Good
Ben Zachariah
2026 MG ZS review
The MG ZS Essence Turbo is the flagship of one of the most affordable models on the market – but is this small SUV good value, or just cheap?
4 Months Ago
Overview
Variant
Excite
Variant
Vibe
Body type
SUV
Body type
SUV
Engine size
1.5 L
Engine size
1.5 L
Drive type
Front
Drive type
Front
Fuel efficiency (combined)
6.7 / 100 km
Fuel efficiency (combined)
6.9 / 100 km
Power and torque
81kW / 140Nm
Power and torque
125kW / 275Nm
821km
797km
Warranty
10 years
Warranty
10 years
Doors
5
Doors
5
Seats
5
Seats
5
Fuel type
Premium Unleaded
Fuel type
Premium Unleaded
Safety rating
—
Safety rating
5 Stars
Specifications
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control: yes
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control: yes
Stop Go Function: Stop & Go
Power Outlet 12V
Location (12V): Front
Power Outlet 12V
Location (12V): Front
Mobile Integration
Android Auto: yes
Apple Carplay: yes
Mobile Integration
Android Auto: yes
Android Number of Months Subscription: Unlimited
Apple Carplay: yes
Apple Number of Months Subscription: Unlimited
Mirrorlink Months Subscription Included: 0
Vanity Mirror
Driver Mirror Illuminated: yes
Driver Mirror Location: Driver
Location: Passenger
Vanity Mirror
Driver Mirror Illuminated: yes
Driver Mirror Location: Driver
Passenger Mirror Illuminated: yes
Location: Passenger
Navigational Systems
Controls: Touch Screen
Information Type: 3d And Voice
Map Updates Months of Subscription: 0
Screen Size (in): 10.25
Navigational Systems
—
Parking Distance System
Location: Rear
Rear Type: Sensor & Camera
Location: Side
Parking Distance System
Location: Rear
Rear Type: Sensor & Camera
Remote Services
Beep Flash: yes
Driving History Analysis: yes
Find My Car: yes
Months Subscription Included: 12
Remote Lock Unlock: yes
Vehicle Diagnostics: yes
Remote Services
—
USB Charging Port
Location: Front
Number of Ports in Front: 2
USB Charging Port
Location: Front
Number of Ports in Front: 2
Location: Rear
Number of Ports in Rear: 2
Parking Assistance
—
Parking Assistance
Location: Rear
Rear Type: Guidance Display
Smart Card/Smart Key
—
Smart Card/Smart Key
Includes Keyless Entry: yes
Includes Keyless Start: yes
Electrical System
Voltage: 12
Electrical System
Voltage: 12
Emission Control Level
CO2 Level (Country Highway): 134
CO2 Level (Combined): 157
CO2 Level (Urban): 199
Standard Met: EU5
Emission Control Level
CO2 Level (Country Highway): 131
CO2 Level (Combined): 156
CO2 Level (Urban): 200
Standard Met: EU5
Engine
Engine (cc): 1495
Engine Configuration: In-Line
Engine (L): 1.5
Number of Cylinders: 4
Engine
Engine (cc): 1496
Engine Configuration: In-Line
Engine (L): 1.5
Number of Cylinders: 4
Compressor
—
Compressor
Compressor: Turbo
Number of Compressors: 1
Fuel
Generic Primary Fuel Type: Petrol
Minimum Fuel Octane Number: 95
Minimum Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
Octane Number: 95
Fuel
Generic Primary Fuel Type: Petrol
Minimum Fuel Octane Number: 95
Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
Octane Number: 95
Fuel Tanks
Main Capacity Gal: 14.5
Main Capacity (L): 55
Main Capacity Uk Gallons: 12.1
Main Type: Total
Fuel Tanks
Main Capacity Gal: 14.5
Main Capacity (L): 55
Main Capacity Uk Gallons: 12.1
Main Type: Total
Computer
Average Fuel Consumption: yes
Computer
Average Fuel Consumption: yes
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
Displays Pressure Reading: yes
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
Displays Pressure Reading: yes
Display Screen
Location: Dashboard Centre 1
Dashboard Centre 1 Screen Orientation: Fixed
Dashboard Centre 1 Screen Size (in): 10.25
Dashboard Centre 1 Touch Screen: yes
Location: Instrument Cluster 1
Instrument Cluster 1 Screen Size (in): 3.50
Display Screen
Location: Dashboard Centre 1
Dashboard Centre 1 Screen Orientation: Fixed
Dashboard Centre 1 Screen Size (in): 12.30
Dashboard Centre 1 Touch Screen: yes
Location: Instrument Cluster 1
Instrument Cluster 1 Screen Size (in): 12.30
Instrument Cluster
—
Instrument Cluster
Reconfigurable: yes
Fuel Consumption
ADR 81/02 Calculated Vehicle Range (km): 821
ADR 81/02 Calculated Vehicle Range (miles): 510
ADR 81/02 Combined (km/L): 14.9
ADR 81/02 Combined (L/100km): 6.7
ADR 81/02 Combined (miles per UK gallon): 42
ADR 81/02 Combined (mpg): 35
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (km/L): 17.5
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (L/100km): 5.7
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (miles per UK gallon): 50
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (mpg): 41
ADR 81/02 Standard: Adr 81/02
ADR 81/02 Urban (km/L): 11.8
ADR 81/02 Urban (L/100km): 8.5
ADR 81/02 Urban (miles per UK gallon): 33
ADR 81/02 Urban (mpg): 28
Fuel Consumption
ADR 81/02 Calculated Vehicle Range (km): 797
ADR 81/02 Calculated Vehicle Range (miles): 495
ADR 81/02 Combined (km/L): 14.5
ADR 81/02 Combined (L/100km): 6.9
ADR 81/02 Combined (miles per UK gallon): 41
ADR 81/02 Combined (mpg): 34
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (km/L): 17.2
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (L/100km): 5.8
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (miles per UK gallon): 49
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (mpg): 41
ADR 81/02 Standard: Adr 81/02
ADR 81/02 Urban (km/L): 11.2
ADR 81/02 Urban (L/100km): 8.9
ADR 81/02 Urban (miles per UK gallon): 32
ADR 81/02 Urban (mpg): 26
Power
Maximum Power (hp/PS): 110
Maximum Power (kW): 81
Maximum Torque (Nm): 140
Primary or Secondary Fuel Power Figure: Primary
Power
Maximum Power (hp/PS): 170
Maximum Power (kW): 125
Maximum Torque (Nm): 275
Primary or Secondary Fuel Power Figure: Primary
Fuel Economy
ADR 81/02 (L/100km): 6.7
Fuel Economy
ADR 81/02 (L/100km): 6.9
Performance
—
Performance
Maximum Speed (km/h): 195
Maximum Speed (mph): 121
Drive
Driven Wheels: Front
Drive
Descent Control System: yes
Driven Wheels: Front
Transmission
Description: Continuously Variable With Manual Mode
Manual Mode: yes
Number of Speeds: Variable
Shift Lever Location: Floor
Type: Automatic
Transmission
Description: Dual Clutch Sequential Trans (Dct)
Manual Mode: yes
Manual Sequential: yes
Number of Simulated Gears: 0
Number of Speeds: 7
Shift Lever Location: Floor
Type: Automatic
Disc Brakes
Number of Disc Brakes: 4
Number of Ventilated Disc Brakes: 2
Disc Brakes
Number of Disc Brakes: 4
Number of Ventilated Disc Brakes: 2
Power Steering
Variable Rack: yes
Power Steering
Variable Rack: yes
Vehicle Speed Proportional: yes
Steering Wheel
Height Adjustment: yes
Multi Function: yes
Type: Synthetic Leather
Steering Wheel
Height Adjustment: yes
Multi Function: yes
Telescopic Adjustment: yes
Type: Synthetic Leather
Suspension
Location: Front
Front Spring Type: Coil
Front Stabilizer Bar: yes
Front Type: Strut
Front Wheel Dependence: Independent
Location: Rear
Rear Spring Type: Coil
Rear Type: Torsion Beam
Rear Wheel Dependence: Semi-Independent
Suspension
Location: Front
Front Spring Type: Coil
Front Stabilizer Bar: yes
Front Type: Strut
Front Wheel Dependence: Independent
Location: Rear
Rear Spring Type: Coil
Rear Stabilizer Bar: yes
Rear Type: Multi-Link
Rear Wheel Dependence: Independent
Tires
Location: Front
Front Wheels Tire Profile: 60
Front Wheels Tire Type: Conventional/Summer
Front Wheels Tire Width: 215
Rear Wheels Tire Location: Rear
Rear Wheels Tire Profile: 60
Rear Wheels Tire Type: Conventional/Summer
Rear Wheels Tire Width: 215
Tires
Location: Front
Front Wheels Tire Profile: 60
Front Wheels Tire Type: Conventional/Summer
Front Wheels Tire Width: 215
Rear Wheels Tire Location: Rear
Rear Wheels Tire Profile: 60
Rear Wheels Tire Type: Conventional/Summer
Rear Wheels Tire Width: 215
Wheels
Location: Front
Front Wheels Rim Diameter (In): 16
Front Wheels Rim Type: Alloy
Location: Rear
Rear Rim Diameter (In): 16
Rear Rim Type: Alloy
Wheels
Location: Front
Front Wheels Rim Diameter (In): 18
Front Wheels Rim Type: Alloy
Front Wheels Two Tone: yes
Location: Rear
Rear Rim Diameter (In): 18
Rear Rim Type: Alloy
Rear Two Tone: yes
Body Style
Body Type: SUV
Local Body Type: SUV
Wheelbase Type: Short
Body Style
Body Type: SUV
Local Body Type: SUV
Wheelbase Type: Short
Spoiler
Location: Roof
Spoiler
Location: Roof
Cargo Capacity
Frunk Capacity (cu ft): 0.0
Frunk Capacity (L): 0
Measurement Standard: Manufacturer’S Own
Rear Seat Down (cu ft): 51.5
Rear Seat Down (L): 1457
Rear Seat Up to Lower Window (cu ft): 15.6
Rear Seat Up to Lower Window (L): 443
Cargo Capacity
Frunk Capacity (cu ft): 0.0
Frunk Capacity (L): 0
Measurement Standard: Manufacturer’S Own
Rear Seat Down (cu ft): 52.4
Rear Seat Down (L): 1484
Rear Seat Up to Lower Window (cu ft): 17.9
Rear Seat Up to Lower Window (L): 507
External Dimensions
Ground Clearance Unladen (in): 6.3
Ground Clearance Unladen (mm): 161
Overall Height (in): 64.4
Overall Height (mm): 1635
Overall Length (in): 174.4
Overall Length (mm): 4430
Overall Width (in): 71.6
Overall Width (mm): 1818
Wheelbase (in): 102.8
Wheelbase (mm): 2610
External Dimensions
Ground Clearance Unladen (in): 7.1
Ground Clearance Unladen (mm): 180
Overall Height (in): 65.2
Overall Height (mm): 1655
Overall Length (in): 183.3
Overall Length (mm): 4655
Overall Width (in): 74.4
Overall Width (mm): 1890
Wheelbase (in): 108.9
Wheelbase (mm): 2765
Doors
Location: Driver
Driver Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Passenger
Passenger Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Rear Driver
Rear Driver Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Rear Passenger
Rear Passenger Door Type: Front Hinged
Doors
Location: Driver
Driver Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Passenger
Passenger Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Rear Driver
Rear Driver Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Rear Passenger
Rear Passenger Door Type: Front Hinged
Rear Door
Type: Lifting Gate
Rear Door
Type: Lifting Gate
Headlights
High Beam Bulb Type: Halogen
Low Beam Bulb Type: Halogen
Lens Type: Ellipsoidal
Headlights
High Beam Bulb Type: LED
Low Beam Bulb Type: LED
Lens Type: Ellipsoidal
LED Lights
Location: Day Time Running Lights
LED Lights
Location: Brake Lights
Location: Day Time Running Lights
Location: High Beam
Location: Low Beam
Location: Rear Lights
Headlight Control
Dusk Sensor: yes
Headlight Control
Auto Highbeam: yes
Dusk Sensor: yes
Height Adjustment: Manual
Paint
External Colour: White
Type: Gloss
Paint
External Colour: Black
Multi Coat: yes
Type: Metallic
Door Mirrors/Cameras
Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras Colour: Painted
Heated Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras: yes
Driver Door Mirror Indicator Lights: yes
Mirrors/Cameras Location: Driver
Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras Type: Electrically Adjustable
Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras Colour: Painted
Heated Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras: yes
Passenger Door Mirror Indicator Lights: yes
Mirrors/Cameras Location: Passenger
Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras Type: Electrically Adjustable
Door Mirrors/Cameras
Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras Colour: Painted
Heated Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras: yes
Driver Door Mirror Indicator Lights: yes
Mirrors/Cameras Location: Driver
Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras Type: Electrically Adjustable
Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras Colour: Painted
Heated Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras: yes
Passenger Door Mirror Indicator Lights: yes
Mirrors/Cameras Location: Passenger
Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras Type: Electrically Adjustable
Power Windows
Front Electric Windows: Front
Rear Electric Windows: Rear
Power Windows
Front Electric Windows: Front
Rear Electric Windows: Rear
Windshield Wipers
Intermittent Wipe Windshield Wipers: Variable
Windshield Wipers
Intermittent Wipe Windshield Wipers: Automatic
Rain Sensor Windshield Wipers: yes
Weights
Gross Trailer Weight Braked (kg): 500
Gross Trailer Weight Braked (lb): 1102
Gross Trailer Weight Unbraked (kg): 500
Gross Trailer Weight Unbraked (lb): 1102
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): 1745
Gross Vehicle Weight (lb): 3847
Published Kerb Weight (kg): 1295
Published Kerb Weight (lb): 2855
Tare Weight (kg): 1261
Weights
Gross Trailer Weight Braked (kg): 1500
Gross Trailer Weight Braked (lb): 3307
Gross Trailer Weight Unbraked (kg): 750
Gross Trailer Weight Unbraked (lb): 1653
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): 2060
Gross Vehicle Weight (lb): 4542
Published Kerb Weight (kg): 1585
Published Kerb Weight (lb): 3494
Tare Weight (kg): 1554
Audio System
Digital Radio: yes
Radio Type: Am/Fm
Touch Screen: yes
Audio System
Digital Radio: yes
Radio Type: Am/Fm
Touch Screen: yes
External Connections
USB (Front): yes
Total 3rd Row USB Connections: 0
Total Front USB Connections: 1
External Connections
USB (Front): yes
USB (Rear): yes
Total 3rd Row USB Connections: 0
Total Front USB Connections: 2
Total Rear USB Connections: 2
Remote Audio Controls
Type: Steering Wheel Mounted
Remote Audio Controls
Type: Steering Wheel Mounted
Speakers
Number of Speakers: 4
Speakers
Number of Speakers: 6
Cargo Area Cover Rear Parcel Shelf
Type: Rigid
Cargo Area Cover Rear Parcel Shelf
Type: Flexible
Luxury Trim
Centre Floor Console: Piano Black
Doors: Alloy Look
Gear Selector: Alloy & Leather
Instrument Panel: Alloy Look
Luxury Trim
Centre Floor Console: Alloy Look
Doors: Synthetic Leather
Gear Selector: Leather
Instrument Panel: Synthetic Leather
Airbags
Number of Airbags: 6
Airbags
Number of Airbags: 7
Front Airbag
Location: Driver
Location: Passenger
Front Airbag
Location: Driver
Location: Passenger
Front Seat Belts
Driver Seat Position: Driver
Passenger Seat Position: Passenger
Front Seat Belts
Driver Height Adjustable: yes
Driver Seat Position: Driver
Passenger Height Adjustable: yes
Passenger Seat Position: Passenger
Head Restraints
Front Seats Location: Front Seats
Rear Seats Location: Rear Seats
Rear Seats Number: 2
Head Restraints
Front Seats Location: Front Seats
Rear Seats Location: Rear Seats
Rear Seats Number: 3
Rear Seat Belts
Center Seat Position: Centre
Center Type: 3-Point
Driver Seat Position: Driver
Passenger Seat Position: Passenger
Rear Seat Belts
Center Seat Position: Centre
Center Type: 3-Point
Driver Seat Position: Driver
Passenger Seat Position: Passenger
Side Airbag
Location: Front
Side Airbag
Location: Front
Side Curtain Airbag
Location: Front And Rear
Side Curtain Airbag
Location: Front And Rear
Autonomous Drive
Active Lane Control: yes
Level: 2 - Partial Automation
Traffic Sign Response: yes
Autonomous Drive
Active Lane Control: yes
Level: 2 - Partial Automation
Traffic Jam Assist: yes
Traffic Sign Response: yes
Lane Departure Warning
Activates Steering: yes
Lane Departure Warning
Activates Steering: yes
Overtaking Sensor
Active Without Turn Signal: yes
Overtaking Sensor
Active Without Turn Signal: yes
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance
Type: Sensor
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance
Includes Braking: yes
Type: Sensor
Crash Test Results
—
Crash Test Results
ANCAP Adult Occupant Score: 90.0
ANCAP Child Occupant Score: 87.0
ANCAP Date Tested: 20240501
ANCAP Overall: 5.0
ANCAP Pedestrian Score: 83.0
ANCAP Rating Expiry Date: 20301231
ANCAP Rating Year: 2024
ANCAP Safety Assist Score: 74.0
ANCAP Standard: Ancap
ANCAP Version Tested: 1.5t Vibe Dct
Front Seat
Driver Front Seat Height Type: Manual
Location: Driver
Driver Front Seat Reach Type: Manual
Driver Front Seat Reclining Type: Manual
Driver Front Seat Type: Bucket
Location: Passenger
Passenger Front Seat Reach Type: Manual
Passenger Front Seat Reclining Type: Manual
Passenger Front Seat Type: Bucket
Front Seat
Driver Front Seat Power Adjustable: yes
Driver Front Seat Height Type: Electric
Location: Driver
Driver Front Seat Lumbar Type: Manual
Driver Front Seat Number of Electrical Adjustments: 3
Driver Front Seat Reach Type: Electric
Driver Front Seat Reclining Type: Electric
Driver Front Seat Type: Bucket
Location: Passenger
Passenger Front Seat Reach Type: Manual
Passenger Front Seat Reclining Type: Manual
Passenger Front Seat Type: Bucket
Seat Upholstery
Additional Seat Material: Cloth
Main Seat Material: Cloth
Seat Upholstery
Additional Seat Material: Cloth
Main Seat Material: Cloth
Seating
Capacity: 5
Configuration: 2+3
Seating
Capacity: 5
Configuration: 2+3
Cup Holders
Location: Front Seats
Location: Rear Seats
Cup Holders
Location: Front Seats
Location: Rear Seats
Air Conditioning
Type: Manual
Air Conditioning
Type: Manual
Ventilation System
Engine Heater: yes
Ventilation System
—
Power Locks
Operation: Remote
Power Locks
Operation: Card Key
Intermediate Service
Distance (km): 10000
Distance (miles): 6214
Period (Months): 12
Intermediate Service
Distance (km): 15000
Distance (miles): 9321
Period (Months): 12
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