MG ZS 2018 Review

Behind the eight ball

The 2018 MG ZS compact SUV arrives in Australia with a two-model offering, in mid-spec Soul and top-spec Essence guises with the cheaper-still entry-level Core expected in the coming months.

The keenly priced ZS starts from $20,990 (plus ORCs) for the Soul's naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine (84kW/150Nm) matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $23,990 (plus ORCs), the ZS Essence on test brings a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (82kW/160Nm) that steps up to a six-speed auto.

In January 2018, MG Motors Australia sold a total of 53 units (13 of which were the MG ZS), while its key segment rivals (small SUV under $40k) all tipped in over 1000 units - the Mazda CX-3 (1582), Hyundai Kona (1093), Subaru XV (1108) and Honda HR-V (1002).

The Nissan QASHQAI, Toyota C-HR and Mitsubishi ASX all following close behind proving this segment is not short of solid product.

Spec check

The current ZS range is differentiated by its engines and transmissions, which deliver nominally different outputs. A near-identical features list is separated by a panoramic sunroof and push-button ignitiont found on the range-topping Essence mode.

Common kit includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, front and rear fog-lights, daytime running lights, manually adjustable seats, remote central locking, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, roof rails, and rear view camera with sensors.

Infotainment technology comes in the form of a six-speaker audio system and 8.0-inch colour touch-screen that features Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. Like the Hyundai Kona, it has no in-built satellite navigation, instead the ZS relies on Google Maps assistance via your smart phone connection.

In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, you'll find one USB and one 12-volt outlet.

A multi-function digital trip computer display allows you to scroll through digital speedo, trip readings, service indicators, tyre pressure monitor and the like.

Regal Blue metallic paint will set you back $499.

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Space and flexibility

The ZS's boxy exterior promises a spacious interior and, it delivers - most notably for second-row occupants. The head, leg and shoulder-room is excellent (995mm head and 926mm leg-room) and makes the ZS a comfortable five-seater.

The large panoramic roof on our Essence variant makes for an even brighter cabin. You won't be pushed into larger segment offerings because of the second-row space.

Sadly, like many before, the ZS has no second-row directional air vents. But it also lacks a centre arm rest/drink holders and a head-restraint for the centre occupant. But you will find back of seat pockets and in door storage.

Front of cabin ergonomics are good and oddment storage great and outward visibility very good.

Ground clearance is a class-representative (164mm), but a front-wheel drive only drivetrain shows its city focus.

Boot volume is generous at 359 litres and grows to 1166 litres with the 60:40 seating folded flat. You'll find a boot light, but not the useful bag hooks and anchor points offered in most rivals.

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Behind the wheel

The 1.0-litre turbo-charged engine on board the MG ZS Essence delivers a zippy and responsive drive. It's perfectly suited to the suburban A-to-B lifestyle - spritely and efficient.

Where the ZS falls short is on its chassis control. It rides on 17-inch alloys (215/50 tyres) and runs MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear. Even low-speed cornering reveals a nervous chassis with plenty of body-roll.

The front-wheel-drive only ZS also suffers from prevalent torque steer.

You'll find three drive modes - Urban, Normal and Dynamic. Dynamic is the best choice regardless of the situation and delivers greater steering feel and a better damping effect.

The flat-bottom steering wheel looks the part, but don't count on a sporty drive.
On the upside, the ZS delivers a comfortable ride over Melbourne's best bumps and it's quiet, too.

The claimed average fuel consumption is 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined), and we only crept slightly above this on our week's test, recording an average of 6.9L/100km.

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Safety and after sales

The ZS comes with a class-competitive seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance program.

Where the ZS falls well short is its safety credentials. It misses out on some driver-assist technology, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking - all of which can be found on the top-spec Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona.

Recent ANCAP testing saw MG Motor's larger SUV the MG GS gain a five-star safety rating, however, the ZS results were not so favourable with it being awarded a four-star ANCAP safety rating.

We also note there's no centre-position head restraint in the second row.

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Price wars

The current ZS range is cheap, priced from $20,990 (Soul) and the top-spec Essence from $23,990 (plus ORCs). But it's also one with limited choice.

Its key rivals such as Hyundai Kona (from $24,500 - $36,000 plus ORCs) and the Mazda CX-3 ($20,490 - $37,890 plus ORCs) offer buyers not only more model options, but greater output and the choice of all-wheel drive.

The limited ZS range may leave buyers wanting and, potentially, looking elsewhere.

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The road ahead

Viewed in isolation the MG ZS is not all bad - space and comfort are highlights - but the manufacturer has some way to go if it is to be a serious contender in the burgeoning Australian SUV market.

Consumers have not only been spoilt for choice, but much of the product is great. Even at the budget-conscious end of the baby SUV segment, the MG ZS has a battle ahead.

2018 MG ZS Essence pricing and specifications:
Price: $23,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 82kW/160Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 157g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Four-star ANCAP (2017)