Review
Automotive Management recently took delivery of a MG ZS for a long term review to assess the opportunities it offers the UK's MG dealerships.
MG has gained significant market share in the UK since 2020 largely by offering great value for money to private buyers and fleet customers alike, and this ZS is one of the kingpins of its sales success.
Badged Hybrid+, it is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and e-motor, helped by a 0.9kWh battery that runs the car in EV mode for considerable periods.
It's quite satisfying seeing the rev counter drop to zero when cruising through 30mph-limited villages, and its 55mpg official WLTP fuel economy will give spend-conscious customers more reasons to be cheerful.
Now in its second generation, and slightly larger than its predecessor, the MG ZS competes strongly with the likes of a Skoda Kamiq or a Nissan Qashqai in terms of space and standard equipment it even if on price and badge appeal it's more of a Dacia Duster and Citroen C4 rival.
With a seven year warranty as standard, it's offered in two trim levels, SE and Trophy, and the car we're running is in the higher spec.
For £24,995 RRP, or a £299 per month PCP currently available for customers who can find a £3,800 deposit or trade-in, the MG ZS Hybrid+ Trophy ticks plenty of boxes and buyers won't feel shortchanged.
Its 12in touchscreen, a 7-inch high-definition virtual driver display, dual zone climate control, 360-degree parking camera and its heating for front seats and steering wheel are very welcome comforts, and it comes as standard with the MG Pilot suite of safety-focused driving aids including adaptive cruise control and speed limit recognition.
Helpfully, the repetitive bonging noises that accompany the latter can be switched off.
Its 115g/km CO2 emissions means it is an affordable car for company car drivers - it sits in the 28% BIK band this year. In the boot a decent 443 litres of space seats up and 1,457 litres of space with the rear seats folded flat means carrying kit around is easy too.
Plus it has enough poke when drivers need it - with 197bhp it is very capable of fuss-free long distance motoring.
In the coming weeks I#ll be exploring more of what the MG ZS has to offer.
Tech spec
- Price: £24,495
- Engine: 1.5 petrol hybrid
- Transmission: 3 speed auto, FWD
- Top speed: 104mph
- 0-62mph: 8.7 secs
- CO2 emissions: 115g/km
- Fuel economy: 55mpg
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
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