MG ZS review: Can this bargain SUV really compete with the big boys?

Join us as we take a closer look at the MG ZS Hybrid+, the budget SUV promising big value without big compromises

Meet the MG ZS Hybrid+, the affordable family SUV with hybrid efficiency.

It undercuts rivals like the Ford Puma and Peugeot 2008 on price, yet it's actually bigger than both.

This is a family SUV built to make your money stretch further, without asking you to compromise on space.

The ZS has a self-charging setup that keeps running costs low and takes the stress out of daily driving. No plugging in required, just get in and go.

On paper, it's a compelling package. Roomy, efficient, and backed by a seven-year warranty for genuine peace of mind.

But does it hold up where it matters, on the road and in everyday family life? We took it for a drive to find out.

What we drove

Model: MG ZS Hybrid+ Trophy Auto

Power: 196 combined output (145kW) — 102 PS petrol engine + 136 PS electric motor

0-62mph: 8.7 seconds

Battery: 1.83kWh (nominal)

Transmission: 3-speed auto

Colour: Camden Grey

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Smart styling, budget price tag

The MG ZS looks good, but there's no denying that it's pretty basic – it doesn't stand out from the SUV crowd.

It's not without its own personality, though. The wider front grille, slim LED headlamps, and rear spoiler give it a bit of an edge, and the long wheelbase helps it sit nicely on the road.

Our Trophy trim came with the bigger 18-inch "Sabre" alloy wheels, a step up from the 17-inch alloys on entry-level SE, along with rear privacy glass for a slightly more finished look.

MG also offers six exterior colours, from a standard Arctic White through to metallic options like Battersea Blue and Hampstead Grey, plus tri-coat Dynamic Red if you want to make more of a statement than our Camden Grey car did.

It's handsome enough, and there are some genuine styling touches once you look past the basics. But if you're after a car that turns heads, the ZS won't be the one doing it.

Simple cabin, sensible choices

The MG ZS's cabin won't win any awards for flair, but it doesn't need to. It's a simple, sensible space that gets the basics right.

There's no volume knob or dial to be found, but thankfully MG hasn't gone all-in on the touchscreen, so there are still physical buttons dotted around for the essentials.

Our Trophy trim added some proper comfort touches: Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and black leather-style upholstery that lifts the cabin above what you'd expect at this price point.

The six-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, complete with manual lumbar support, makes it easy to get comfortable too.

Tech-wise, there's a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a seven-inch digital driver display, both clear and easy enough to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on hand for smartphone mirroring, though it's worth noting this connects via a wired setup rather than wireless.

Storage is well thought out, with a flexible cup holder and centre armrest up front, while the boot offers a useful 443 litres, rising to 1,457 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Enough for the weekly shop, family luggage, or maybe a mountain bike.

It's not a cabin that'll make you gasp, but it's a practical, well-equipped space that does everything a family needs it to.

Comfortable cruiser

Put your foot down and the MG ZS is generally smooth.

The three-speed automatic gearbox is unusual, though, and it showed.

The revs climbed high because the car didn't shift gears quickly enough, which made for a slightly less refined experience than we'd have liked.

We noticed this most on the A30, where we had to slow to 50mph at one point. Getting back up to 70mph afterwards proved to be a bit of a mission.

Where the hybrid system pays off

The MG ZS Hybrid+ is a self-charging hybrid, so there's no plugging in required, but you still get the benefits of enhanced efficiency.

Three energy regeneration modes work behind the scenes to help claw back charge as you drive, easing the burden on the petrol engine and keeping efficiency up without any extra effort needed.

In fact, official figures put it at 55.4mpg. That's not the best in class, but it's still a solid figure, and over time, this will help you save some pennies at the pump.

It's also a lower emitter, with CO2 emissions of 115g/km. Combined with the seven-year warranty, it makes for a car that's easy to live with (and easy to justify) for the long haul.

What's good, and what's not

What's good:

• Smooth, easy driving around town
• Keenly priced against SUV rivals
• Roomy interior for a family car
• 1,457-litre boot with seats folded — genuinely practical
• Trophy trim adds genuine comfort touches — heated seats, heated steering wheel

What's not:

• Struggled to find the right gear under harder acceleration
• Hesitant to regain speed after slowing on faster roads
• No volume knob, buttons only

What's the verdict?

Overall Rating: 6/10

The MG ZS does exactly what it sets out to do: Offer a keenly priced, roomy family SUV without asking you to compromise too much on space or equipment.

It's not the most polished thing to drive. The three-speed gearbox struggled under harder acceleration.

It's not a deal-breaker, but it's worth knowing.

Where it does deliver is inside.

The boot is genuinely practical, the Trophy trim adds some proper comfort with heated seats and a heated steering wheel, and the seven-year warranty offers real peace of mind for family buyers who want a car that won't cause headaches down the line.

It won't turn heads, and it's not the most refined drive in its class. But for buyers who want the most car and space for their monthly budget, the ZS still makes a solid case for itself.

Top five reasons to consider the MG ZS:

1. Keenly priced against small SUV rivals like the Ford Puma and Peugeot 2008
2. Roomy interior with a genuinely practical 1,457-litre boot
3. Self-charging hybrid efficiency with no plugging in required
4. Trophy trim adds real comfort, including heated seats and a heated steering wheel
5. Seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty for genuine peace of mind

Would we recommend leasing a MG ZS?

Yes, especially if you're a family buyer who wants the most space and equipment for your monthly budget.

The roomy interior and practical boot make it a sensible choice for family life, the self-charging hybrid keeps running costs down, and the seven-year warranty takes away the worry of unexpected repair bills.

It's not the most refined drive, and the gearbox has its quirks. But for the right buyer, someone who values space and value over outright polish, the MG ZS makes a genuinely compelling case.