too uncomfortable, but this unsettled feel, and the accompanying body roll, serve as a reminder that MG had to save money somewhere.

MG ZS 2024: Engines

Unlike for some SUVs, the MG ZS engine range is remarkably simple. Buyers can pick from just two options, both of which are petrol, with performance relatively similar between them.

The cheaper choice is the older 1.5-litre VTi-Tech naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Producing 106PS, with an accompanying 141Nm of torque, this is the slightly slower of the duo.

Accelerating from 0-60mph takes 10.4 seconds in the MG ZS 1.5 VTi-Tech, with a potential top speed of 109mph.

Being naturally aspirated means the 1.5-litre needs to be worked harder to extract its best performance, but at least the five-speed manual gearbox is easy to use.

MG previously only offered the 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Now it can be combined with a six-speed manual, which makes it far better to use.

With 111PS and 160Nm of torque, the 1.0 T-GDI is the quicker MG ZS engine option. A 0-60mph time of 10.5 seconds with the manual gearbox demonstrates the effect of the extra torque, and makes the smaller engine easier to use outside of urban areas.

The six-speed automatic transmission is best avoided, though. It increases the car’s 0-60mph time to 12.1 seconds, and is slow to change gears when put under pressure.

As is to be expected at this price point, neither of the two engines is particularly quiet or refined.

MG ZS 2024: Safety

The MG ZS has a less-than-stellar safety rating. When assessed by the independent Euro NCAP organisation, the car was awarded a middling three stars for crash safety.

Adult occupant protection was reasonable when assessed in 2017, at 71%, but child occupants fare less well inside the MG ZS, with a 51% score.

A three-star rating is the same as the Dacia Duster, with the MG ZS penalised due to its lack of features such as autonomous emergency braking. In fact, it scored just 29% for safety assistance, with no lane-keeping system available.

MG ZS 2024: Towing

Should you be harbouring thoughts of towing with your MG ZS, you may have to lower your expectations.

Regardless of the engine or transmission chosen, the MG ZS is only rated to tow trailers up to 500kg, whether braked or unbraked.

This is notably less than the 1400kg braked trailer that the smallest-engined Dacia Duster can tow. And the larger MG HS is capable of hauling up to 1750kg.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.0 GDI Automatic 45 mpg 12.4 s 144–145 g/km
1.0 T-GDi - 11.2–12.1 s 149–166 g/km
1.0 T-GDI - 12.1 s 166 g/km
1.5 50 mpg 10.9 s 129–155 g/km

Real MPG average for the MG ZS

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

87%

Real MPG

25–51 mpg

MPGs submitted

78

MG ZS interior

Interior Rating
The interior of the MG ZS is filled with hard plastics and very few frills. At least it’s fairly spacious, and the seats are comfortable.
Dimensions
Length 4314–4323 mm
Width 2048 mm
Height 1611–1644 mm
Wheelbase 2580–2585 mm

Full specifications

MG ZS 2024: Practicality

One of the most impressive aspects of the MG ZS is its practicality and spaciousness. Calling it ‘Tardis-like’ would be stretching things, but the car is roomier inside than its relatively compact dimensions suggest.

Space in the front is generous, with plenty of headroom and legroom on offer. The seats themselves have lots of adjustment, but the steering wheel can only be moved for rake (up and down), not reach (in and out).

There is also a useful number of cubbies and cup-holders.

In the back, the MG ZS is even more impressive. Three adults can fit across the rear bench without feeling squashed, and there is lots of legroom.

The rear doors open wide as well, making life easy for those lifting kids into child seats.

The rear bench splits 60/40 to boost boot capacity, but even with the back seats in use, the MG ZS can hold a considerable 448 litres of luggage. That is more than the rival Renault Captur, and also a fraction bigger than the Dacia Duster.

There is an adjustable dual-height boot floor, while folding the rear seats flat increases boot capacity to 1375 litres.

MG ZS 2024: Quality and finish

Given that the cheapest MG ZS costs from less than £18,000, expectations have to be set accordingly.

Following a facelift in mid-2020, the interior design is at least passable. The top of the dashboard features some soft-touch materials, but the majority of the cabin is finished in hard-wearing plastic.

Exclusive trim levels see the MG ZS gain leather-style seats, which look and feel fairly upmarket. There are some notable omissions, though – such as a lack of non-slip material where a smartphone would sit – that remind you of the bargain price.

MG ZS 2024: Infotainment

As part of the update for the MG ZS in 2020, its infotainment system was given a major overhaul to make it feel more modern.

Instead of the small eight-inch multimedia touchscreen previously found in the MG ZS, all versions now come with a larger 10.1-inch screen.

The extra real estate makes the touchscreen easy to operate, but some of the buttons displayed can still be difficult to press while on the move. Overall, it is more intuitive than the previous system, but far from the greatest infotainment option around.

This matters less, however, given that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes as standard. Other features include DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging.

As a bonus, unlike many newer SUVs, there are at least physical controls for the air-conditioning, making this easier to operate on the move.

The Exclusive trim level gives the MG ZS a digital instrument panel that helps the cabin feel more modern. A six-speaker 3D surround-sound audio system is also part of the Exclusive package, replacing the four-speaker set-up in the cheaper Excite model.

MG ZS value for money

Value for Money Rating
The key appeal of the MG ZS is its relatively low price tag, combined with a generous seven-year standard warranty. Neither of the two engines available is especially economical, though.

MG ZS 2024: Prices

With new prices starting from less than £18,000, there is no doubt the MG ZS is cheap to buy. That bargain price tag secures the MG ZS in Excite trim, powered by the 1.5 VTi-Tech engine.

A Dacia Duster is several hundred pounds cheaper, with the TCe Essential version priced from just over £17,000. But in terms of specification, the Duster is more basic than the MG ZS.

Moving up the MG ZS range, the fancier Exclusive trim kicks off at just over £20,000 with the 1.5 VTi-Tech engine.

Opting for the 1.0 T-GDI motor adds £1500 to the price, and the automatic gearbox ups things further by approximately £1300.

MG ZS 2024: Running Costs

With a relatively low price, many look to the MG to deliver cheap running costs as well.

Both of the engines offered for the MG ZS offer reasonable fuel economy, but rival SUVs can do much better.

According to the official WLTP testing figures, the 1.5-litre VTi-Tech version of the MG ZS will be capable of averaging 42.7mpg.

By comparison, the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine with the manual six-speed gearbox will average the same 42.7mpg.

Opting for the 1.0-litre T-GDI with the six-speed automatic gearbox will reduce fuel economy, with an official average of 39.0mpg instead.

Out on the road, pushing these engines to achieve better performance will see the average fuel economy tumbling down into the low 30s. Be sure to read our Real MPG submissions to see what Honest John readers have found the MG ZS capable of in the real world.

Where the MG ZS does appeal is for buyers looking to own a car for the long haul. The standard warranty offers seven years or 80,000 miles of cover, making it one of the most impressive on the market.

MG also offers a range of service plans, intended to help spread the cost of maintaining the car.

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MG ZS models and specs

The MG ZS may have a fairly low starting price, but MG has not been stingy when it comes to standard equipment. There are only two trim levels to pick from, keeping things relatively simple.

The entry-level MG ZS Excite trim comes with 17-inch ‘Typhoon’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, bi-function LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and electrically folding side mirrors all included.

The Excite also benefits from silver roof rails, automatic headlight operation and rear parking sensors.

Inside, the seats are finished in houndstooth fabric upholstery, with a six-way adjustable driver’s seat. The passenger’s seat can be adjusted four ways, while there is also a leather-covered steering wheel.

Other features include air-conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, front and rear electric windows and a height-adjustable boot floor.

A four-speaker sound system is fitted to the MG ZS Excite, with a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen. This includes DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Moving up to the fancier MG ZS Exclusive brings more standard equipment, starting with 17-inch ‘Tomahawk’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, front foglights, rear privacy glass and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

The seats of the MG ZS Exclusive have a leather-style finish with contrasting stitching, with the front pair being heated. There is also a digital instrument panel, an electric six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a 360-degree surround-view parking camera.

Completing the package is a six-speaker 3D surround-sound audio system, with satellite navigation also included.

Dimensions
Length 4314–4323 mm
Width 2048 mm
Height 1611–1644 mm
Wheelbase 2580–2585 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1190–1259 kg
Boot Space 448–1375 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 15000 miles
Costs
List Price £15,495–£20,295
Insurance Groups 10–11
Road Tax Bands D–H
Official MPG 44.9–49.6 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 3

Currently on sale

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Excite 1.0 T-GDi 111 Auto 5dr £17,995 - 12.1 s
Excite VTi-Tech 106 Start/Stop 5dr £15,495 - 10.9 s
Exclusive 1.0 T-GDi 111 Auto 5dr £20,295 - 12.1 s
Exclusive 1.0 T-GDi 111 Start/Stop 5dr - - 11.2 s
Exclusive VTi-Tech 106 Start/Stop 5dr £17,995 - 10.9 s

On sale until December 2022

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Explore VTi-Tech 106 Start/Stop 5dr - - 10.9 s

On sale until October 2020

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 GDI Excite Auto 5dr £16,045 44.9 mpg 12.4 s
1.0 GDI Exclusive Auto 5dr £17,795 44.9 mpg 12.4 s
1.0 GDI Limited Edition Auto 5dr - - -
1.5 VTi-TECH Excite 5dr £14,005 49.6 mpg 10.9 s
1.5 VTi-TECH Exclusive 5dr £15,755 49.6 mpg 10.9 s
1.5 VTi-TECH Explore 5dr £12,455 49.6 mpg 10.9 s
1.5 VTi-TECH Limited Edition 5dr - 49.6 mpg 10.9 s

Model History

September 2017

MG ZS launched

Originally called the XS but changed before launch. Engines are a 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech, four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.0 GDI turbocharged, three-cylinder version of the engine with a six-speed automatic.

Inside there's an 8 inch infotainment screen, a double cup holder, 1.5 litre bottle capacity in the doors and a split-level boot.

The MG ZS will be available as standard in Arctic White, with additional metallic colour options in Black Pearl, Cosmic Silver, Spiced Orange, Laser Blue and Dynamic Red. The latter, which will be available as an option across the range, costs £695.

Dimensions are 4314mm long x 2048mm wide (with mirrors) x 1611mm high and 2585mm wheelbase.

Luggage capacity: 448 litres and 1375 litres max with seats down

1.5 VTI-Tech 4-cylinder chain cam DOHC 1,498cc chain-cam petrol 5-speed manual: 106PS at 6000rpm; 141Nm torque at 4500rpm. 5-speed manual. 0-62mph 10.9 seconds; top speed 109mph; combined mpg 49.6mpg; CO2 emissions 129g/km. 5-speed manual only.

1.0 T GDI 3-cylinder chain cam DOHC 999cc chain-cam turbo petrol with 6 speed automatic transmission: 111PS at 6000rpm; 160Nm torque at 5200rpm. 6-speed auto. 0-62mph 12.4 seconds; top speed 112mph; combined mpg 44.9mpg; CO2 emissions 144g/km. 6-speed dual clutch 'automatic' only.

October 2017

Seven-year warranty introduced

Completely transferable to any new owner before the 7 year/80,000-mile limit is reached, the package also guarantees any genuine replacement MG parts for the remainder of the agreement.

Like the MG3 and MG GS, the MG ZS also comes with the option of a six-year anti-perforation warranty covering against corrosion.

February 2018

MG ZS now available on Motability Scheme

From as little as a £45 advanced payment. On offer for the advanced payment, and 100% of the weekly allowance, the MG ZS is available to people on the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) schemes. In addition, the MG ZS can be leased at a similarly competitive rate for people on the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).

April 2019

MG ZS Limited Edition announced

Limited to just 400 units, the ZS Limited Edition is now on sale priced from £14,995.

Based on the standard Excite model, the Limited Edition adds exclusive Arctic White paint and high-gloss black grille, with red trim highlights on the front and rear bumpers. 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Inside, the ZS Limited Edition features a unique red stripe seat trim with red leather-style bolster, while the distinguishable colour trim extends to the air vents and colour-coded stitching on the steering wheel, gear-lever gaiter and door cards.

July 2020

MG ZS updated

The MG ZS has been facelifted with revised styling, a new interior and new specification for 2020. The MG ZS is available to order now from £15,495.

The Kia Stonic and Hyundai Kona rival has been revealed with exterior changes, including new headlights, bumpers and alloy wheel designs.

The line up consists of Excite and Exclusive trims, both equipped with electric folding door mirrors, LED headlights and a driver's armrest. Exclusive-trim models also get touchscreen navigation, a 360-degree reversing camera, blind spot monitoring, a digital instrument cluster and heated front seats.

Inside, there's a new dashboard design with more soft-touch materials, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen - which can be found in MG's larger HS model. This offers DAB, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.

From launch, the new ZS will only be available with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and five-speed manual gearbox. Automatic versions are said to follow, but the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol is no longer offered. CO2 emissions are 155g/km, with a claimed 41.4mpg combined fuel economy.

The MG ZS still comes with a seven-year warranty. Excite models start at £15,495, with the Exclusive trim seeing a £17,795 price tag.

What to watch out for

05-01-2019:

Report of MG ZS first registered 28/12/2017, bought 23/11/2018 from Hartwells Grimsby as a 2,100 mile dealer demonstrator, now at 3,800 miles. Traction control system light coming on regularly, sometimes joined by steering control light, mostly orange for the traction control light,sometimes with the steering control light red or orange. Both go out after ignition switched off and back on, but sometimes need to switch off again to get second light off. Today, 05/01/2019 both came on at a standstill at traffic lights. Switched off and steering control light went out, but not traction control. Oil warning light came on. Immediately stopped and checked, oil level ok. Car going in for a service 09/01/2019 for the service that the selling dealer failed to do before delivery. (Spare key and handbook and service record were "locked in a safe" when owner went to collect the car,) and no one had access, as the person who dealt with things was off that day (salesman had said it was serviced recently). Selling dealer offered to pay for the missed service which will be at 12 months old for the vehicle. On investigating TPMS warnings a poorly plugged puncture repair was found in a near side rear tyre. Local MG dealer (Kerridges in Needham Market have been excellent, with all my queries, and owner bought a full size spare from them as well as a jack and tool kit.

14-01-2019:

Report that all is now well with MG ZS. Crank position sensor replaced and no more warning lights. now 300 miles since sensor replaced and car at 6,400 miles. ("Kerridges fitted me in immediately when the sensor arrived, and also washed the car. Great service from a Family owned and run dealership.") 1.5 manual returned "only" 37 mpg over 300 urban miles, with cold mornings and lots of journeys of 5-15 miles in daytime traffic, but overall, 40-41 mpg.

12-03-2019:

Report of problems with November 2018 MG ZS 1.0 Exclusive Automatic, now at 3,000 miles. Owner having intermittent problems with the smooth running of the car. At first it was only happening once every couple of weeks but it is now starting to happen on a daily basis. Nearly every time he starts the car and sets off, it starts shuddering, as if the transmission is in the incorrect gear. "Once the car has heated up, I have to turn off the engine and then turn the ignition back on for the two counters on the dash to swing from left to right and for the warning lights to go out after diagnostics have been done. I then have to restart my car for it to start running smoothly (Although sometimes it can take a couple of restarts). When the car is doing 30 mph/1800rpm and shuddering, the digital reading shows at approx. 25mpg. When I have restarted it and it is running smoothly, at 30mph/1800rpm the digital reading shows just under 60mpg on the same stretch of road going to and from work. In addition, the statistics for the car state that the combined average fuel consumption for the vehicle is 45.4mpg but my current consumption shows as 33mpg?"

02-06-2019:

Further running report on 2017 MG ZS: Couple of minor niggles: Seat bolster inside on drivers seat comes unclipped, easy to put back; Clip holding string for parcel shelf broke, easy to replace. £2.44 inc vat. USB socket detached itself from back of centre console middle "pocket" 30 minute fix at dealers, MG apparently only pays the first time, but dealer reinforces the clip to prevent it happening again. As a supplementary fix also connected a very short usb male to female extension, cost 94 pence. Occasional lumpiness detected at slow speeds by some drivers of some engines down to Petrol Particulate filter regeneration. Comment from 3 dealers is that this car has an ecu that learns "your" driving style, but must be run in at varying loads (as per HJ recommendations). Met another owner who has been to Spain twice with his, delighted, and overall fuel consumption in line with mine, 40-42mpg. Finally, Now 6 months and 6000 miles since purchase.. Hartwells reaction to initial problems merits the note that they dealt with all the issues regarding paying for the service and poorly repaired tyre in a timely manner. Cheque was despatche on day of receipt of invoice back in January. Management response and communication was excellent.

06-07-2019:

Catalogue of minor faults reported with MG ZS purchased new September 2018: W indscreen badly scratched so had to be replaced. Drive is not smooth (like the one owner test drove). "Feels juddery especially when driving at a slower speed." Then the Stop Start didn't work. Then cruise control didn't work. Then door handles started sticking. Parcel shelf cord broke. Went back to dealer several times. Door handles greased and told the UK cars paint is thicker so they are sticking, but the engine judder is normal and we just have to 'put some miles on the clock' maybe 'try some better fuel'. Owner tried rejected the car and this was refused. Finance assessor came to test drive the car and found no issues; no reason to reject. After a long return journey next day battery was dead. AA said something draining it. Back to dealer who found nothing wrong and delivered to owner. MGUK advised owner to try another dealer. They rang to tell him car needs updates and they can't do anything until these are done - costing £144. Contacted MG who said that if they are trying to find a fault and the updates are needed then MG will cover the costs. Updates installed and dealer told owner car now driving well.

02-09-2019:

Report of recurring sensor fault with 2019 MG ZS after 2nd month of ownership that has resulted in the car needing to be fixed 5 times for the same issue. Now, the cylinder head has failed. MG technicians have confirmed it's a manufacturing fault and are replacing it, but, the recurring sensor issue is still present. Owner tried to reject the car via finance.

14-2-2020: Report of TCS/SCS lights and EPS warning lights in 2017 MG ZS 1.5 Excite have been returning on a constant basis, and going out before getting to the dealer.

What does the MG ZS cost?