MG is addressing widely held criticisms about the inconsistent power delivery in its ZS Hybrid+ announcing a recalibration for 2026, as well as a new MG ZS Vibe from $25,888 drive-away with the 125kW turbo engine.
Starting with the elephant in the room, many corners have criticised the ZS Hybrid+ for its tendency to ‘over-rev’ on hills when the 1.83kWh battery is nearing depletion. Updates to the software now give a more linear take-off, more re-gen going to the battery in start-stop traffic conditions, and improvements to refinement.
Charging from the ICE motor is now set at around 3200rpm to provide more power to the battery, more quietly. Additionally, there is said to be better performance from the ICE engine over 4000rpm. Whether this will be sufficient to address the SUV’s core shortcomings remains to be seen. MG outlined the changes in a slightly confusing statement, saying:
“Smoother take-off: a softer ECM pedal map now makes the throttle response smoother for easier application in slow and congested peak hour traffic, parking and generally for city (urban?) driving.
Thriftier in traffic: HCU increases lift-off charge power, for regen more often and earlier for an impressive 4.7L/100km combined.
Quieter cruising: In charge-sustain at mid/high speeds, engine rpm now ~3200, making it quieter, especially on longer intercity trips.
Stronger performance over 4000 rpm: ECM high-rev power contribution enhanced for cleaner overtakes and on-ramps.”
Moving to the ZS Vibe, MG has heeded competition from its turbocharged Haval Jolion and Chery Tiggo 4 rivals with the 125kW engine formerly only seen in higher spec models. This makes it the most powerful model in this price range and could potentially stop defection to those other competitors.
The naturally aspirated ZS Vibe (formerly ZS Excite 1.5) is now $23,990, matching the smaller, but turbocharged Chery Tiggo 4 Urban.
This comes at a time when both the Jolion and Tiggo 4 have overtaken the ZS in monthly sales, but the MG still has more cumulative sales figures for 2025. This existential threat has no doubt forced the brand to act. It now has the most powerful, spacious and arguably polished SUV in that price range and things are getting very cut-throat indeed.
