There are two things you need to know about the latest, Chinese-built, MG ZS Hybrid+ : It’s a huge improvement over the older ZS model, and it’s also a genuine bargain in the UK. Not so much in the USA – although things can, apparently, change by the hour . . .
The old ZS EV has been dropped completely, and this latest offering improves vastly on the old petrol version by introducing hybrid technology to this compact-sized family SUV which goes up against the likes of the Dacia Duster, Ford Puma and Renault Captur.
At the core of the MG ZS Hybrid+ is a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 196 PS. This setup allows the ZS to sprint from 0-62mph in a respectable 8.7 seconds. Not too shabby for a family SUV. Plus, with a fuel economy of up to 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 115g/km, it’s kinder to both your wallet and the environment.
MG keeps it simple with two trim levels: SE and Trophy. The entry-level SE, priced at an astonishing £21,995 OTR, is still very well equipped. It boasts full LED lighting, a 12.3-inch infotainment display with navigation, a 7-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with a camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry. Safety isn’t skimped on either, with the MG Pilot suite offering adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more.
For those looking for a little extra luxury, the Trophy trim, priced at £24,495 OTR, adds 18-inch ‘Sabre’ alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, leather-style upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
There’s only the Dacia Duster that’s cheaper, but to be honest, the MG leaves it in the err . . . well, dust; in both driving experience and refinement.
Miura or Minger?
The MG ZS Hybrid+ is no worse looking than any of its rivals and better looking than some. Faint praise, I know, but the MG won’t set your pulse racing when you see it parked up. It’s one of many, many compact SUVs that tend to blur into that SUV shape you have in mind when imagining an SUV that isn’t a Lamborghini Urus.
It’s fine. The front end is its best angle, and the other angles do their best.
How Does It Drive?
Well, let’s set expectations first—this isn’t a hot hatch, and it’s not going to make you feel like a 1940s fighter pilot racing to his squadron on a Sunday morning in his open-topped MG TC Midget. But that’s not really the point, is it? What MG has done here is create a comfortable, easy-to-drive, and surprisingly quick hybrid SUV that’s perfect for everyday life.
A 0-62 mph time of under 9 seconds is better than average for a car in this segment and the combined (engine+electric motor) power of just under 200 bhp is impressive. Of course, that would all be irrelevant if the ZS drove like a drunken hod-carrier, but it’s surprisingly nimble.
Okay, the 3-speed automatic gearbox holds things back a little but thanks to the electric motor it doesn’t get frustrating when trying to ‘trap-on’ and it’s no deal-breaker. The electric motor comes into its own around town where the ZS Hybrid+ is a doddle to manoeuvre, whether you’re weaving through tight city streets, navigating multi-storey car parks, or squeezing into a tightish parallel parking spot.
However, that same lightness means that when you hit the faster B-roads, the steering lacks a bit of feedback. It’s precise enough for everyday driving, but don’t expect the kind of connection to the road that you’d get in something like a Ford Puma or a Mazda CX-30.
I also noticed some reluctance for the petrol engine to kick in when accelerating in a straight line; the electric motor is pushing you along nicely but there can be a slight pause to reach maximum thrust as the drive train works out which combination of power unit to match to which gear.
On smooth roads, the ZS Hybrid+ is a very comfortable cruiser. The suspension does a good job of ironing out smaller bumps and imperfections, making it a great companion for motorway journeys. However, when you hit a particularly nasty pothole or rough surface, the ride can feel a little firm. The 18-inch alloys on the Trophy trim look fantastic, but they do make the ride slightly less forgiving than the smaller wheels on the SE model.
At higher speeds, the ZS Hybrid+ feels stable and composed, with good straight-line stability. It’s not the kind of SUV that’ll make you feel fatigued after a long drive. I had the Trophy model for a total of 3 weeks and covered over 1,000 miles, including a 5-hour trip down to England to visit family, and didn’t have any complaints regarding comfort. Neither did Mrs. B. The only negative was the amount of tyre noise entering the cabin, which was noticeably more than rivals, although, again, not a deal-breaker.
What’s the Inside Story?
Step inside the MG ZS Hybrid+ and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how far MG has come in terms of cabin quality. Once known for its no-frills interiors, MG has stepped up its game, offering a modern, practical, and comfortable space that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. Just don’t look TOO closely or you’ll notice the scratchy plastics lower down or the ridiculously large gear-selector that looks like it belongs in a speedboat.
The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, with the Trophy trim taking it up a notch with heated front seats and a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. Perfect for those chilly UK mornings when you need a little extra warmth before tackling the school run.
One of the biggest improvements in the ZS Hybrid+ is its 12.3-inch digital touchscreen infotainment system, which now comes as standard on both trim levels. Gone are the days of slow, unresponsive screens—this one is slick, modern, and mostly intuitive if lacking a little colour. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard although they are wired, not wireless.
The 7-inch virtual driver’s display in front of the steering wheel is sharp and customisable, displaying key driving information like speed, battery charge levels, and navigation prompts.
The system includes built-in navigation, but let’s be honest—most of us will probably just use Google Maps or Waze via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, because in-car sat navs often feel (and look) a step behind.
Physical shortcut buttons beneath the screen are a welcome addition, although they only cover the likes of the heated rear screen, hazard warning lights and volume controls. If you want to change the climate settings, you still need to poke a finger at the screen. Shame.
For a compact SUV, the ZS Hybrid+ is impressively roomy – about the same as the much costlier Nissan Qashqai. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and back, making it a comfortable ride for passengers of all sizes. Even taller rear-seat passengers won’t feel cramped, which is a bonus for those long motorway journeys.
Practicality is another strong point. The boot offers 443 litres of space, which is more than enough for your weekly Tesco shop, the kids’ school bags, or a couple of large suitcases. Need more room? Fold the rear seats down, and you’ve got 1,457 litres of space, ideal for those trips to IKEA. The Dacia Duster Hybrid may offer slightly more at 1,545 litres but I think the loading space on the MG is more user-friendly, especially for very large items.
Conclusion
The MG ZS Hybrid+ 2024 offers a compelling package for those seeking a budget-friendly, hybrid SUV. While it may not set pulses racing in the driving dynamics department, it delivers where it counts: value, space, and a generous list of standard features. If you’re after a practical family car that won’t break the bank, the ZS Hybrid+ is well worth a look. It’s more than a bit of a bargain, especially in entry-level SE guise.
AT A GLANCE:
MG ZS Hybrid+ Trophy
OTR Price: £24,495
Engine: 1.5L Petrol Hybrid
Power: 196 PS
Transmission: 3-speed Automatic
0-62mph: 8.7 secs
Top Speed: 104 mph
Combined Economy: 55.4 mpg
C02: 115g/km
