MGZS

The ZS petrol is the entry point to MG's small family SUV, costing £21,495 in SE trim. It uses the same roomy body as the ZS Hybrid+ but pairs it with a simple non-turbo petrol engine and a manual gearbox, keeping the price close to that of a supermini.

## Engine and economy

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 115 PS, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. There's no hybrid assistance, so it's the least efficient ZS but also the simplest – no battery, no charging, and a quick refuel. Buyers covering lots of urban miles will find the Hybrid+ noticeably cheaper to run.

## Performance and driving

With 115 PS in a family-sized SUV, performance is modest and you'll need to plan motorway overtakes. MG has tuned it for comfort and easy control: light steering suits town driving and the suspension soaks up bumps reasonably well. It isn't sporty, but it's relaxed and easy to drive.

## Interior and space

Space is the ZS's strong point. The body is 4,430 mm long, and the boot holds 443 litres, rising to 1,457 litres with the rear seats folded – more than most rivals at this price. The 2026 SE gets black cloth trim, heated front seats, a six-way electrically adjustable driver's seat and a leather-style steering wheel.

## Technology and safety

SE trim includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with sat nav and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch driver display, six speakers, a Bluetooth phone key, a 360-degree camera with rear sensors and a wireless phone charger. MG Pilot adds autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, plus LED projector headlights and 17-inch alloys.

## Who is it for?

Families on a tight budget who need space more than speed and prefer a manual gearbox. Rivals include the Dacia Duster, Skoda Kamiq and Hyundai Bayon; the ZS offers more equipment and boot space than most of them for the money.