2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ review

MG’s all-new small SUV range kicks off with a hybrid powertrain

MG ZS hybrid+ parked in from of wooden wall

A second generation of the MG ZS small SUV that helped raise the MG brand’s profile in Australia is out now, and available in an economical hybrid variant, the Hybrid+. Starting at a competitive $33,990 before on-road costs, it has sleek new styling inside and out, more passenger and cargo space, and an extensive standard features list. The hybrid system, while not particularly refined, is economical and offers good performance. The ride and handling on the ZS Hybrid+, however, still leave a lot to be desired.

How much does the MG ZS Hybrid+ cost?

The 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+’s $33,990 starting price sees it undercut popular rivals such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid 2WD ($47,030) and Hyundai Kona Hybrid ($36,500).

Unlike solely combustion-powered ZS variants, the Hybrid+ drivetrain combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, making it the most powerful and frugal in the range.

What is the MG ZS Hybrid+ like inside?

While its basic silhouette isn’t radically different, the latest ZS makes the old model look like a frump in comparison, with new alloy wheels, tapered headlights and a busier grille with chrome lip adding up to a sportier appearance.

It's a similar story inside, with the brand-new interior employing a ‘hexagonal’ theme everywhere from the steering wheel to the air vents and cup holders.

The driver display and infotainment screen are large, well-positioned and easy to use, although the air con is digitally operated unless you go to the trouble of programming it into the steering wheel controls.

The gear shifter is initially disconcerting in that there’s no button, not even an electronic one, and ergonomically it's still set for a left-hand drive market. In general, however, the cabin is functional and laid out well.

While the seats are comfortable, the thick PVC upholstery on the Essence (also repeated on the dashboard) gives a far more premium feel than the cloth in the Excite, and, if your budget can stretch the extra $3000, it’s worth it. There’s plenty of leg and head room in the rear, although the underside of the front seats is an odd shape, which limits foot space.

How safe is the MG ZS Hybrid+?

Standard safety features include dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags, Autonomous emergency braking, a lane support system with lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and an advanced speed assistance system with a speed sign recognition system.

ANCAP awarded the MG ZS Hybrid+ four out of five stars, some poor results in pedestrian protection scenarios pulling down its final score.

If the ZS Hybrid+ can make good on its claimed fuel consumption, expect it to jump to the top of the list for many hybrid shoppers.

— Kris Ashton

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What powers the MG ZS Hybrid+?

Under the bonnet is a purpose-built hybrid drivetrain which comprises a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (75kW/128Nm), an electric motor (100kW/250Nm), a 1.83kWh battery and a three-speed transmission.

Based on the way the ZS Hybrid+ is geared, MG claims a combined theoretical output of 158kW and 465Nm (but the latter is debatable).

An ‘intelligent’ hybrid control unit activates different components of the drivetrain depending on the car’s speed. For example, up to 30km/h the electric motor takes precedence for quick off-line-acceleration, between 30-50km/h the engine takes over and generator charges the battery, and at highway speeds the engine and motor work in tandem. It also has an energy regeneration function with three levels, like an EV. Claimed fuel consumption is 4.7L/100km using 95 octane petrol.

What is the MG ZS Hybrid+ like to drive? 

The electric motor gives the ZS Hybrid+ plenty of low-down torque to exploit gaps in traffic during suburban driving. The petrol engine kicks in (somewhat noisily) at 30km/h and its acceleration is less urgent but still adequate. With the engine and motor working in tandem at highway speeds, the Hybrid+ has breath to spare.

It's around town where it feels most at home and at lower speeds the ride and handling are fine. Get it onto a country road with bends and bumps, however, and it becomes apparent that in driving dynamics the ZS still trails many competitors.

The steering feels loose and unresponsive and, despite upgrades to several suspension components, it remains mushy in corners compared to the modern crop of small SUVs. Sport mode does nothing to rectify the situation.

What equipment does the MG ZS Hybrid+ come with?

The MG ZS Hybrid+ Excite’s standard features list is extensive and includes push-button start, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment display, satellite navigation, 360-degree camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The extra $3000 for the Essence buys a leather-wrapped steering wheel, PVC upholstery instead of cloth, an electric sunroof, heated front seats, and an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, among other luxuries.

Should I buy an MG ZS Hybrid+?

The previous ZS had ride and handling issues, too, and the general car-buying public cared not a whit. They saw a good-looking car with loads of goodies and a long warranty (recently increased to 10 years/250,000km) and handed over their cash in droves. If the ZS Hybrid+ can make good on its claimed fuel consumption, expect it to jump to the top of the list for many hybrid shoppers.