Review: 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+
Posted in Vehicle Reviews
Review: 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence
MG Australia has been on a run over the past nine months replacing their original lineup of models with dramatically improved new generations.
We recently spent the weekend with the new hybrid-electric model in the Essence grade to see how it compares to its predecessor and its ability to handle the family toil.
What were our initial impressions?
In the looks department, the ZS continues the new design language of the MG3 and HS presenting itself as the middle child that's ideally sized for a small family.
It's slightly longer and wider than the outgoing version and takes on the giant grin and sharper headlights of the new design language. The new lines are accentuated with the inclusion of a set of sleek 18-inch alloys for the Essence trim.
Jumping inside, there's an air of elegance with simple, well-appointed surfaces with plenty of soft touchpoints, comfy perforated seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
How does the new ZS Hybrid+ perform?
Power
The most noticeable benefit of hybridisation is the extra zip found in the lower ends of the speed range which is perfect for scooting around town.
The ZS features solid combined power and torque figures of 158kW and 465Nm which is about double the power and triple the torque of the naturally-aspirated petrol models.
Fuel Economy
The key benefit of the hybrid system though is the fuel efficiency. The ZS Hybrid+ touts a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
The ZS that we drove is Motorama MG's test drive vehicle so it hasn't exactly been driven most economically so it's currently sitting a bit higher. While there are certainly more efficient hybrids competing with the ZS, none compare in price.
The big difference is when you compare it to the petrol version of the ZS where you'll save a solid two litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, although MG asks that you put 95 RON in the hybrid whereas the petrol is good with 91 RON.
Handling
Regarding the ride and handling, there's some noticeable agility in the ZS, giving it plenty of maneuverability in car parks and tight city streets.
The steering is comfortable, light and accurate while the ample visibility allows you to make the most of it. Unsurprisingly, the ride is quite relaxed as the suspension eats up the bump with ease.
We did notice that as the ZS switches between electric and petrol power, it does tend to rev a bit high, although we found that with a smooth foot on the accelerator, this all but disappears.
How practical is the storage space in the MG ZS?
Back seats
In the back seats, occupant space is fantastic for a car of this size.
There's oodles of legroom available while the overall width and height improvements mean there's plenty of head and shoulder space too.
Boot space
Despite the ample back seat space, it hasn't been at the expense of boot space.
Amongst its competitors, the ZS features a pretty favourable boot volume of 443 litres with which to play. It's one flat, square boot floor as well so you're not playing Tetris with your groceries or luggage. Fold the rear seats down and you'll have 1,457 litres of cargo volume available.
Centre console
Up front, the centre console features a few convenient spots for your small items including a grippy surface right by the USB-A, USB-C and 12V ports which is great for keeping your phone from sliding around during your commute.
The front cupholders are a bit compromised on space if you have multiple drinks to stow, but it seems to be a minor annoyance in the larger scheme of things.
How convenient is the tech in the MG ZS?
While the petrol-powered Excite forgoes a few pieces of technology found in the rest of the range to ensure an enticing starting price, it is by no means understocked. If you're only looking at the hybrid model though, the ZS features loads of great technology on either Excite or Essence trim.
Despite the ZS's already great visibility, the high-def 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors are great supporting features to line up those tight parks. We also loved the ability to switch battery regeneration modes allowing us to control the resistance from the hybrid system while coasting.
In all but the petrol Excite, the ZS features more USB ports in the rear seats as well as by the rear-view mirror so you can install a dashcam with ease. The same goes for the rain-sensing wipers which seem to be becoming a staple feature in most cars these days.
How comfortable is the MG ZS?
We love that all the Essence models have a six-way power adjustable driver's seat (plus lumbar support adjustment, but that's manual) as well as heated front seats.
While it was summer when we tested the ZS, the heating options are always a nice comfort during the colder months.
Speaking of a feature we could take full advantage of in summer though - the Essence models also feature a huge panoramic sunroof stretching across both rows that invites so much more sunlight into the cabin.
How safe is the MG ZS?
The new ZS features MG's comprehensive PILOT Safety suite of advanced driver assistance tech and safety equipment. It also comprehensively covers the full ZS range regardless of trim.
We liked the range of lane assist tech available that included lane change assist on top of the usual emergency lane-keeping assist and departure warnings.
ANCAP testing returned with a 4-star safety rating for the ZS with a couple of areas just missing out on the assessment's cut-off for a full five-star rating.
How much does the MG ZS cost?
Range
The whole ZS range falls within a super affordable price range with no more than $10,000 between base and top-spec models.
The range starts with the petrol-powered Excite for just $26,990 driveaway while the Essence Hybrid that we drove sits at the very top but only for just $36,990 driveaway.
The lower-spec Excite Hybrid seems like the best value for money as it's loaded with plenty of tech as well as the fuel-saving hybrid system but comes in $3k less than the Essence.
Colours
MG keeps it simple with the paint with just the basic Dover White coming at no extra cost. There are six other colours to choose from for an extra $700.
We were surprised to find out that you can opt for a white interior in the turbo and hybrid Essence models for no extra cost.
We're not sure if this choice would be a good idea for families with young kids, but combined with the panoramic sunroof, you may just have the brightest cabin on the road.
Warranty
We can't forget to mention the extra value MG has recently introduced into their lineup including on the new ZS.
It's important to note that MG's new warranty guarantee of 10 years or 250,000 kilometres isn't just for the petrol-powered models - it also extends to their hybrid range.
This means you get the peace of mind that your new ZS hybrid and its EV battery are covered for the next decade of use - how good is that?
What do we think overall?
The new MG ZS is another leap ahead for one of the brand's first models to land in Australia since it's returned to our shores in its current form.
While the previous generation was a great choice for the budget-conscious, the new generation adds to this with a major jump in quality and refinement, as well as stepping its game up with fresh technologies like the new hybrid system.
The ZS continues to be a solid family car at a great price and now comes with the peace of mind of a ten-year warranty guarantee.
If you're keen to test drive the ZS for yourself, get in touch with the team at Motorama MG today.
