MG ZS engines, drive and performance
- Just two petrol engines on offer
- Both offer unremarkable performance
- One engine is auto’ only, the other manual only
If you’re often bamboozled by the number of different engines and power outputs available in new cars, then the MG ZS will provide a welcome change.
Petrol engines
The entry-level 106hp engine produces 141Nm of torque and accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 109mph. While it’s fairly happy to be revved, there’s little in the way of pulling power especially when cruising at motorway speeds.
Therefore, we’d recommend opting for the 111hp 1.0-litre T GDi turbocharged motor, capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds and going on to reach a top speed of 112mph. Torque is rated at 160Nm. It may be slower on paper than the 1.5-litre, but the T GDi engine deploys its power more convincingly and has an extra chunk of torque that is useful on motorways.
What’s it like to drive?
- Quick steering, decent levels of grip
- Three steering modes on most models
- Automatic and manual gearboxes
The 1.5-litre is only available with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 1.0-litre comes with the choice of a six-speed manual or auto.
That said, all three gearboxes are perfectly good in their own right. The manuals provide a relatively slick, easy-to-use gearchange while the six-speed automatic is more than adequate.
The ZS has surprisingly quick steering and grip levels are what you’d expect for a car in this class, too, with the front of the ZS gradually pushing wide if you carry too much speed into a bend.
It’s not a fun car to drive down a twisty lane but it does feel reasonably sure-footed, something which will likely be of greater importance to a large proportion of potential buyers.
On the downside, there’s lots of body roll (where the body of the vehicle leans while the car is cornering) and the steering is devoid of much feel.
