MG ZS Goes Hybrid+ for the Second Generation

The second generation of MG’s ZS has just hit our shores, and it’s an almost all-new offering. The big news is that beneath the hood MG3 has donated its feisty wee HEV hybrid powertrain. Pick the newcomer by the fresh family face resembling that of HS and MG3, while the MG logo is now on the bonnet instead of the grille.

There’s never been a hybrid ZS before and now it gets the full monty, hence the Hybrid+ nomenclature. The Atkinson-cycle engine outputs 75kW and 128Nm while the motor chimes in with 100kW and 250Nm. All up power is 153kW and there’s 463Nm of twist. And it weighs a claimed 1410kg. So this takes off with a real zip in its step in town, but it can be pretty thrifty as well.

The claimed combined figure is 5.2L/100km (WLTP). However, the folk at MG reckon that’s easy to beat. Those careful with their right foot might see fuel use in the low fours or high threes even in Eco mode. Our country jaunt saw an overall figure of 5.6L/100km, and that was mainly in Sport. Under low load on the motorway, the ZS was often coasting along on motor power alone, fuel use at 0.0L/100km. The engine drinks 95 when it’s running, on account of its high 16:1 compression ratio. 

For the moment this is the lone powertrain. However, a base model petrol arrives next year, along with a completely new ZS EV.

The ZS Hybrid+ is bigger, 107mm longer at 4430mm, a tich wider and lower riding, and has 84L more boot space at 443L, climbing to 1477L after split folding. 

The platform is fresh too, brimming with high strength steels. It powers into corners with vastly more confidence than the original and much better control of body roll. We felt NVH had improved palpably, the ride also more easygoing. Once the 1.83kWh battery is drained, performance fades a little with just the engine for motive power but it doesn’t take long for the battery to replenish. This is a hybrid without a plug, if you’re wondering. 

Two models

The ZS is available as a well specified Excite model and a better specified Essence machine. There are seven colours available, including a moody dark green hue. Our taste tester was an Essence model, as it had a panoramic sunroof. There’s also an 18-inch wheel upgrade, a powered and heated driver’s seat with manual lumbar adjustability, leatherette upholstery, and a leather-bound steering wheel. Essentially the seat upgrade and sunroof adds $3k to the bottom line.

However, we’d suggest the Excite at $36,990 (plus ORCs) is where the real value is to be had. For as standard this comes with the same hybrid powertrain, a surround view camera, LED headlamps, sat nav, 17-inch alloys and MG Pilot safety system. There’s also iSmart where you can control things like AC and locking via your phone from afar, a 12.3 inch infotainment screen and instrument cluster, DAB radio, and split folding.

One final thing is a noteworthy jump in interior build and component quality. There’s still some MG Pilot safety bonging but that’s an overspeed thing and is easily silenced. Just wish they’d included telescopic steering adjustment but evidently that would have involved a significant rethink. 

MG has renewed its main model lines now – an MG4 refresh is due next year – and they are all covered by MG’s 10-year warranty.

Be sure to check out the Dec/Jan issue of NZ Autocar for a full test of the new MG ZS Hybrid+.