2025 MG ZS Essence review

The original MG ZS was a surprise smash hit for the born-again British-via-China brand, doing most of the heavy lifting to elevate the carmaker into a top 10 player in Australia.

WATCH: Paul’s video review of the 2025 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+

Now, the new-generation small SUV range looks to further build on those foundations with an expanded range that includes a couple of entry-level petrol versions.

We have already reviewed the hybrid models that arrived first, and were impressed by their sophisticated powertrain tech and efficiency.

But the new petrol lineup lowers the entry price significantly. So, is it better to consider the more affordable ICE versions of ZS, or the pricier Hybrid+? Read on and you’ll find out…

How much does the MG ZS cost?

There are several new takes on the MG ZS, but the petrol models are the most affordable.

This comprehensive lineup offers customers a broader range of model variants to choose from than, say, the Toyota Yaris Cross, which is now exclusively available with a hybrid powertrain at a much higher price point.

To see how the MG ZS compares against its rivals, be sure to check out our comparison tool

What is the MG ZS like on the inside?

It doesn’t feel or look like the last MG ZS, as it no longer presents like a budget-focused small SUV.

That’s a good place to start, which may be all you need to know if you’re considering trading in your 10-year-old Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Corolla for a new MG ZS.

The new-look cabin has a host of neat design features, and it certainly feels more upmarket than the previous model in every conceivable way.

The materials used on the dash and doors are nicer, the cabin design and layout is sophisticated, and the seats are comfortable and offer a good degree of adjustment.

Sadly, the same can’t be said for the steering wheel, which only offers rake adjustment – not reach – meaning taller drivers might not be able to find the ideal driving position.

The steering wheel itself is lovely to hang on to, but the new, minimalist controls will take some learning with the cruise control system on the left side, while the right side manages media and other settings.

It’s a shame those controls are finished in piano black material, because they show fingerprints very quickly. 

The driver info screen is pretty easy to get your head around, with a bright digital display for speed and revs, and a 7.0-inch configurable centre section with trip computer and other controls included.

The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the dash is relatively simple to navigate through the menu system, and includes embedded satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring tech.

But the latter requires a cable to connect as opposed to the wireless systems offered by an increasing number of rivals, which is a bit old hat these days. Another issue is the screen is quite prone to glare in bright sunlight, especially if the sunroof shade is open.

While basic functions are easy to find, you do need to access a lot of the car’s functions on the screen as well. Things like climate control and fan adjustments must be managed on-screen, because while there are physical buttons below the display for the demister and volume, you don’t get fan speed or temperature toggles.

There is also a physical home button to take you back to the main menu. However, it’s a bit more tedious when you’re using Apple CarPlay, as you have to go back to the phone’s home screen, tap MG, then you’ll be returned to the display.

That menu system has some neat touches like a drop-down menu that allows to make some quick adjustments, but sadly it isn’t completely configurable. It would be great to be able to have off buttons for both the lane-keeping assistance and the speed sign recognition system in there, too. Instead, if that annoys you, you’ll have to dive through the vehicle menus each time you drive it.

There is a sidebar to allow you to quickly jump around the controls on screen as well, but it disappears when you’re using Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

You will come to grips with the menus on screen if you’ve used any tablet, and it has the benefit of a smartphone app to connect your phone and control some elements of the vehicle remotely. In all, the media system is a big step up over the last one, but there’s still some room for improvement.

More impressive are the MG ZS’s practical touches, with lots of convenient storage solutions including cupholders between the seats, a tray in front of the shifter, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and big door pockets with bottle holders. Between the seats is a centre console area with storage, too.

In the back is where you might find the biggest surprise. It’s a massive rear seat area for a small SUV, and certainly better than many in this class. In fact, I had more leg and head room in the back of the ZS than in some large SUVs.

At 182cm or 6’0” tall, I had enough leg, foot and head room to be very comfortable, even with the Essence grade’s standard panoramic glass sunroof. You could fit three adults across at a pinch, although there’s a small transmission tunnel in the middle, which is not too intrusive.

There are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the outboard seats and three top-tethers, and the kid-friendly amenities are plentiful too. There are directional air vents, a single USB-A port for charging, map pockets on the seatbacks, and door pockets with bottle holders. No rear centre console nor cupholders, though.

There is also no lighting in the second row, which could be a pain for parents when trying to load a kiddo in or out in less than perfect lighting.

However, another area in which the MG ZS outdoes some of its rivals is the boot. With 443 litres of cargo space, it is a more accommodating boot than plenty of segment rivals. And there are storage sections on the sides of the boot, plus shopping bag hooks on either side, a light, and a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor.

To see how the MG ZS compares against its rivals, be sure to check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

As you’ll see below, the step up from the ZS to the Turbo model is a significant one.

While I haven’t driven the new-gen model with the turbo-petrol engine yet, just going off the numbers below suggests you will be getting a huge boost in power (54 per cent) and torque (96 per cent).

Obviously there’s also the cost of running the turbo-petrol engine to consider, because it requires premium juice and, on paper, it uses a little more of it.

So if you’re considering the Essence, is it worth spending the extra $2000 to get the turbo-petrol version? I would say yes. 

To see how the MG ZS compares against its rivals, be sure to check out our comparison tool

How does the MG ZS drive?

Let me say this from the outset: I think it might be worth adjusting your budget to see if you can justify the extra $2000 for the turbo, or a little more for the hybrid.

That isn’t to say the standard engine isn’t going to be perfectly fine for many buyers, but in my opinion you could spend a little more and get a lot extra.

The base four-cylinder petrol engine offers a modest amount of grunt and, because it employs a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), it sometimes feels like it doesn’t have as much pulling power as you’d hope.

Indeed, the CVT robs the engine of instant thrust, and I even had some… err… interesting moments. There were a couple of instances where I noticed chugging and lurching at pace, and in low-speed situations when gently accelerating. I even had the car stall when cold as I reversed out of my driveway.

I raised these concerns with MG, which investigated and determined it to be a one-off problem. “This issue has not been reported before and, after inspecting, our product team is confident it’s an anomaly,” said an MG spokesperson.

The engine is better when you’re hard on the throttle, and the CVT has ‘stepped ratios’ to make it feel like it’s behaving like a traditional automatic gearbox.

But in start-stop situations it can feel laggy and lacking in responsiveness, before lurching ahead once the revs rise high enough.

Furthermore, it’s not overly efficient. The official claimed average is 6.7L/100km, but over my driving – including the same sort of stuff you’d be doing like heavy traffic, longer drives and country roads – I saw a displayed average of 7.9L/100km, which is okay but not spectacular for a small SUV like this.

Those considerations about the engine soured what is otherwise a lovely drive because, seriously, the new ZS is going to be a super liveable choice for most customers and commuters.

It has a comfortable and composed ride, predictable and nicely weighted steering, and it’s relatively quiet inside the cabin at speed, even on coarser road surfaces. It also offers strong and sensible brake response.

The safety systems are pretty well integrated too, though the speed sign recognition system’s bing-bonging might get on your nerves. You can disable it each time you drive, but it’s a bit of a rigmarole.

To see how the MG ZS compares against its rivals, be sure to check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The Excite and Essence grades offer plenty of spec for the cash, but it’s clear that you’re getting a lot more in the ‘goodies’ column if you can spend a few grand more on the Essence. Here’s a rundown.

2025 MG ZS Excite standard equipment highlights: 

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare
• Electric parking brake
• Auto hold
• Automatic halogen headlights
• Fabric upholstery
• 3.5-inch instrument cluster screen
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• 12 months of iSmart connected services access
• Remote climate control
• Remote vehicle status
• Push-button start
• One touch up/down power windows
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
• 4-speaker sound system
• 60/40 split fold rear seats

MG ZS Essence adds:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Keyless entry
• Panoramic sunroof
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 6-speaker sound system
• 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar
• Heated front seats
• Rear air vents
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leatherette upholstery
• Sunglasses storage box
• Front seat map pocket
• LED front reading light

MG ZS Essence Turbo adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Electronic gear lever
• Selectable drive modes
• Climate control

To see how the MG ZS compares against its rivals, be sure to check out our comparison tool

Is the MG ZS safe?

Petrol versions of the new MG ZS haven’t been included under the current ANCAP testing, but hybrid vehicles achieved a four-star safety rating in 2024.

Standard safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Cyclist detection
  • Junction detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Intelligent Cruise Assist
• Intelligent speed limit assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Safe exit warning
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The Excite entry model has a standard reversing camera and rear parking sensors, while the Essence grade features a surround-view camera system.

The ZS has six airbags – dual front, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags. A front centre airbag is not fitted.

To see how the MG ZS compares against its rivals, be sure to check out our comparison tool

How much does the MG ZS cost to run?

MG has a class-leading 10-year/250,000km warranty. Other brands have decade-long warranties, but they require you to service with their network of workshops – but that’s not the case with MG. 

There’s a single condition though: if it’s for private use only, not commercial use. If you’re buying an MG for work, the warranty cover is still good at seven years or 160,000km (whichever occurs first).

But the brand’s servicing prices are, well, frankly very expensive considering this is a rather basic powertrain.

Perhaps you’re helping to subsidise the cost of the warranty by having those maintenance charges.

To see how the MG ZS compares against its rivals, be sure to check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the MG ZS

There is immense value on offer here for a buyer that wants a small SUV offering plenty of space and tech for not a lot of money.

It drives pretty well, apart from the powertrain having a few quirks, and the 10-year warranty is an excellent inclusion – it’s just a shame the servicing is so expensive!

Would you choose the base petrol, wait for the turbo, or get the hybrid version of the new MG ZS? Have your say in the comments.

Interested in buying a MG ZS? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

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