Tens of thousands of Australians looking for a dependable compact SUV found the car for them in the original MG ZS.
From young couples needing an SUV to last from their adventurous phase to bringing a new baby home, to parents needing a safe, reliable and budget-friendly second family runabout, to empty-nesters with grandkids in tow, looking for an SUV with easy-to-understand tech.
The MG ZS capably and dependably met the needs of all these Australians – and unsurprisingly, became the country’s favourite compact SUV four years in a row from 2021 to 2024.
Now, there’s a brand new generation ZS taking up the torch from the first car, itself launched in 2017. MG listened to feedback and took ideas from existing owners to create an even better compact SUV for another generation of Aussie drivers.
Based on first impressions, they’ve done it. In this article, we answer 10 questions Aussie buyers have about the new MG ZS – and how it builds on the benchmark established by the much-loved, popular original model.
1. Is the MG ZS now a hybrid?
Yes, it is. In 2025, hybrid is the hottest word in the Australian new car market, sales growing almost 80 per cent in 2024 and now with a 15 per cent market share.
For its own HYBRID+ system in the ZS, MG rethought hybrid powertrains, infusing established hybrid technology with its own electric vehicle (EV) experience. MG has deployed a hybrid battery approximately 40 per cent larger than rival systems, paired with a powerful in-built electric motor, efficient 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three-speed automatic hybrid transmission.
2. Does the MG ZS HYBRID+ drive like an electric car?
Because of its larger 1.83kWh NCM hybrid battery and 100kW electric motor, the MG ZS HYBRID+ operates in EV-mode for longer periods and up to higher speeds than many other hybrids.
Most of the time in the city, it drives in electric-only mode. That means smoother, more responsive acceleration and near-silent operation. Perfect if you’ve got sleeping kids in the back. When the petrol engine does kick in, it’s smooth and seamless and quiet. There are also three levels of adjustable regenerative braking in the ZS HYBRID+: High, Medium and Low, similar to what you’d find in most EVs.
3. Is the new MG ZS HYBRID+ fast?
With 158kW, the ZS HYBRID+ is surprisingly brisk. When you’re driving the ZS HYBRID+, pop it in Sport mode and you’ll be unleashing 158kW and 465Nm. That makes this compact SUV surprisingly fast and fun. It also means more confident overtaking on the open road.
4. How much fuel does the MG ZS HYBRID+ use?
Combined 4.7L/100km. MG hasn’t forgotten Australia is in a cost-of-living crisis and greater fuel efficiency makes the ZS HYBRID+ cheaper to run.
The HYBRID+ system saves you fuel and money as you drive. The technology works by recuperating energy from the brakes and storing it in the hybrid battery. The energy is then recycled under acceleration using the electric motor, saving petrol.
The MG ZS HYBRID+’s greater efficiency means the average Aussie driving 12,100km a year can expect to save around $340 annually compared to a non-hybrid compact SUV.
If you’re a country Aussie doing closer to 30,000km a year, the savings are more than $800 annually. Over many years of ownership, that adds up. The MG ZS HYBRID+’s greater driving range also means fewer visits to petrol stations – no bad thing.
5. What's the new MG ZS interior like?
It’s a much smarter, nicer place. Spec your ZS Essence model with the white, perforated leather-feeling upholstery and you might feel like you’ve treated yourself a bit too much. You shouldn’t.
The ZS democratises a luxury-feeling interior with its smart material choices and generous standard equipment, which, in the Essence grade, includes a six-way powered driver’s seat, front seat heaters, a leather steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof and much more
6. Does the new MG ZS have more space?
There’s a lot more space inside, especially the back. Whatever ZS grade is right for you, you will enjoy a comfortable – and more spacious – interior. The new ZS is 107mm longer than the model it replaces, with a 25mm-longer wheelbase, meaning abundant space in the back seat for adults. Your family will be future-proofed as little ones graduate from baby capsules into teenagers.
7. How big is the MG ZS boot?
At 443 litres, the MG ZS now has one of the biggest boots in its segment. The ZS’s larger dimensions mean a 23 per cent bigger boot, up 85 litres. From prams to weekly shops and medium-sized dogs, all are accommodated with ease. Fold down the 60/40 split-fold rear seats and you unlock 1457 litres of space, enough for several large moving boxes or a full-sized bicycle, without having to remove a wheel.
8. Does the MG ZS have Apple CarPlay?
The new MG ZS has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the ZS Essence, there’s a bright, crisp and clear 12.3-inch infotainment screen which is intuitive and responsive. There’s plenty more tech, too.
Connect your ZS to the MG iSMART app, and you can control and monitor your ZS fully remotely. Activate the front seat heaters on a cool day, or the air-conditioning on a hot one, before you get in the car.
Lock or unlock the car from a distance and check details like fuel levels, tyre pressure, and more – right from your phone. A high-definition, 360-degree parking camera gives a birds-eye view of the ZS – inviting you to fit into the tightest of parking spots.
9. How safe is the new MG ZS?
The new MG ZS comes with the latest safety technology standard. Feel confident putting your family in a modern vehicle, with the latest active and passive safety advancements, such as the new ZS.
MG’s semi-autonomous Pilot system offers adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and active lane-keeping, while there’s standard autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and junction intervention.
Blind-spot monitoring makes for more confident merging, while reversing sensors make backing up safer. The ZS’s active driver aids are ready to assist when needed.
10. How much is the 2025 MG ZS?
This is one of Australia’s best-value hybrid SUVs. Restyled with MG’s latest design language, the sleeker, smarter-looking new-generation ZS starts from just $26,990 drive-away (offer until May 31).
To get your HYBRID+ and maximise the fuel savings, prices start from $32,990 drive-away on the same limited-time offer. With two grades, three powertrains and seven colours, there’s an MG ZS for you.
Every MG is covered by an industry standout 10-year, 250,000km manufacturer warranty and competitive capped-price servicing. Five years of servicing an MG ZS HYBRID+ costs just $1232 – much cheaper than many rivals.
With its EV-like operation, MG’s HYBRID+ system is perfect for Aussies who don’t yet feel ready to make the switch to a full EV. There’s no need to plug it in or change your driving habits – simply get in and go, enjoying a more refined drive and lower fuel bills.
