MG ZS SUV Excite 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech 5d Owner Review

We wanted a budget car that would match our needs. The car looks lovely and has all the gadgets and added extras that we could want. A car that we would be happy to drive for many years, once our 52 plate Micra we use for running around has to be sold.. The interior is the highest for the range and is generally comfortable, good looking and perfect for our needs; except that it would be useful to have a built in Satnav system. The problem is that I don't feel totally safe as the car struggles to travel up inclines and has actually stopped without warning on a blind bend before starting a short while later but only wanting to drive in first gear up to a levelling out section of road when second gear could be engaged. The garage could offer no explanation for this but at least did not blame my driving acumen of 45+ years. There is also a concern over the engine's pulling power at lower speeds. There is also a problem with the suspension which is fixed every time it is serviced but recurs after a month or so; with no real explanation as to what the cause has been. A constant bump with passengers in the car is very offputting. I agree with another commentator that the door handles are prone to staying in an open position after use. In summary, the car looks and drives great on motorways and on flat roads in town. I am generally happy and accepting of the issues compared to the price I paid, bearing in mind the free finance and 7 year warranty. I guess you get what you pay for but with a limited budget, you have to compromise and hope any issues are small. If there is a next time, we might also choose a make where the service centre is closer to our home.