MG ZS - Pros & cons

It has been quite a transformative journey from being a sports-based to a utility-oriented roadster. Yes, we are talking about the MG which has come up with all new ZS range split into three different variants- Excite Excite Plus and the top end Essence. 

Considering the design cue of the compact SUV and whats present under the hood bolstered with economic pricing, it is really tough to undermine its potential to become the best option in its segment. The top-end variant does have extra oomph with value additions which will be discussed in the pros section. Having said that there is always room for improvement and a couple of aspects that could have been better.

What makes MG ZS worth it?

The basic parameters which will present itself are style, performance, and safety. So, if your perception of an ideal compact SUV is based on the same parameter, then the question of MG ZS being worth it is a complete no brainer. Let us unravel layer by layer what’s so special about the style, performance, and safety.  

MG ZS pricing 

Variant	Price
MG ZS Essence	$26,990
MG ZS  Excite plus	$24,990
MG ZS  Excite	$22,990

Engine specifications

The three variants of the MG ZS covers two different engine configurations. The basic Excite version is fitted with a 1.5-litre NA inline petrol mill. On the other hand, Excite Plus and Essence both function on a 1.0-litre Turbo petrol engine.

	Excite	Excite Plus/Essence
Engine	1.5-Litre NA inline petrol	1.0-Litre Turbo inline petrol
Max Power (KW)	84 @ 6000 rpm	82 @ 5200 rpm
Max Torque (Nm)	150 @ 4500 rpm	160 @ 1800-4700 rpm
Transmission	4-Speed auto	6-Speed auto

MG ZS Pros

Affordable pricing

The pricing strategy adopted for this compact SUV seems to augur well the families looking for affordable SUVs. It is probably one of the biggest vantage points of MG ZS. The price varies within the variant at a constant rate of two grand. 

If you are short on budget and cannot spend that extra $2,000 to upgrade from the entry-level to plus, it hardly matters the powertrain is still strong enough. Also, do not worry about the turbo charge aspect of it. The performance is more or less the same barring the longer trips where you might have to adjust with marginally low fuel efficiency. 

Further, if for some reason you cannot upgrade from Plus to Essence, things won’t change drastically, as you have the engine propelling the performance. At the end of the day, it’s having that extra addition under the kit, which is a personal choice rather than a necessity.              

Spacious and stylish 

One thing which is common about all the three variants is that they are unmistakeably impressive both in terms of design and style. On the front, the signature headlights leading towards the chrome grille which has the MG logo makes itself a force to reckon regardless of its compact nature. The paint finish on the outside, leading all the way down to the 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels gives the four-wheeler a contemporary look. 

Not mention the curve at the back, which makes fits in the taillights with the most stylish fashion possible. The exteriors and roof panel are incorporated in a fashion which provides more space on the inside. So, there is no cramping up in the back seat, the legs can be fully extended. However, an armrest at the rear could have been better. But it makes up for it by providing ample cargo space which ranges anywhere between 359 litres to 1166 litres.

Safety 

Safety seems on the top priority list of the MG as it mostly covers all the standard safety features, barring a few. First and foremost, it has six air safety bags with full-length curtains, which is complemented well by the other safety features like electronic brakeforce distribution based ABS brakes which regulate the force that has to be applied on wheels for a halt. Other features like hill launch assist and emergency brake assist are also added in the MG ZS specs sheet to complete the safety setup.         

Cons of MG ZS 

ANCAP rating four-star

The problem here really isn’t the fact that it secures four stars in the ANCAP ratings. The real deal is the answer to why it could not get the perfect five. With the enumerable safety option, it is hard to overlook facts like- it does not have an AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) system and not just that it also lacks safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist.       

Power and fuel economy

Not so much for the Excite Plus and Essence trim, but base variant doesn’t deliver the power for all-terrain. It stems from the fact that the engine is led by four-speed automatic transmission, which simply does not hold a good fuel economy, a slight enhancement could have made it better.  

Summing up

The MG ZS is for those who are looking for a compact SUV at a lower cost. It is getting tough competition from the rivals like Honda HR-V. Mazda CX-3, etc. But surely when it comes to a great deal in the tight budget there is one an only MG ZS. 

Also read: 2020 MG HS - Top alternatives