MG ZS test drive: affordable SUV with British roots

In the compact SUV class, the MG ZS is an interesting option. It balances attractive design, decent performance and an accessible price, and it appeals to buyers who want solid value.

The MG ZS is a compact SUV sized similarly to its main rival, the Dacia Duster. Despite those compact dimensions, it offers a surprisingly spacious interior, beating the Duster and many other cars in the class.

The MG ZS is available with two petrol engines plus a fully electric ZS EV version. Even at an accessible price, the ZS comes with an impressive standard equipment list, including a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

One of the MG ZS’s major advantages is the generous manufacturer warranty: seven years or 150,000 km. That reflects the maker’s confidence in the vehicle’s quality and reliability.

The MG ZS is offered with two petrol engines: a 1.5-litre unit and a 1.0-litre turbo. The 1.5 VTi-tech engine has no turbocharger, so you need to rev it for maximum performance. Meanwhile, the 1.0-litre turbo delivers more torque at low revs, which makes acceleration more relaxed.

All ZS versions get three steering modes: Urban, Normal and Dynamic. Urban gives a smoother, quicker response at low speeds and while parking; Dynamic is designed to increase steering effort, add a stronger damping effect and improve control at medium and high speeds. Normal strikes an excellent balance between suspension setup and dynamic response.

Although it is not the most refined or exciting SUV to drive, the MG ZS offers a decent level of comfort and is fairly quiet. Steering is relatively heavy in Normal mode, but you can select Dynamic or Urban settings. Dynamic adds weight without much extra feel or response, while Urban usefully lightens the wheel for city work and is a worthwhile addition.

Interior quality is remarkably good given the price tag. You will find pleasant-touch materials on the dashboard, together with solid buttons and impressive fit and finish. Simply put, the ZS is much more polished inside than its main rival, the Dacia Duster.

All ZS versions get a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The graphics are clear enough, but the screen sits quite low on the dashboard, and you sometimes wait a while between tapping an icon and getting a response.

The driving position is not impressive. Yes, you sit higher than in a conventional small hatchback, but the seat lacks adequate lumbar support (there is no lumbar adjustment), and the steering wheel adjusts for height only, not reach. If you are quite tall, you will probably need to sit closer to the pedals than you would like to reach the wheel comfortably.

One of the best things about the MG ZS is its spacious interior. Front space is good and comparable with more expensive small SUVs, so there is plenty of head and leg room. Interior width also means shoulders do not rub together. You also get plenty of front storage for everyday items.

The space advantage continues in the rear, where the ZS again offers more room than the Duster (and most other cars in the class). In short, even occupants over 1.80 m tall should not struggle for leg room or feel cramped under the roof.

For luggage space, the ZS’s 448-litre boot is officially slightly larger than the Duster’s. In the real world, we managed to fit six hand suitcases under the ZS load cover, compared with seven in the Duster. That is because the Duster has a squarer, more practical load area. Even so, the ZS still has one of the largest boots in the class, and all versions get an adjustable-height boot floor as standard.

Whichever version you choose, you get a lot of equipment. Entry-level Excite models include LED headlights, air conditioning and cruise control alongside the touchscreen infotainment system.

The MG ZS is an affordably priced SUV that delivers a lot for the money. Despite shortcomings such as ride comfort, standard safety regulation levels and limited driving-position adjustment, the ZS is worth considering if you want a compact SUV at an accessible price. MG’s long warranty also adds extra value for potential buyers.