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MGs entry-level SUV the ZS makes a much more credible statement in this second generation form, with sales centred around this frugal Hybrid+ version. Do you really need a pricier small crossover than this?
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Driving experience
Like the early MG3, the original MG ZS had one of the oldest and most inefficient engines it was possible to buy in the 21st century's third decade. So it's something of a pleasant shock to find this new generation range headlined by a powertrain that's really quite sophisticated. It's the same self charging non-plug-in Hybrid offered in the second generation MG3. Yes, like you can get in this segment (for significantly more money) with a Toyota Yaris Cross or a Honda HR-V e:Hybrid. But this front-driven powerplant gives you a lot more power than you'd get with those established rivals (presumably because MG also wants to use it in other heavier models). It combines a 102PS 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 136PS electric motor to give a combined 196PS total output. Hence the quite eager 0-62mph time of 8.7s en route to 104mph.
Full-Hybrids always come only with automatic transmission, but this one is unusual because it only has three speeds (one less than the clunky auto of the old car). MG says this gives more responsive acceleration. As usual with self-charging full-Hybrids, the battery pack (1.83kWh in this case) isn't large enough to take the car very far on electric power alone. But EV assistance cuts in and out frequently during town travel to aid efficiency. The car can also be driven in Series mode with the engine acting as a generator. Or as a Parallel Hybrid where the two power sources work together to generate the full 196PS output.
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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 (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.
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Market and model
Value is what will continue to sell this ZS, though it's worth reflecting that this Hybrid+ version's £22,000 starting price is a full £3,500 for than the mechanically identical MG3 Hybrid+ supermini, which isn't all that much smaller. The ZS Hybrid+ is available in two trim levels, 'SE' and 'Trophy', with the range topping 'Trophy' variant priced at around £24,500 from launch. Both are supported by a 7-year/80,000-mile manufacturer's warranty and a network of over 160 dealers.
Both models come generously equipped 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.
The 'MG Pilot' package, which comprises a comprehensive range of safety and driver assistance technologies, is standard on both models and includes adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist.
For its additional £2,500, the 'Trophy' version gains 18-inch 'Sabre' alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, leather style upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 6-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a 360° surround view camera.
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Cost of ownership
As with the MG3, advanced, smart features of the Hybrid+ system include a drive and charge system that allows the petrol engine to drive the wheels whilst also charging the battery through the generator. You'll need to stay away from that feature though to achieve the claimed best efficiency figures - nearly 60mpg on the combined cycle and 115g/km of CO2 (it's 64.2mpg and 100g/km for the MG3 Hybrid+ supermini). To achieve this MG's stated figures, you'll obviously have to regularly select the provided Eco driving mode - the other two settings are 'Standard' and 'Sport'.
What about other running cost issues? Well, all versions of this MG come 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.
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Summary
The original MG ZS was cheap and well-equipped but, frankly, there weren't many other reasons to choose it. This replacement model will give competing brands far more to think about, though for such an EV-led maker, you might find it strange that there's now no battery-powered version. MG has other plans in that direction and that does at least leave the spotlight on the Hybrid+ variant we've focused on here, which right now for a lot of potential customers would be a better choice than an EV anyway.
Compared to nearly all its direct compact SUV segment rivals, this ZS Hybrid+ is cheaper, more spacious, better equipped much more powerful. It's more frugal than most of them too. If all of this had been delivered with the cheap-feeling cabin and Lidl looks of the previous generation model, it still might not have been enough for sales success, but significant steps forward have been made in both directions. You'll still find many pricier segment rivals are more avant-garde to look at and sit in, but MG is closing the gap. Creating here a small SUV you'd be unwise to ignore.
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