Pricing and specifications have been announced for the 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ range. Once the budget option for anyone who wanted cheap, basic motoring, the second-generation ZS aims to improve on the outgoing model‘s safety, driving feel and boasts a more upmarket look inside and out.
Featuring a new exterior and interior, the ZS incorporates the design language seen in the latest MG3 and HS – both of which have entered new generations for 2024.
Gone is the sharp upward kick at the D-pillar, with a more subtle treatment, while the rear features a more sober design seen on premium SUVs from Audi and Cupra.
The front end now features a hexaoganl lower grille with the MG badge moved to the bonnet, with two air curtains on either side. Chrome highlights and LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) continue the the more upmarket theme. Looking over the colour palate, there are no more searing oranges to grab your attention, but there is now a dark green reminiscent of British Racing Green.
Inside, the hexagonal vents and 12.3-inch infotainment screen elevate the interior, with trim accents on the doors to lift the ambience. A new 12.3-inch screen serves as the instrument panel, with a crisp and vibrant display.
Dimensions have grown in every direction except height, with a length of 4430mm, width of 1818mm and a 2610mm wheelbase, adding 107mm, 9mm and 25mm, respectively. Height is reduced by 18mm to 1653mm for a squatter stance. Boot space has grown to 443 litres with the seats in place, or 1457L when they are folded.
Adapting the MG3’s hybrid drive system, the ZS Hybrid+ combines a 1.5-litre, Atkinson-Cycle four-cylinder engine with a 1.83kWh NCM battery pack and hybrid electric assist, for a nominal system output of 158kW and 465Nm, tied to a three-speed planetary gear system.
MG quotes a 0-100km/h time of 8.7 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds shy of the hatch. Official fuel consumption is 4.7L/100km. As with the MG3 Hybrid+, there are three re-gen modes but no one pedal driving.
A revised version of MG’s iSMART car monitoring app now features a clearer and revised interface. Two variants are being presented, including the Excite and Essence. Both include a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, native satellite navigation and digital radio, rear vents, 360-degree camera and a full suite of MG Pilot ADAS features.
The Essence adds a panoramic sunroof, PVC trim, map pockets, six-way electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjust, 18-inch wheels (instead of 17-inch) and seat heating.
Pricing starts from the following (drive-away). Metallic paint is $700 extra. A non-hybrid model will be added next year, which we will speak more of when information comes to hand.
2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ Excite: $33,990 (DAP/MSRP)
2025 MG ZS ZS Hybrid+ Essence: $36,990 (DAP/MSRP)
