Since it was launched locally in 2017, the MG ZS has become a key pillar of MG’s sales success in Australia, with it and the ZST becoming the best-seller in the SUV small under $45,000 segment (according to VFACTS) and sustaining that trend for years.
Typically for a model at the end of its life ( Mitsubishi ASX notwithstanding), sales are now starting to contract, with arch-rival Haval Jolion breathing down its neck. A key pillar of that model’s success is the availability of a hybrid variant.
2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid, 1.83kWh battery
Output (combined): 158kW
Gearbox: Three-speed hybrid auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18 x 7.0, 215/50
ANCAP: Not testedTare weight: 1400kg
Power-to-weight: 8.86:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 4.7L/100km
Our consumption: 5.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 41L/95 RON
Power efficiency: 33.61kW:L/100km
Starting price: $36,990
2025 MG ZS Hybrid+: How much does it cost?
Enter the second-generation 2025 MG ZS. All dimensions have grown except height over the previous model, making it almost as long and wide as the Haval Jolion. Initially, MG will field two hybrid variants; the Excite and Essence, from $33,990 and $36,990, respectively (drive-away).
This leaves a yawning gap where the old ZS Excite 1.5 sat, which will make the $23,990 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro a tantalising proposition for budget-conscious small SUV buyers. MG will go some way towards addressing this in the new year with a petrol-only variant, possibly powered by the same 82kW/142Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder as the base MG3.
Until then, we have the 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ in Essence trim to assess how much these improvements have translated into real-world use.
2025 MG ZS Hybrid+: Interior & packaging
Our Emerald Green test car turns heads with its British Racing Green-esque colour highlighting the sharper styling treatment. At the front, there are subtle tones of Lexus LBX, with the bonnet mounted badge and sharp headlight treatment. Chrome highlights in the grille are welcome, too. While the front end is striking and the car’s styling is handsome overall, casting your eyes along the sides and to the rear evokes hints of Suzuki Vitara and Skoda Kamiq – somewhat generic small SUV.
Open the door and a refreshed cabin greets your eyes. With a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and, dare we say, Lamborghini Urus-style vents, a sloping centre console with (shock, horror) an anti-slip phone mat, it seems MG has listened to customer feedback.
There is also an umbrella holder on the passenger side, but no hidden storage under the console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still tethered, with a 360-degree camera on both models. There is an array of buttons under the screen, but gone are the two-way temperature and fan buttons of the old model – an unfortunate omission.
Ergonomically, it is very similar to the MG3 and MG4, with a simple and easy-to-navigate layout. This is just as well, as some ADAS features default to on, such as audible speed warning – which is proving to be a nuisance in many new cars. Fit and finish, as well as material quality are a major step up from its predecessor.
The 12.3-inch instrument panel offers crisp resolution but the speed is offset to the left, rather than the centre. A head-up display (HUD) would be most welcome to remedy this.
Seat comfort is improved, with the Essence now offering lumbar adjustment. Rear accommodation benefit from a longer wheelbase, with an almost flat floor, vents and USB ports. Boot space is improved at 443L (from 359L in the old ZST), but there is no spare tyre in this hybrid variant – only a temporary inflation kit.
2025 MG ZS Hybrid+: Powertrain & handling
Derived from the MG3 Hybrid, which went on sale in the middle of the year, the powertrain consists of a 1.83kWh battery pack under the seats, and a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine, and electric motor, for a combined system output of 158kW. Crucially, MG says this is good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is officially rated at 4.7L/100km, and our 5.1L/100km average is still plenty respectable.
As with its baby brother, there are some operational niggles with the hybrid system, with its inconsistent performance. But most of the time, it bolts out of the gate, with the 18-inch GitiComfort tyres squealing mildly in protest.
One area where there hasn’t been a huge improvement is driving dynamics. While the new model is quieter at cruising speeds, the same basic layout of McPherson struts front and torsion beam rear carries over with minimal change.
The result is a competent, if unremarkable drive. Steering is faithfully direct but woolly off-centre, with bump absorption definitely not in the same league as Mazda, Toyota and Mitsubishi rivals. Lateral grip and handling are okay at best, but the dexterity of a multi-link IRS system – such as that in the Jolion hybrid – is lacking.
2025 MG ZS Hybrid+: First impressions
So what do we think? Compared with its arch-rivals, the grown-up ZS Hybrid+ is a compelling proposition. It is more user-friendly and feels more upmarket on the surface. Best of all, its ADAS systems are less intrusive and easier to defeat. Given the upward demand for hybrids, we expect this is the right car for MG to maintain its success in this class, provided the budget petrol model isn’t too far behind.
