MG ZS Review 2026
MG ZS Verdict
Crossover SUV. Comes with an 80,000 mile, seven-year warranty as standard. Fairly cheap. Practical.
Not great to drive. Cheap materials. Ssangyong Tivoli and Dacia Duster compare favourably.
Find out more about the MG ZS
Insurance Groups are between 10–11
On average it achieves 86% of the official MPG figure
The MG ZS is an entry-level crossover priced to undercut the Ford EcoSport and Nissan Juke. Forget flat caps and tweed jackets. MG today is a budget brand best compared to the likes of Dacia and SsangYong, and the
In some respects, the MG ZS is the first model from the Chinese-owned manufacturer that really deserves to be taken seriously. It's a small crossover-sized car (i.e. what everyone wants right now), and prices start at just £12,495. Chuck a seven-year warranty and some tempting finance packages into the mix and you'd be mad to overlook it.
It doesn't particularly look like a budget crossover, either. There's more than a passing resemblance to cars like the Mazda CX-3. We wouldn't describe it as ugly.
MG's clearly developed the ZS on a limited budget though and the interior is where a lot of it has been spent. It looks fine, although there's a strange mix of cheap and slightly not-so-cheap materials. On mid-spec Excite and top-spec Exclusive models, there's an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment screen giving access to DAB radio and Apple CarPlay, as well as navigation on the Exclusive. Curiously, there's no Android Auto.
What the ZS interior lacks in polish, it makes up for in practicality. There's a huge 448-litre boot, and the rear seats are easily dropped to provide even more room. Access is a bit tricky - there's a high lip, but it can carry much bulkier items than a Nissan Juke.
Buyers get a choice of two engine and gearbox combinations: either the 1.5-litre petrol out of the MG 3 with a five-speed gearbox, or a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. We prefer the 1.0-litre while the auto is fine if not particularly sophisticated.
MG says its ZS has been tuned for UK roads, but it's clear that the budget's been spent elsewhere. The steering is peculiar, requiring lots of inputs just to keep the ZS in a straight line - tiring on longer journeys. And don't even bother trying to drive quickly along a twisty road.
It's a shame the MG ZS falls so behind in terms of how it drives, because everything else is acceptable for the money. The interior feels dated but is least practical. In truth, the better residual values of rivals means the MG ZS won't make sense for a lot of crossover buyers.
Reviews for MG ZS's top 3 rivals
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MG ZS handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 T-GDI to 1.5
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 36–49 mpg
When MG first returned under Chinese owners, its cars had one thing going for them. Without exception, they handled well and were relatively fun to drive.
The same can’t be said for the ZS. It rolls about like a really old-fashioned SUV. Push it too hard (it’s not difficult) and the over-zealous electronic stability program (ESP) viciously applies the brakes to prevent you from understeering off the road or toppling over. It's not a fun sensation and potentially more dangerous than a bit of old school understeer.
And the steering is bizarre. Driving in a straight line requires constant adjustments in the steering - a tiring process on long motorway journeys - while, around town and on rural roads, it feels stodgy.
You can flick between three driving modes should you wish: urban, normal and dynamic. All this does it make the steering lighter or heavier depending your requirements. In dynamic mode, it's artificially heavy, and in urban mode, it's artifically light. Just leave it in normal.
The automatic gearbox is fine, as is performance from the 1.0-litre petrol engine. It’s a thirsty car, though - returning mid-30s MPG during our time with it.
For economy, you'd be better opting for the 1.5-litre manual. It lacks torque compared to the 1.0-litre, and feels ancient, but you don't buy an MG ZS for the latest engines.
In fact, you don't buy for an MG ZS for the driving experience at all. While you might forgive its cheap and cheerful interior at the showroom, a test drive is likely to have you heading straight to the nearest Nissan dealership.
Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's MG ZS review
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 GDI Automatic | 45 mpg | 12.4 s | 144–145 g/km |
| 1.0 T-GDi | - | 11.2–12.1 s | 149–166 g/km |
| 1.0 T-GDI | - | 12.1 s | 166 g/km |
| 1.5 | 50 mpg | 10.9 s | 129–155 g/km |
Real MPG average for the MG ZS
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
86%
Real MPG
36–49 mpg
MPGs submitted
16
MG ZS interior
- Boot space is 448–1375 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of three stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4314–4323 mm |
| Width | 2048 mm |
| Height | 1611–1644 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2580–2585 mm |
The interior of the MG ZS feels like a cheap imitation of the cabin of a good car. On first impressions, it's okay. But then you get in it, start touching things and it's suddenly not quite so nice. There's a weird mismatch of materials used, and our test car had a series of rattles. Even the steering wheel was very shiny - despite just 5000 miles on the odometer.
It's easy enough to get comfortable in the driver's seat, with a high seating position offering a good view all around. There's no reach adjustment in the steering wheel, annoyingly - just one of a number of areas where costs have clearly been cut.
A large eight-inch infotainment screen looks pretty slick and is simple enough to use, although only the top-spec Exclusive gets navigation as standard. As in-car navigation goes, it's a pretty good system that's intuitive to use.
Excite and Exclsuive models get Apple CarPlay as standard should you wish to swerve the car's in-built infotainment. Unfortunately the 15 million Android users in the UK, there's no Android Auto - a strange omission, in our view.
Three adults can fit comfortably in the rear - not something that can be said for rivals - with generous head and legroom and easy access thanks to the wide-opening doors. The large windows help visibility, too.
The boot is a very useful 448 litres with easy access, aside from the high lip over the bulky rear bumper.
The MG ZS is a practical choice but, while MG's clearly made an effort with the interior compared to previous models such as the MG 6, it still feels downmarket compared with more mainstream rivals.
Standard equipment from launch:
Explore features LED daytime running lights, 15-inch steel wheels, rear ISOFIX child seat fitting points, cruise control, fabric seats, chrome window surrounds, four-way manual seat adjustment, tilt-adjust steering column, radio and MP3, trip computer and Bluetooth.
Excite adds a choice of manual or automatic gearbox, 17-inch Turbine alloy wheels, leather steering wheel with audio controls, six-way manual seat adjustment, heated and electric adjust mirrors, front fog lights, air conditioning, eight-inch colour touchscreen display, 'Follow me home' lights, Apple CarPlay, three steering modes, parking sensors, remote central door locking, Bluetooth integration, cruise control and roof rails.
Exclusive gets 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, leather style upholstery, navigation, reversing camera and sensors, leather steering wheel with audio controls plus cruise control.
MG ZS models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4314–4323 mm |
| Width | 2048 mm |
| Height | 1611–1644 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2580–2585 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1190–1259 kg |
| Boot Space | 448–1375 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 15000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £15,495–£20,295 |
| Insurance Groups | 10–11 |
| Road Tax Bands | D–H |
| Official MPG | 44.9–49.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 3 |
Currently on sale
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Excite 1.0 T-GDi 111 Auto 5dr | £17,995 | - | 12.1 s |
| Excite VTi-Tech 106 Start/Stop 5dr | £15,495 | - | 10.9 s |
| Exclusive 1.0 T-GDi 111 Auto 5dr | £20,295 | - | 12.1 s |
| Exclusive 1.0 T-GDi 111 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 11.2 s |
| Exclusive VTi-Tech 106 Start/Stop 5dr | £17,995 | - | 10.9 s |
| Explore VTi-Tech 106 Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 10.9 s |
On sale until October 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 GDI Excite Auto 5dr | £16,045 | 44.9 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.0 GDI Exclusive Auto 5dr | £17,795 | 44.9 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 1.0 GDI Limited Edition Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.5 VTi-TECH Excite 5dr | £14,005 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.5 VTi-TECH Exclusive 5dr | £15,755 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.5 VTi-TECH Explore 5dr | £12,455 | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.5 VTi-TECH Limited Edition 5dr | - | 49.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
Model History
- September 2017: MG ZS launched
- October 2017: Seven-year warranty introduced
- February 2018: MG ZS now available on Motability Scheme
- April 2019: MG ZS Limited Edition announced
- July 2020: MG ZS updated
September 2017
MG ZS launched
Originally called the XS but changed before launch. Engines are a 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech, four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.0 GDI turbocharged, three-cylinder version of the engine with a six-speed automatic.
Inside there's an 8 inch infotainment screen, a double cup holder, 1.5 litre bottle capacity in the doors and a split-level boot.
The MG ZS will be available as standard in Arctic White, with additional metallic colour options in Black Pearl, Cosmic Silver, Spiced Orange, Laser Blue and Dynamic Red. The latter, which will be available as an option across the range, costs £695.
Dimensions are 4314mm long x 2048mm wide (with mirrors) x 1611mm high and 2585mm wheelbase.
Luggage capacity: 448 litres and 1375 litres max with seats down
1.5 VTI-Tech 4-cylinder chain cam DOHC 1,498cc chain-cam petrol 5-speed manual: 106PS at 6000rpm; 141Nm torque at 4500rpm. 5-speed manual. 0-62mph 10.9 seconds; top speed 109mph; combined mpg 49.6mpg; CO2 emissions 129g/km. 5-speed manual only.
1.0 T GDI 3-cylinder chain cam DOHC 999cc chain-cam turbo petrol with 6 speed automatic transmission: 111PS at 6000rpm; 160Nm torque at 5200rpm. 6-speed auto. 0-62mph 12.4 seconds; top speed 112mph; combined mpg 44.9mpg; CO2 emissions 144g/km. 6-speed dual clutch 'automatic' only.
October 2017
Seven-year warranty introduced
Completely transferable to any new owner before the 7 year/80,000-mile limit is reached, the package also guarantees any genuine replacement MG parts for the remainder of the agreement.
Like the MG3 and MG GS, the MG ZS also comes with the option of a six-year anti-perforation warranty covering against corrosion.
February 2018
MG ZS now available on Motability Scheme
From as little as a £45 advanced payment. On offer for the advanced payment, and 100% of the weekly allowance, the MG ZS is available to people on the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) schemes. In addition, the MG ZS can be leased at a similarly competitive rate for people on the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).
April 2019
MG ZS Limited Edition announced
Limited to just 400 units, the ZS Limited Edition is now on sale priced from £14,995.
Based on the standard Excite model, the Limited Edition adds exclusive Arctic White paint and high-gloss black grille, with red trim highlights on the front and rear bumpers. 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels are fitted as standard.
Inside, the ZS Limited Edition features a unique red stripe seat trim with red leather-style bolster, while the distinguishable colour trim extends to the air vents and colour-coded stitching on the steering wheel, gear-lever gaiter and door cards.
July 2020
MG ZS updated
The MG ZS has been facelifted with revised styling, a new interior and new specification for 2020. The MG ZS is available to order now from £15,495.
The Kia Stonic and Hyundai Kona rival has been revealed with exterior changes, including new headlights, bumpers and alloy wheel designs.
The line up consists of Excite and Exclusive trims, both equipped with electric folding door mirrors, LED headlights and a driver's armrest. Exclusive-trim models also get touchscreen navigation, a 360-degree reversing camera, blind spot monitoring, a digital instrument cluster and heated front seats.
Inside, there's a new dashboard design with more soft-touch materials, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen - which can be found in MG's larger HS model. This offers DAB, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
From launch, the new ZS will only be available with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and five-speed manual gearbox. Automatic versions are said to follow, but the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol is no longer offered. CO2 emissions are 155g/km, with a claimed 41.4mpg combined fuel economy.
The MG ZS still comes with a seven-year warranty. Excite models start at £15,495, with the Exclusive trim seeing a £17,795 price tag.
What to watch out for
Report of MG ZS first registered 28/12/2017, bought 23/11/2018 from Hartwells Grimsby as a 2,100 mile dealer demonstrator, now at 3,800 miles. Traction control system light coming on regularly, sometimes joined by steering control light, mostly orange for the traction control light,sometimes with the steering control light red or orange. Both go out after ignition switched off and back on, but sometimes need to switch off again to get second light off. Today, 05/01/2019 both came on at a standstill at traffic lights. Switched off and steering control light went out, but not traction control. Oil warning light came on. Immediately stopped and checked, oil level ok. Car going in for a service 09/01/2019 for the service that the selling dealer failed to do before delivery. (Spare key and handbook and service record were "locked in a safe" when owner went to collect the car,) and no one had access, as the person who dealt with things was off that day (salesman had said it was serviced recently). Selling dealer offered to pay for the missed service which will be at 12 months old for the vehicle. On investigating TPMS warnings a poorly plugged puncture repair was found in a near side rear tyre. Local MG dealer (Kerridges in Needham Market have been excellent, with all my queries, and owner bought a full size spare from them as well as a jack and tool kit.
14-01-2019:Report that all is now well with MG ZS. Crank position sensor replaced and no more warning lights. now 300 miles since sensor replaced and car at 6,400 miles. ("Kerridges fitted me in immediately when the sensor arrived, and also washed the car. Great service from a Family owned and run dealership.") 1.5 manual returned "only" 37 mpg over 300 urban miles, with cold mornings and lots of journeys of 5-15 miles in daytime traffic, but overall, 40-41 mpg.
12-03-2019:Report of problems with November 2018 MG ZS 1.0 Exclusive Automatic, now at 3,000 miles. Owner having intermittent problems with the smooth running of the car. At first it was only happening once every couple of weeks but it is now starting to happen on a daily basis. Nearly every time he starts the car and sets off, it starts shuddering, as if the transmission is in the incorrect gear. "Once the car has heated up, I have to turn off the engine and then turn the ignition back on for the two counters on the dash to swing from left to right and for the warning lights to go out after diagnostics have been done. I then have to restart my car for it to start running smoothly (Although sometimes it can take a couple of restarts). When the car is doing 30 mph/1800rpm and shuddering, the digital reading shows at approx. 25mpg. When I have restarted it and it is running smoothly, at 30mph/1800rpm the digital reading shows just under 60mpg on the same stretch of road going to and from work. In addition, the statistics for the car state that the combined average fuel consumption for the vehicle is 45.4mpg but my current consumption shows as 33mpg?"
02-06-2019:Further running report on 2017 MG ZS: Couple of minor niggles: Seat bolster inside on drivers seat comes unclipped, easy to put back; Clip holding string for parcel shelf broke, easy to replace. £2.44 inc vat. USB socket detached itself from back of centre console middle "pocket" 30 minute fix at dealers, MG apparently only pays the first time, but dealer reinforces the clip to prevent it happening again. As a supplementary fix also connected a very short usb male to female extension, cost 94 pence. Occasional lumpiness detected at slow speeds by some drivers of some engines down to Petrol Particulate filter regeneration. Comment from 3 dealers is that this car has an ecu that learns "your" driving style, but must be run in at varying loads (as per HJ recommendations). Met another owner who has been to Spain twice with his, delighted, and overall fuel consumption in line with mine, 40-42mpg. Finally, Now 6 months and 6000 miles since purchase.. Hartwells reaction to initial problems merits the note that they dealt with all the issues regarding paying for the service and poorly repaired tyre in a timely manner. Cheque was despatche on day of receipt of invoice back in January. Management response and communication was excellent.
06-07-2019:Catalogue of minor faults reported with MG ZS purchased new September 2018: W indscreen badly scratched so had to be replaced. Drive is not smooth (like the one owner test drove). "Feels juddery especially when driving at a slower speed." Then the Stop Start didn't work. Then cruise control didn't work. Then door handles started sticking. Parcel shelf cord broke. Went back to dealer several times. Door handles greased and told the UK cars paint is thicker so they are sticking, but the engine judder is normal and we just have to 'put some miles on the clock' maybe 'try some better fuel'. Owner tried rejected the car and this was refused. Finance assessor came to test drive the car and found no issues; no reason to reject. After a long return journey next day battery was dead. AA said something draining it. Back to dealer who found nothing wrong and delivered to owner. MGUK advised owner to try another dealer. They rang to tell him car needs updates and they can't do anything until these are done - costing £144. Contacted MG who said that if they are trying to find a fault and the updates are needed then MG will cover the costs. Updates installed and dealer told owner car now driving well.
02-09-2019:Report of recurring sensor fault with 2019 MG ZS after 2nd month of ownership that has resulted in the car needing to be fixed 5 times for the same issue. Now, the cylinder head has failed. MG technicians have confirmed it's a manufacturing fault and are replacing it, but, the recurring sensor issue is still present. Owner tried to reject the car via finance.
14-2-2020: Report of TCS/SCS lights and EPS warning lights in 2017 MG ZS 1.5 Excite have been returning on a constant basis, and going out before getting to the dealer.