The MG ZS Dropped Its Electric Version and Somehow Got More Interesting
Both reviews frame this second generation around one deliberate change: the previous ZS EV is gone, replaced entirely by hybrid power, with electric SUV duties handed off to the related MG S5 instead — a genuine repositioning that's made the ZS a sharper value proposition.
Illustration for editorial purposes
Simplified, Not Diminished
Dropping a powertrain option usually narrows a car's appeal. Reviewers keep finding the opposite here — a hybrid-only lineup that undercuts nearly everything else in its class on price, without giving up much in return.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Compact SUV, straddling B and C segments |
|---|---|
| Length | Over 4.4 metres |
| Engines | Petrol, Hybrid+ (101bhp 1.5L Atkinson-cycle + electric motor) |
| Towing capacity | 500kg (both versions) |
| Price range (new) | From £21,995 (Hybrid+) |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar rated the Hybrid+'s £21,995 starting price as genuinely compelling, undercutting an equivalent Vauxhall Frontera by £1,500 and a Dacia Duster Hybrid by £2,000, with an even bigger gap to Toyota, Honda and Suzuki rivals. They found the hybrid system behaves like a range-extender EV around town, with the engine disconnected from the wheels and running purely as a generator, and measured just under 50mpg overall, though real-world urban economy exceeded 60mpg with careful driving. They praised generous rear headroom and a useful height-adjustable boot floor with extra underfloor storage.
Auto Express
Auto Express found the ZS finished last of 50 cars in the 2026 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, with owners flagging troublesome tech and repeated repairs as genuine concerns. They rated cabin space as a real strength for the price, measuring more knee room than the Dacia Duster, though found boot space merely reasonable at 443 litres and flagged a below-par Euro NCAP result due to a missing safety countermeasure.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
The pure-petrol engine is restricted to base SE trim — Trophy is Hybrid+ only, and there's no electric version in this generation despite the previous ZS offering one.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG ZS Petrol SE | 1.5L 4-cyl petrol, FWD | 113bhp | 5-speed manual | SUV | 12.5s |
| MG ZS Hybrid+ SE / Trophy | 1.5L petrol + electric motor, FWD | 193bhp | 3-speed automatic (dedicated hybrid transmission) | SUV | 8.7s |
Trim walk runs SE → Trophy, with Trophy exclusive to the Hybrid+. A handful of exterior colours are offered. Check MG's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely strong value, undercutting nearly every direct rival
- Spacious cabin with generous knee room
- Smooth, EV-like low-speed hybrid driving experience
- Useful height-adjustable boot floor storage
Weak points
- Finished last in the 2026 Driver Power satisfaction survey
- Below-par Euro NCAP safety rating
- Modest 500kg towing capacity
- Boot space merely reasonable rather than class-leading
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who prioritise genuine value and cabin space over the strongest reliability record or towing capability. Worth being aware of the Driver Power survey result specifically if long-term ownership satisfaction is a priority for you.
More MG Reviews
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MG ZS review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)