Review: 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+
An Affordable and Fun SUV – But No EV?!

November 20, 2024

This is the all-new second-generation MG ZS, tested here in Hybrid+ form in the top-of-the-range Trophy spec. Slightly bigger, with more features, and prices only up by around £1,000, it remains a competitive B-segment SUV.
By competitive, I mean the entry-level SE starts at just £21,995. There’s only one other trim level – the Trophy, priced at £24,495. That benefits from a 360-degree camera, powered driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, black leather upholstery, and 18-inch alloys.
However, even the SE gets goodies like adaptive cruise control, driver aids including auto-braking and a driver attention monitor, LED lights, reversing camera, heated door mirrors, climate control, a 6-speaker sound system, sat nav, app connectivity, and a touchscreen.
While the Hybrid+ will be joined by a full petrol variant next year, there won’t be another ZS EV. What?! For many, the previous ZS EV was an affordable entry into electric cars. However, MG isn’t abandoning EVs in this segment. They intend to introduce an all-new alternative SUV based on the excellent MG4 to replace the ZS EV. In the meantime, current-gen ZS EV models are expected to remain available into the first quarter of 2025.
Back to the new car – its design follows MG’s family look, recognisable from the MG3 and MG HS. It’s a more refined, modern take on the compact SUV formula, with a wide-angle grille flanked by slim, sleek headlights. The Trophy model gets those snazzy 18-inch alloys and a 360-degree camera as standard.
Inside, you get a 12.3-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch driver display. There are buttons on the steering wheel, including configurable buttons that let you control the climate and regen levels without taking your hands off the wheel. It’s an impressive setup for a car at this price point.
Under the bonnet is MG’s Hybrid+ system, which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 196bhp and a hefty 465Nm of torque. That’s enough to propel this family-friendly SUV from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds which isn’t too shabby.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a 3-speed automatic transmission, and thanks to the hybrid setup, it manages a respectable 55.4mpg with CO2 emissions of just 115g/km. It’s not a plug-in, so no faffing about with cables – just drive it like a normal car, and it does the rest.
Surprisingly well, actually. While I wasn’t expecting fireworks, the MG ZS Hybrid+ did manage to put a smile on my face.
First off, it’s comfortable. The ride is smooth, even on the Trophy’s 18-inch wheels, and the visibility is great, thanks to the large glass areas and decent driving position. The steering is light, ideal for town driving, but it stiffens up at higher speeds, giving you confidence on twisty country lanes.
I played around with the three driving modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport. Sport gives you better throttle response, with a decent mid-range punch. There’s a noticeable surge at around 4,500rpm and even a bit of wheel spin if you push it hard out of a corner. It’s no hot hatch, but far more entertaining than you’d expect from a family SUV.
On the motorway, the adaptive cruise control works a treat, maintaining a safe distance from the car in front without being too eager to brake. There’s a bit of road noise and wind buffering at higher speeds, but nothing out of the ordinary for this class.
In terms of practicality, the MG ZS Hybrid+ ticks most of the boxes. There’s 443 litres of boot space – 5 litres less than the outgoing model due to the hybrid battery – but fold the rear seats flat and that expands to 1,457 litres, which is 82 litres more than before.
Rear legroom is decent, and even tall passengers like me could manage short journeys in reasonable comfort. The Trophy model comes with heated leather seats up front and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, but there’s no rear armrest or sunroof.
There are USB ports front and back, plus a handy extra port near the rear-view mirror for dashcams. MG’s iSmart system allows smartphone connectivity, and the stereo quality isn’t bad either!
If you’re after an affordable, well-equipped hybrid SUV, the MG ZS Hybrid+ is hard to beat. The Trophy edition is the one to go for, with all the extra kit for just £2,500 more than the SE. It’s not just a practical family car; it’s surprisingly engaging to drive too.