MG has just unveiled the all-new ZS, the second generation of their popular small SUV, now featuring a fresh design and hybrid power. It's available to order now, starting at £21,995 – nearly £4,000 cheaper than the Ford Puma.
At launch, the new ZS comes with MG's Hybrid+ powertrain, the same setup used in the award-winning MG3. It features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor, together producing 193bhp. Of that, 134bhp comes from the e-motor, along with 250Nm of torque. MG claims it can go from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds.
With a 1.83kWh battery, the ZS Hybrid+ can do short trips on electric power alone. This helps it achieve up to 55.4mpg and emit just 115g/km of CO2. You won’t need to plug it in either – the battery charges via regenerative braking or the engine itself.
Styling-wise, there’s a strong family resemblance between the latest MG ZS, the MG3 supermini, and the new MG HS mid-size SUV. Like its siblings, the new ZS features a wide, distinctive front grille flanked by thin air intakes. There’s the iconic octagonal MG badge on the nose, a contrasting lower bumper section that mimics a skid plate, and full LED lighting at the front and rear.
The new MG ZS boasts a 443-litre boot, slightly smaller than the previous model by five litres but still offering more space than the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008. Fold down the rear seats, and you’ve got 1,457 litres – 82 litres more than the old model.
The MG ZS Hybrid+ is available in two trims, SE or Trophy. Standard features include a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a seven-inch digital instrument display, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and keyless entry.
For an extra £2,500, the Trophy trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree surround-view camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and leather-effect upholstery.
Every model comes with a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty and the ‘MG Pilot’ suite of safety and driver-assistance features. This includes active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and lane-keeping assist.
