MG ZS review

We’ve tested the MG ZS against the Dacia Duster in our real-world twin test. The MG couldn’t quite manage an outright win, but we found it did at least offer superior performance and a very generous amount of standard kit when compared against an equivalent Duster.

MG ZS prices and latest deals

How much does the MG ZS cost? Well, official ‘on the road’ prices range from £19,975 to £25,015 but you can currently save an average of £3,977 through the Auto Express Find A Car service, where prices start at £17,145. You can lease a MG ZS from £241 per month or buy a used model at prices starting from £16,721.

Check out our latest new car deals, leasing deals and used car deals for the top offers available now on Auto Express. And don’t forget we can help you sell your car, too.

The MG ZS range starts with a regular 1.5-litre petrol engine to keep things ultra affordable, while a more potent (and more recommendable) hybrid powertrain is also available. The hybrid set-up is shared with the smaller MG3 hatchback, which means the petrol engine can drive the wheels directly if necessary, but for the most part, it acts as a generator, sending energy to charge the 1.83kWh battery, which powers the electric motor. 

On paper, a three-speed automatic gearbox sounds like a throwback to MGs of the ‘70s, but it’s all that is really needed as a result of that electric motor. The engine itself is a development of the 1.5-litre petrol used in earlier MG models; while we’ve found it pretty unpleasant in the past, here it’s very much taking a back seat, and as a result, it’s easier to live with.

The cheaper petrol model is also powered by a 1.5-litre engine, but there’s no electrical assistance to be found here. If you prefer automatic cars, you’ll have to go for the hybrid because the petrol is only available with a five-speed manual.