MG ZS Hybrid+ review: Price, specs, availability revealed

This hybrid SUV doesn’t mess around and it’s a sign emerging carmakers can challenge brands with a long history in Australia.

2025 MG ZS Hybrid+. Picture: Supplied

Get used to seeing this small SUV on the road, because there’s a good chance MG will sell plenty of ZS Hybrid models in Australia.



The existing MG ZS and ZST range was already Australia’s best-selling compact crossover, mainly down to the fact it started from just over $20,000.

Now, the prices are way up – the entry-level Excite is $33,990, while the flagship Essence is $36,990. Those prices are part of a drive-away promotion right now, too. 


MORE: 2024 MG HS SUV review

2025 MG ZS Hybrid+. Picture: Supplied

We’re talking significant increases then, but there will be cheaper petrol models arriving early in 2025, which – if the brand follows an identical strategy to the MG3 hatchback – should cost $4000 less.

There’s ample spec and tech included, too.

All grades have LED headlights, keyless entry and push-button start, a digital driver info screen and a big 12.3-inch touchscreen with sat nav, a 360-degree camera system, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (USB-A only, no wireless available).

There’s also climate control standard, rear air vents, and the range-topping model adds bigger wheels, a panoramic sunroof, fake leather interior trim, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

MORE: MG ZS Hybrid examined

2025 MG ZS Hybrid+. Picture: Supplied

Well worth the extra $3000.

There are still things missing, like reach adjustment for the steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, or memory settings for the driver’s seat are absent.

However, the interior is a massive step up from the last version, with a way more up-market design, and reasonably good usability too.

All the storage requirements are met upfront, and while the touchscreen takes some learning and there are some missing buttons and dials that would make it easier to live with, you do get used to the controls pretty quickly.

MORE: MG’s Game-changing 10-year warranty

2025 MG ZS Hybrid+. Picture: Supplied

Rear seat space is excellent – better than some SUVs the next category up – and while the rear seat misses out on an armrest with cupholders, it’s a very comfy space for adults or kiddos.

The boot capacity is good for the size of the car too, with 443 litres of cargo space, and there’s a bit of extra room below the boot floor because there’s no spare wheel, which is a downer.

The hybrid powertrain is carried over from the smaller MG3, with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine teamed to a punchy electric motor and a little 1.83kWh battery pack, all of which works together to send power to the front wheels via a three-speed auto transmission. Peculiar, right?

2025 MG ZS Hybrid+. Picture: Supplied

But this little rig has a total system output of 158kW and 465Nm.

Those numbers are impressive, but the fuel use is too – 4.7 litres per 100km is the claim, and I saw 5.2L/100km across a mix of urban, stop-start, highway, freeway and spirited driving.

This 4.4-metre SUV gets along rather rapidly, with good mid- to high-rev response, and a zippy feeling at low speeds if you’re feathering the throttle.

It switches between EV and hybrid modes smoothly, and in general, the drive experience is a far more enjoyable one than in the existing ZS models.

The ride is comfortable and mostly well composed, the steering is predictable at speed and reasonably urban friendly, too, and the surround-view camera makes parking a cinch, too.

It’s also the best-judged MG I’ve driven in terms of the advanced safety tech – it doesn’t constantly push you around in your lane, and there’s no driver monitoring camera to spoil your sideways glances.

Complaints?

The annoying speed sign beeping tech is too incessant and needs to be turned off each time you restart, and it can be a tad loud at highway speed.

MG offers a benchmark-setting 10-year/250,000km warranty, and the ZS Hybrid has a five-year capped-price servicing plan with intervals set at 12 months/15,000km, and an average cost of $246 per visit. You get 10 years of roadside assistance, too.

It all bodes well for the new-gen ZS petrol model, which could end up being one of the bargains of the new year.