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?
9 Months Ago
MG ZS vs Citroen C3 Aircross
Comparing 2 of 3 vehicles
Overview
Variant
Vibe
Variant
Shine
Body type
SUV
Body type
SUV
Engine size
1.5 L
Engine size
1.2 L
Drive type
Front
Drive type
Front
Fuel efficiency (combined)
6.7 / 100 km
Fuel efficiency (combined)
6.6 / 100 km
Power and torque
81kW / 140Nm
Power and torque
81kW / 205Nm
821km
682km
Warranty
10 years
Warranty
5 years
Doors
5
Doors
5
Seats
5
Seats
5
Fuel type
Premium Unleaded
Fuel type
Premium Unleaded
Safety rating
4 Stars
Safety rating
—
Specifications
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control: yes
Stop Go Function: Stop & Go
Cruise Control
—
Power Outlet 12V
Location (12V): Front
Power Outlet 12V
Location (12V): Front
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
Mobile Integration
Android Auto: yes
Apple Carplay: yes
Mirrorlink: yes
Vanity Mirror
Driver Mirror Illuminated: yes
Driver Mirror Location: Driver
Passenger Mirror Illuminated: yes
Location: Passenger
Vanity Mirror
Driver Mirror Location: Driver
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
Controls: Touch Screen
Information Type: Full Map And Voice
Screen Size (in): 7.0
Traffic Info: yes
Parking Distance System
Location: Rear
Rear Type: Sensor & Camera
Location: Side
Parking Distance System
Location: Front
Front Type: Sensor
Location: Rear
Rear Type: Sensor & Camera
USB Charging Port
Location: Front
Number of Ports in Front: 3
Location: Rear
Number of Ports in Rear: 2
USB Charging Port
—
Bluetooth
—
Bluetooth
Includes Music Streaming: yes
Includes Phone Connection: yes
Media Control
—
Media Control
Touch Screen: yes
Voice Activating System
—
Voice Activating System
Includes Navigation System: yes
Includes Phone: yes
Parking Assistance
—
Parking Assistance
Location: Rear
Rear Type: Full Auto Park & Perpendicular & Exit
Smart Card/Smart Key
—
Smart Card/Smart Key
Includes Keyless Entry: yes
Includes Keyless Start: yes
Type: Automatic
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 (Combined): 149
Standard Met: EU6
Engine
Engine (cc): 1495
Engine Configuration: In-Line
Engine (L): 1.5
Number of Cylinders: 4
Engine
Bore Engine: 75.0
Engine (cc): 1199
Engine Configuration: In-Line
Engine (L): 1.2
Number of Cylinders: 3
Number of Valves per Cylinder: 4
Stroke Engine: 90.5
Variable Valve Timing Camshaft: yes
Compressor
—
Compressor
Compressor: Turbo
Number of Compressors: 1
Energy Recuperation
—
Energy Recuperation
Engine: yes
Fuel
Generic Primary Fuel Type: Petrol
Minimum Fuel Octane Number: 95
Minimum Fuel Type: Unleaded
Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
Octane Number: 95
Fuel
Generic Primary Fuel Type: Petrol
Minimum Fuel Octane Number: 95
Minimum Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
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: 11.9
Main Capacity (L): 45
Main Capacity Uk Gallons: 9.9
Main Type: Total
Fuel System
—
Fuel System
Injection Carburetion: Gasoline Direct Injection & Multi-Point
Computer
Average Fuel Consumption: yes
Computer
Average Fuel Consumption: yes
Average Speed: yes
Instantaneous Fuel Consumption: yes
Range for Remaining Fuel: yes
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
Displays Pressure Reading: yes
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
—
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 Size (in): 7.0
Dashboard Centre 1 Touch Screen: yes
Instrument Cluster
—
Instrument Cluster
Head Up Display: Panel
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
WLTP ICE Calculated Vehicle Range (km): 821
WLTP ICE Calculated Vehicle Range (miles): 510
WLTP ICE Combined (km/L): 14.9
WLTP ICE Combined (L/100km): 6.7
WLTP ICE Combined (miles per UK gallon): 42
WLTP ICE Combined (mpg): 35
WLTP ICE Standard: Wltp Ice
Fuel Consumption
ADR 81/02 Calculated Vehicle Range (km): 682
ADR 81/02 Calculated Vehicle Range (miles): 424
ADR 81/02 Combined (km/L): 15.2
ADR 81/02 Combined (L/100km): 6.6
ADR 81/02 Combined (miles per UK gallon): 43
ADR 81/02 Combined (mpg): 36
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (km/L): 19.2
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (L/100km): 5.2
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (miles per UK gallon): 54
ADR 81/02 Country Highway (mpg): 45
ADR 81/02 Standard: Adr 81/02
ADR 81/02 Urban (km/L): 11.1
ADR 81/02 Urban (L/100km): 9.0
ADR 81/02 Urban (miles per UK gallon): 31
ADR 81/02 Urban (mpg): 26
Power
Maximum Power (hp/PS): 110
Maximum Power (kW): 81
Maximum Torque (Nm): 140
Measurement Standard: EEC
Primary or Secondary Fuel Power Figure: Primary
Power
Maximum Power (hp/PS): 110
Maximum Power (kW): 81
Maximum Torque (Nm): 205
Measurement Standard: EEC
Primary or Secondary Fuel Power Figure: Primary
Rpm For Maximum Power Low: 5500
Rpm For Maximum Torque Low: 1500
Fuel Economy
ADR 81/02 (L/100km): 6.7
Fuel Economy
ADR 81/02 (L/100km): 6.6
Performance
—
Performance
Acceleration 0 To 100 km/h: 11.8
Maximum Speed (km/h): 183
Maximum Speed (mph): 114
Drive
Driven Wheels: Front
Drive
Driven Wheels: Front
Transmission
Description: Continuously Variable With Manual Mode
Manual Mode: yes
Number of Simulated Gears: 0
Number of Speeds: Variable
Shift Lever Location: Floor
Type: Automatic
Transmission
Description: Automatic With Manual Mode
Manual Mode: yes
Number of Speeds: 6
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
Vehicle Speed Proportional: yes
Power Steering
Vehicle Speed Proportional: yes
Steering Wheel
Height Adjustment: yes
Multi Function: yes
Telescopic Adjustment: yes
Type: Alloy & Leather
Steering Wheel
Height Adjustment: yes
Multi Function: yes
Telescopic Adjustment: yes
Type: Leather & Piano Black
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 Type: Torsion Beam
Rear Wheel Dependence: Semi-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
Front Wheels Tire Load Index: 84
Location: Front
Front Wheels Tire Low Rolling Resistance: yes
Front Wheels Tire Profile: 50
Front Wheels Tire Speed Rating: H
Front Wheels Tire Type: Conventional/Summer
Front Wheels Tire Width: 215
Rear Wheels Tire Load Index: 84
Rear Wheels Tire Location: Rear
Rear Wheels Tire Low Rolling Resistance: yes
Rear Wheels Tire Profile: 50
Rear Wheels Tire Speed Rating: H
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): 17
Front Wheels Rim Type: Alloy
Front Wheels Rim Width (In): 7.0
Front Wheels Two Tone: yes
Location: Rear
Rear Rim Diameter (In): 17
Rear Rim Type: Alloy
Rear Wheels Rim Width (In): 7.0
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
Platform Code: PF1
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
Measurement Standard: VDA
Rear Seat Down (cu ft): 45.5
Rear Seat Down (L): 1289
Rear Seat Up to Lower Window (cu ft): 14.5
Rear Seat Up to Lower Window (L): 410
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
Kerb to Kerb Turning Circle (mm): 10800
Front Track (in): 59.6
Front Track (mm): 1513
Kerb To Kerb Turning Circle (ft): 35.4
Overall Height (in): 64.4
Overall Height (mm): 1637
Overall Length (in): 163.6
Overall Length (mm): 4155
Overall Width (in): 69.1
Overall Width (mm): 1756
Rear Track (in): 58.7
Rear Track (mm): 1491
Wheelbase (in): 102.5
Wheelbase (mm): 2604
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: Halogen
Low Beam Bulb Type: Halogen
Lens Type: Complex Surface
LED Lights
Location: Brake Lights
Location: Day Time Running Lights
Location: Rear Lights
LED Lights
Location: Day Time Running Lights
Headlight Control
Dusk Sensor: yes
Headlight Control
Dusk Sensor: yes
Height Adjustment: Manual
Paint
External Colour: White
Type: Gloss
Paint
External Colour: Blue
Two Tone: yes
Type: Gloss
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: Toned
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: Toned
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
Rain Sensor Windshield Wipers: yes
Privacy Glass
—
Privacy Glass
Location: Rear
Location: Rear Side
Rear View Mirror Camera
—
Rear View Mirror Camera
Auto Dimming: 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): 1266
Weights
Gross Trailer Weight Braked (kg): 840
Gross Trailer Weight Braked (lb): 1852
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): 1805
Gross Vehicle Weight (lb): 3979
Published Kerb Weight (kg): 1161
Published Kerb Weight (lb): 2560
Tare Weight (kg): 1120
Audio System
Digital Radio: yes
Radio Type: Am/Fm
Touch Screen: yes
Audio System
Colour Screen: yes
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
Total Rear USB Connections: 0
External Connections
iPod Connection (Front): yes
USB (Front): yes
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: Rigid
Luxury Trim
Centre Floor Console: Piano Black
Doors: Synthetic Leather
Gear Selector: Alloy & Leather
Instrument Panel: Alloy Look
Luxury Trim
Gear Selector: Leather
Airbags
Number of Airbags: 6
Airbags
Number of Airbags: 6
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 Pre Tensioners: yes
Driver Seat Position: Driver
Passenger Height Adjustable: yes
Passenger Pre Tensioners: yes
Passenger Seat Position: Passenger
Head Restraints
Front Seats Location: Front Seats
Rear Seats Location: Rear Seats
Rear Seats Number: 3
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
—
Lane Departure Warning
Activates Steering: yes
Lane Departure Warning
—
Overtaking Sensor
Active Without Turn Signal: yes
Includes Collision Avoidance: yes
Overtaking Sensor
—
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance
Type: Sensor
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance
—
Crash Test Results
ANCAP Date Tested: 20171207
ANCAP Overall: 4.0
ANCAP Pedestrian Score: 69.8
ANCAP Rating Year: 2017
ANCAP Standard: Ancap
ANCAP Version Tested: 1.5 Litre Petrol Zs Core
Crash Test Results
—
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 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
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
Storage
—
Air Conditioning
Type: Manual
Air Conditioning
Type: Fully-Auto
Climate Control - Number of Zones: 1
Ventilation System
Engine Heater: yes
Touch Screen Controls: yes
Ventilation System
Digital Display: yes
Heater Type: Combustion
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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