2025 MG ZS Essence Turbo Review

MG adds some momentum to its new ZS range with the Turbo. How does this one fit into the mix? 

A new addition to the MG ZS range is the Essence Turbo. This welcome newcomer lands in the middle of the line-up, being $5k more than the entry-level Excite, the one without a turbo, while being $5k more affordable than the Essence Hybrid. 

Interior: Tech-Heavy, Sometimes to a Fault 

MG has clearly gone for a tech-forward approach. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and matching digital instrument cluster (with a seven-inch multifunctional display) give it a premium vibe. Throw in a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, push-button start and a 360-degree camera, and it feels well-specced. Almost too well-specced for the price, even. 

But here’s the catch: everything goes through the touchscreen. Want to turn on the heated seats? Navigate to the climate menu. Want to disable the overly sensitive lane assist or the annoying overspeed chime? Hit the shortcut menu which takes you to MG Pilot, and you’re right there. A few taps for each and it’s done but you must do this each time, every time. And while the panoramic roof is a delight, it amplifies a design flaw: the infotainment screen suffers from glare in sunlight, whether the shade is open or not. A matte finish or subtle cowl would go a long way to improving legibility.

The digital dash keeps it simple, almost too simple, but gets the job done without distraction. The layout is clean and modern, with easy-to-read fonts and a responsive display. That said, there’s no real customisation or advanced information layering, just the basics, presented neatly. However, the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2025 is a miss. In an era where budget competitors are starting to offer it as standard, this omission feels like a step behind, especially for buyers who expect seamless connectivity. 

Then there’s the odd absence of front parking sensors. It feels like a strange omission, especially when the car boasts a 360-degree camera system. On one particular test, navigating into a tight supermarket spot, I found myself nearing the wall with no helpful beep to save me from my poor judgement. For a car loaded with driver aids, that one felt noticeably absent.

Comfort and Everyday Use 

The ZS Essence Turbo doesn’t just feel plush, it’s smartly designed for real-world driving. The driver’s seat offers six-way electric adjustment and manual lumbar support, while the perforated PVC seats are both heated and pleasantly supportive. Ventilation is adequate too, with auto A/C doing a solid job of keeping the cabin comfortable without being overly fussy or noisy. There’s also a surprising amount of rear passenger space and boot capacity for a vehicle in this class. With the seats up, the boot is wide and flat, accommodating groceries, gear or weekend bags with ease. Fold the rear seats flat and there’s enough space for larger hauls, making it more versatile than you might expect from its relatively compact exterior.

MG Pilot, the brand’s suite of driver assistance features, comes standard and includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and more. The adaptive cruise in particular worked smoothly and confidently, making long commutes or motorway travel more relaxed. It adds peace of mind for those looking for a family-friendly vehicle without stretching the budget.

There’s no electric tailgate, which some buyers may expect, but at this price point it’s forgivable. Sunglasses holder? Rain-sensing wipers? Rear parcel tray? Tick, tick, tick. The ZS covers off nearly every daily need.

Fuel Economy: Official vs Reality

MG claims fuel use of 6.9L/100km, but real-world driving suggests closer to 8.5 to 9.0L/100km, particularly if you make the most of that turbo power. It also requires 95-octane fuel, a small but notable cost for Kiwi buyers watching the pump. While not class-leading in efficiency, the trade-off is a zippier drive with better responsiveness than most non-turbo rivals.

Driving in mixed conditions, city traffic, motorway stints and the occasional spirited rural blast, the ZS remained reasonably frugal, and you can certainly keep things lean with a light foot and the right drive mode engaged. 

How It Stacks Up 

Similar sized competitors include the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona and Suzuki Vitara Turbo. None match the ZS for spec at this price. The panoramic sunroof, surround camera, and dual digital screens are usually reserved for vehicles in the $40k+ bracket.

That said, brand perception still lags behind the likes of Toyota or Hyundai, but MG is closing that gap fast. With an increasingly strong presence in New Zealand, a growing dealer network and a consistent focus on value and warranty, the brand is beginning to shake its budget image. The ZS Essence Turbo doesn’t feel like a cheap car; it feels like a savvy one. 

Who’s It For? 

This is an SUV for people who want it all, but don’t want to pay for it all. Whether you’re a young  professional after a tech-laden daily driver, a budget-conscious family needing space and safety, or someone downsizing from a larger SUV but still wanting a sense of luxury, the ZS Essence Turbo is  worth a look.

It’s not perfect. The CVT isn’t always buttery smooth, the screen glare is a nuisance and needing to manually disable safety nannies each drive is frustrating. But those are quirks, not deal-breakers. None of them interferes with the essence of the car, which is to be an accessible, modern, easy-to live-with SUV.

And for those after peace of mind, MG backs its vehicles with a comprehensive 10-year, 250,000km warranty and roadside assistance. It’s a strong point of difference in this price-conscious segment.

Final Verdict

At $34,990, the 2025 MG ZS Essence Turbo punches well above its weight. It offers features and comfort levels that feel pulled from the $40k+ club, with enough on-road confidence to back it up. For the  money, few new cars offer this much tech, space, and overall polish. It’s not just a good buy, it’s a smart one.  

MG ZS Essence Turbo
$34,990  /  6.9L/100km  /  161g/km
0-100 km/h 8.7s
Engine  1496cc / IL4 / T / DI
Max power  125kW@5500rpm
Max torque  275Nm@2000rpm
Drivetrain  CVT / FWD
Front suspension  Mac strut / swaybar
Rear suspension  Torsion beam
Turning circle  11.0m (2.7 turns)
Front brakes  Ventilated discs
Rear brakes  Discs
Stability systems  ABS, ESP
Safety  AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB
Tyre size  f/r-215/50R18  
Wheelbase  2610mm
L/W/H  4430 / 1818 / 1635mm
Track f-1529mm  r-1536mm
Fuel capacity  55L
Luggage capacity  443-1457L
Tow rating  500kg (500kg braked)
Service intervals  12months / 15,000km
Warranty  10yrs / 250,000km
ANCAP rating  Not yet rated
Weight (claimed)  1361kg