Review - 2023 MG ZS

The ZS remains MG’s cheapest SUV package, indeed one of the most affordable compact SUVs on sale here in Australia, though that title does come with some important considerations that might rattle some buyers.

Just what compromises are you making opting for the MG ZS? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

MG ZS Competition

Starting Price: $23,990

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How Much Does It Cost?

The MG ZS range is available in a single variant lineup here in Australia, with prices standing at $23,990 for the ZS Excite.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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MG ZS (EXCITE) Specifications

What Features Does the MG ZS Have?

The MG ZS Essence comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and picks up halogen headlights with LED daytime running lamps, front and rear fog lights, and leatherette upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

You’ll also pick up cruise control, a rear-view camera with rear-mounted parking sensors and an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay which is paired with a six-speaker sound system.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys

• Halogen headlights with LED daytime running lamps 

• Front & rear fog lights 

• Leatherette upholstery 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Cruise control 

• Rear-view camera with rear-mounted parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay 

• Six-speaker sound system

Is the MG ZS Comfortable to Drive?

While MG has done a great job in catching up with its competitors in such a short period of time, the ZS remains noticeably behind its main rivals when it comes to overall driving comfort and refinement.

Power for the ZS range comes supplied by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 84kW of power and 150Nm of torque, powering the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

This means that the ZS doesn’t have a heap of power at its disposal, and picks up speed off the line in a very, very casual manner, while the four-speed automatic lacks the refinement of a more conventional six-speed auto powering its rivals.

Having said that, the power deficit isn’t too dramatic for the compact segment, though it’s worth noting that the ZST’s turbocharged engine offers far more performance.

Around town, the MG ZS remains extremely well-mannered, with its user-friendliness bolstered by its featherweight steering and compact proportions that make parking and navigating tight traffic a breeze.

Leave the city and you’ll notice the steering is a little lacking in terms of real-world feedback for the driver, though the majority of drivers will be happy at just how easy the steering wheel is to manoeuvre.

The gap between the MG ZS and its more sophisticated rivals becomes clear when you leave smooth city streets and hit some rougher country roads.

The ride is fine on the highway, though the suspension package struggles to keep up with the bumps and undulations of an Australian B-road, making it less versatile than its main rivals.

All up, though, and considering the ZS’ price tag, the driving experience will prove more than adequate for the majority of drivers - so long as you’re planning to stay on smooth city streets.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The MG ZS has fuel economy figures rated at 7.1L/100km on a combined cycle, putting it smack-bang in the middle of the compact SUV when it comes to fuel efficiency.

For reference, the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering the ZST is rated at 6.9L/100km while offering a significant power and torque premium.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The MG ZS lineup has been stripped back to a single variant here in Australia, which means that there are no major special touches reserved for a range-topper.

It’s an egalitarian approach that has seen the ZS priced even more competitively compared to a number of its rivals, and while the cabin doesn’t offer much in terms of style or excitement, it’s surprisingly practical.

Up front, the driver and front passenger pick up a flashy-looking interior layout with leatherette upholstery, silver highlights and some faux carbon fibre wrapping its way around the infotainment display.

The centre console doesn’t feel as premium as it looks on first impressions, though the leatherette stretching over to the door surrounds is a nice, premium touch - especially at this price point.

Headroom in the front of the cabin is excellent for the segment, while the driving position is nice and lofty for shorter drivers looking for a better view out over their surroundings.

• Length: 4314mm 

• Width: 1809mm 

• Height: 1644mm 

• Wheelbase: 2585mm

Storage options in the front of the cabin include a storage tray behind the gear lever, a pair of door bins on either side of the cabin, two cup holders and some added storage inside the folding armrest.

Move to the rear of the cabin and you’ll find an impressive amount of leg and headroom, making for one of the most spacious compact SUVs in its segment.

There’s not much in the way of rear-seat amenities in the second row, though you will find a pair of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats.

Finally, the impressive practicality package is rounded out with a decent 359L of boot space, expanding to 1166L with the rear seats folded down.

Is it Safe?

Safety is not a strong selling point of the MG ZS range, which picks up a four-star ANCAP safety rating and misses out on key active safety technologies that you’ll find as a standard feature in most of its rivals.

That means there’s no autonomous emergency braking, nor any blind spot monitoring or cross-traffic alerts, though you still pick up emergency brake assist, hill-launch assist, active cornering brake control, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and six airbags inside the cabin.

Our Verdict: Is The MG ZS Worth it?

As a complete package, the MG ZS offers an impressive value proposition within the highly competitive world of compact SUVs.

Major shortfalls include the underwhelming driving experience, four-speed automatic and the lack of safety equipment, though the remainder of the features list is quite impressive for its accessible price tag.

If you’re tossing up your best options in the world of compact SUVs, be sure to reach out to one of our automotive specialists who can help find you the best possible price on your dream car.

Five MG ZS Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. 359L boot space 

3. Four-star ANCAP safety rating 

4. 7.1L/100km fuel economy figures 

5. 12-month/10,000km service intervals