MG ZS Hybrid+: our test drive in Denmark

The MG ZS Hybrid+ is the evolution of the car that brought the English brand—owned since 2009 by the Chinese giant SAIC—to success: a well-equipped, compact SUV that’s spacious and now features an efficient 197 hp full-hybrid engine.

It promises truly low fuel consumption, with a WLTP cycle average of 20 km/l. All this at a price that European and Japanese competitors can only dream of.

MG ZS Hybrid+: our tops&flops

The first generation of the ZS brought MG back to European markets. But this ZS Hybrid+ is a much more mature product. More sophisticated in its exterior design, now closer to the MG3 (read our test drive here) and the brand’s latest models; more refined inside, where the quality—both perceived and to the touch—is very good. It’s a compact SUV that’s both comfortable and practical, ideal for those who want the same great hybrid system as the MG3 but in a larger, more family-friendly vehicle. Thanks to its 197 hp of combined power—136 of which come from the electric motor—the MG ZS offers a smooth yet lively drive, quiet and enjoyable, with a soft but never nauseating setup tailored specifically for the European market. Sure, the very particular gearbox can get noisy at times, especially when demanding more power, and the infotainment system, although improved, still isn’t quite there yet. But this compact SUV, at this price and with fuel consumption reaching 20 km/l, is really an appealing choice.

What we like:

• Well-built and practical interior

• Lively driving experience

• Excellent fuel efficiency

What we don’t like:

• Infotainment is still underdeveloped

• Some ADAS features are a bit too sensitive

• The gearbox can be noisy at times

Prices in Scandinavia

• Denmark: from 249,999 DKK;
• Sweden: from 319,990 SEK;
• Norway: Not available in Norway;

MG ZS Hybrid+: design and interiors

The Morris Garages brand has a long history—unfortunately interrupted for about twenty years (from the 1930s until the early 2000s with the TF roadster)—making it hard to reinterpret its style. Naturally, the new range starts from a blank slate, and in such a situation, it’s not at all easy for a car designer to craft a vehicle with a strong personality. That said, the MG ZS certainly doesn’t lack character—especially when compared to many rivals that, despite their long-standing heritage, feel quite anonymous. Perhaps that’s also because the SUV body style, so loved by drivers, doesn’t allow for much stylistic flair.

The verdict is in the hands of the public, and the ZS—thanks in part to its excellent price-to-content ratio—has been a hit since its debut. The new ZS is far more attractive and has everything it takes not just to confirm its current success, but to surpass it.

The cabin is spacious and welcoming, even in the rear seats, and the trunk offers 443 liters of space in the 5-seat configuration—well above the segment average. The evolution from the previous ZS is obvious, both in style and in perceived quality.

The instrument cluster is digital, with a fixed two-dial layout and a configurable central section. At the center of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A built-in GPS navigation system comes standard across the range, and a 360° camera is available exclusively on the top-tier “Luxury” trim.

How it drives

Now we get to the heart of the MG ZS Hybrid+, the standout innovation in the MG lineup. It made its debut on the MG3 city car and now arrives on its larger sibling, the ZS.

The system consists of a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with 102 hp, paired with a 136 hp, 250 Nm electric motor powered by a 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery. The transmission is a 3-speed automatic, and power is sent to the front wheels.

It’s a setup that gives the ZS an excellent balance of value and performance, offering a “true” hybrid experience—by which I mean full-hybrid, arguably the best hybrid format. The electric system makes a significant contribution, as demonstrated by its average fuel consumption of 20 km/l despite the combined 197 hp output.

All of this comes without the “hassles” of plug-in hybrids, which require frequent charging to get the most out of them, making them less ideal for everyone.

The 1.83 kWh battery—among the largest in its full-hybrid category—allows for longer-than-expected all-electric driving, especially at lower speeds. When the combustion engine kicks in, it operates in various modes: “series” mode between 50 and 80 km/h, where it charges the battery that then powers the electric motor, and “parallel” mode between 80 and 120 km/h, where it drives the wheels directly while also charging the battery.

Above 120 km/h, the car runs solely on the petrol engine, with the electric motor stepping in only when extra power is needed. Once you understand how it works, the reason for the 3-speed automatic transmission becomes clear—and honestly, you won’t feel like you need more gears, despite sometimes can be noisy when you need more power.

The system might sound complicated to someone unfamiliar with engine tech, but the good news is: you don’t need to worry about it. The car’s ECU handles everything autonomously to optimize fuel economy, prioritizing EV mode whenever possible—and it does this very well.

Driving in city traffic and on secondary roads is extremely relaxing, with the petrol engine often shut off. Starts from traffic lights are brisk, power delivery is smooth and strong—just like in electric cars—and when the petrol engine does kick in, it’s unobtrusive—unless you’re asking for a lot of power, like during overtaking, when it becomes a bit intrusive.

With 197 hp combined—similar to what you’d find in a sporty compact a few years ago—the MG ZS Hybrid+ delivers satisfying acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. To be clear, this small Chinese hybrid SUV doesn’t have a sporty character—it’s designed with efficiency in mind—but it’s always pleasant to drive and can show some decent punch when needed.

Speaking of efficiency, you can choose between several levels of regenerative braking, but you’ll have to go through an awkward menu in the infotainment system to do it. Personally, I would’ve preferred paddle shifters on the steering wheel to adjust it on the fly, or at least a more accessible control. The ZS also deserved a better steering wheel adjustment—currently, you can only adjust the height, not the reach.