The 2025 MG ZS Excite serves as the entry point into MG’s small SUV lineup, offering a mix of affordability, practicality, and modern technology.
With the latest generation it also showcases a neatened up design, providing a more refined stance, but the price has jumped up so it is no longer the cheapest SUV on the new-car market. Is it worth the extra pennies?
2025 MG ZS Excite: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder
Output: 81kW@6000rpm / 140Nm@4500rpm
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 16×6.5, 215/60
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1266kg
Power-to-weight: 15.62:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.7L/100km
Our consumption: 8.5L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 55L/91 RONPower efficiency: 12.08kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 6.66 seconds*
0-100km/h: 13.93 seconds*
60-110km/h: 9.61 seconds*
1/4 mile: 19.66 seconds at 121.3km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.467g*
100-0km/h braking: 45.97m in 3.49 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.189g*
Decibel at idle: 39*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 84*
Starting price: $26,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 MG ZS Excite: How much does it cost?
The 2025 MG ZS is available in seven trim levels, with the top four featuring the ‘Hybrid+‘ powertrain, and then the entry three use either a 1.5-litre non-turbo or turbo. More specifically, the entry Excite is only available in non-turbo form, and prices start from $26,990 drive-away.
That’s a decent step up from the predecessor, which started from $23,990 drive-away. Moving up to the Essence non-turbo, it starts from $29,990, and then the Essence Turbo kicks off from $31,990, drive-away.
2025 MG ZS Excite: Interior & packaging
While it doesn’t boast some of the premium materials found in higher trims, the interior is thoughtfully laid out with fabric seating and soft-touch elements in key areas. Fabric trimmings on the dash and door cards are a nice touch, too. It’s modern and a little bit suave.
Most of the door trims are moulded plastic but there are some different textures to break it up a bit. And the design is at least attractive to look at. It’s just when you touch and feel it, you’re quickly reminded this is a budget vehicle.
The dashboard is dominated by a 10.25-inch infotainment touch-screen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster display provides the driving information, though, the Essence variants gain a larger digital cluster.
Practicality remains a strong point, with ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, for this class. It’s unfortunate that the steering column is not rake and reach adjustable, which could result in a less-than-ideal driving position, depending on your stature. I would have liked to have the steering wheel sit closer to my chest, for example.
Up at the back the boot offers a generous 443 litres of space, which expands to 1457 litres with the rear seats folded, making it versatile enough for daily errands and weekend trips. It’s actually one of the larger boots of this small SUV class. Other storage solutions include cup holders in the front, door bins for all, and a centre armrest compartment. There is no flip-down arm rest for the back.
In terms of comfort, the Excite features a basic yet effective manual air-conditioning system and a PU-wrapped steering wheel. Rear passengers miss out on air vents, but overall, the cabin provides a decent level of comfort for a vehicle at this price point.
2025 MG ZS Excite: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet the Excite comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing a mighty 81kW and 140Nm. This engine is now paired with a CVT transmission – replacing the old four-speed auto – delivering a smooth and lethargic wave of mild progression. At times, you feel like you could run faster than this.
While it won’t set any performance benchmarks, clocking 0-100km/h in a Vbox-tested 13.93 seconds, the powertrain is relatively efficient. It offers a claimed fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km, and you can expect to achieve around 8.0L/100km or less in the real world, depending on how many hills you encounter.
The handling is mostly composed and predictable, with electric power steering providing little to no feedback. But this is not a performance SUV, so you shouldn’t expect anything more. However, it seems MG has worked hard on tuning its suspension setup, as the ride quality here is really not bad at all.
It uses MacPherson struts at the front and a basic torsion beam at the rear, with excellent bump-absorbing capability and no crashing or banging sensations sent back into the cabin. Road noise isn’t too loud either, for this segment, though it becomes more noticeable at highway speeds. Especially as you have to push the go-pedal deep to keep things moving, resulting in a singing/nagging CVT.
Braking performance is not very good. Our testing returned a 100-0km/h emergency stop in 45.97m. That’s the sort of distance we usually see in big, heavy 4x4s fitted with all-terrain tyres (Vbox results table here). This comes with disc brakes front and rear, and very average 215/60 Linglong tyres.
2025 MG ZS Excite: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Affordable price point: Even though the entry price has climbed by around $3k from the predecessor, the ZS Excite still offers good value for money for its class.
- Large touch-screen infotainment: For a base model, the 10.25-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a standout.
- Cargo space: 443 litres expandable to 1457 litres with folded seats – it is one of the largest boots in this class.
- Comprehensive safety suite: It’s good to see a budget vehicle fitted with the full safety suite; MG Pilot includes AEB, lane keep assist, and blind-spot detection.
- Comfortable ride: Soft but composed suspension tuning.
2025 MG ZS Excite: Key considerations before you buy
- Engine performance: 81kW output means it does feel underpowered during highway overtaking.
- Basic interior materials: Fabric seats, plastic steering wheel, plastic door trims don’t justify the price hike.
- No rear air vents: Rear passengers might find airflow insufficient on hot days. Some rivals get rear vents in the back of the console.
- Limited driving engagement: This CVT transmission prioritises being a whinging mess over enjoyment, as usual for a CVT. But it’s marginally better than the old four-speed auto.
2025 MG ZS Excite: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
Overall, this is a very simple package which is going to appeal to first-time car buyers or those looking for a second vehicle for running around in. The interior is quite nice, with plenty of space (including impressive boot capacity), and the ride quality is good. Even though acceleration is much lower than the class standards – perfect for its intended purpose – the braking performance in inexcusable. Fitting better tyres might be the solution.
