Overview

The MG ZS is the smallest SUV in the Chinese-owned brand’s model range. Designed to offer value for money, it undercuts the cash price of almost all of its rivals by a sizable margin – something that MG hopes will entice customers in what is the fiercely-contested sector of the market.

Rivals to the ZS are seemingly endless. The Renault Captur and Nissan Juke have had the lion’s share of the compact SUV market for the past few years, while the Kia Stonic, SEAT Arona and Volkswagen T-Roc, are also viable alternatives, meaning potential buyers are spoilt for choice. MG also sells an electric version called the MG ZS EV.

There are two engines on offer in the MG ZS, both of which are petrol. Opt for the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit – developed in conjunction with General Motors (major US automotive conglomerate) and there’s a satisfactory amount of performance and refinement on offer. The alternative is a 106hp 1.5-litre petrol engine that is loud, unrefined and seriously struggles at motorway speeds.

The car’s strongest suite is the amount of space on offer. Sat in the front or back there’s plenty of room to stretch out, plus interior storage levels are generous and the bootspace is larger than the majority of the competition.

All MG ZS SUVs come with a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty, a guarantee that stands second only to Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile promise.

Over the next few pages we’ll cover the MG ZS SUV’s practicality, interior, running costs and drivability, before giving our full rating in the verdict.