The MG ZST enters 2022 unchanged, with a four-model range priced from $25,290 drive-away.

    Introduced in 2020, the ZST sits between the regular ZS (which has been pared back to just one, price-leading model) and the electric ZS EV.

    Effectively an updated ZS with a suite of active safety technology and a more powerful engine option, MG advertises the ZST as a separate model.

    When it comes to the VFACTS sales charts, however, the ZS, ZST and ZS EV are all lumped together.

    Through 2021, the combined range was Australia’s best-selling small SUV range. With 18,423 sold, it finished the year comfortably ahead of the Mitsubishi ASX (14,764 sales) and Hyundai Kona (12,748 sales) on the sales charts.

    Pricing

    • 2021 MG ZST Core: $25,490
    • 2021 MG ZST Vibe: $26,990
    • 2021 MG ZST Excite: $29,990
    • 2021 MG ZST Essence: $32,990

    All prices are drive-away.

    Engines

    The MG ZST Core and Vibe are powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine making 84kW of power and 150Nm of torque, sent through the front wheels through a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).

    The MG ZST Excite and Essence are powered by a 1.3-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine with 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque, sent through the front wheels through a six-speed torque converter automatic.

    Fuel Economy

    Claimed fuel economy for the MG ZST Core and Vibe is 6.9 litres per 100km on the combined cycle. The Essence and Excite use a claimed 7.1L/100km.

    The ZST requires 95 RON premium unleaded with the 1.3-litre turbocharged engine, and 91 RON regular with the 1.5-litre engine. The Core and Vibe have a 48L fuel tank, and the Excite and Essence have a 45L fuel tank.

    Dimensions

    The MG ZST measures 4323mm long, 1809mm wide and 1653mm tall, with a 2585mm tall wheelbase.

    Tare mass is 1295kg and the maximum braked towing capacity is 500kg.

    Boot space is 359 litres with the rear seats upright, and 1187L with them folded flat.

    Servicing and Warranty

    The MG ZST is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with seven years of roadside assist.

    Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. Five years of servicing in the 1.5-litre costs $1505, while the 1.3-litre costs $1566.

    Safety

    The ZST hasn’t been crash tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, but the ZS on which it’s based has a four-star rating from testing carried out in 2017.

    It’s worth mentioning though that the ZS EV, which also features the same suite of active safety technology as the ZST, scored a five-star rating based on testing carried out in 2019.

    Standard safety equipment on all ZST models includes:

    • Autonomous emergency braking
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Surround-view camera

    Standard Equipment

    Standard equipment in the base ZST Core includes:

    • 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display
    • Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Automatic headlights
    • Automatic high-beam
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Keyless entry and start
    • LED headlights and tail lights
    • Four-speaker sound system
    • Cloth upholstery
    • Centre armrest

    The ZST Vibe adds:

    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Six-speaker sound system
    • Satellite navigation
    • Front fog lights
    • 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels
    • Leatherette upholstery

    The ZST Excite adds:

    • Turbocharged 1.3-litre engine
    • Red brake calipers

    Moving up to the ZST Essence adds:

    • Unique 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Digital instrument cluster
    • Embossed MG logo on headrests
    • Heated front seats
    • Six-way power driver’s seat

    Every colour apart from solid white and black are $700.

    MORE: MG ZST news, reviews, comparisons and videos

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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