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In an era when efficiency, affordability, and technology drive consumer decisions regarding family-friendly mobility, MG leads that pack with its MG ZS Hybrid+, a redesigned small hybrid SUV that ticks all the right boxes.
The MG ZS Hybrid+ builds on the brand’s overwhelming success with the original petrol-powered MG ZS since it was launched in Australia in late 2017, but the second-generation MG ZS – now available in both petrol and hybrid forms – arrives with a more sophisticated and refined exterior look.
Its bold front fascia, featuring a striking grille and sleek LED headlights, gives it a strong and appealing road presence. The aerodynamic sculpting, combined with stylish alloy wheels, ensures that this SUV doesn’t just perform efficiently – it also looks the part.
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MG has elevated the driving experience inside with a well-appointed cabin that blends practicality with modernity and comfort. It is tastefully designed with minimalism in mind, and packed with premium features.
It includes a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster incorporating a 7.0-inch digital screen that keeps the driver informed and entertained. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto further enhances the infotainment experience, making it easier to navigate, stream music, or stay in touch while on the move.
Premium touches like leather-style upholstery and powered (and heated) front seats in the top-spec Essence trim add to its sense of affordable luxury, and make it a comfortable space for both city commutes and longer road trips.
MG has also fully embraced the digital era by including its iSmart connectivity suite. It’s as simple as downloading the MG iSmart app on your smartphone to stay connected on the go.
The app allows drivers to control key vehicle functions remotely, like monitoring vehicle functions such as fuel level or tyre pressures, remotely controlling the locks and climate settings before stepping into the vehicle, or locating your vehicle in real-time, among other connected services. You’ll be surprised how massively convenient this functionality is for controlling the air-conditioning and remote locking alone.
At the heart of the MG ZS Hybrid+ is its innovative hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.83kWh battery, delivering a balanced mix of power and fuel economy.
With total system outputs of 158kW of power and 465Nm of torque, performance exceeds that of the petrol-only MG ZS variants, while offering fuel-saving efficiency that’s so appealing in this current cost-of-living crisis.
It’s especially effective in stop/start daily driving conditions, where brisk electric-only getaways from traffic lights and exits from busy junctions and intersections are made quicker and more safe by the instantaneous throttle response of the MG ZS Hybrid+ powertrain.
And by driving with smooth throttle control, you can enjoy fuel efficiency that closely matches MG’s combined consumption figure of just 4.7L/100km.
Accordingly, you can expect to get more than 700km from a full tank, or even more with longer stints on the highway. That’s above average for the segment, because this hybrid MG perform more efficiently than many of its rivals during cross-country jaunts and weekend adventures. That means low running costs for budget-conscious families and prudent fleet buyers alike.
MG also benefits from its standing among a stable of auto brands under the giant SAIC Motor group, with cutting-edge engineering competencies including bespoke electrification platforms and battery technologies.
The ZS Hybrid+ employs MG’s proprietary Hybrid+ powertrain platform, which incorporates eight intelligent propulsion modes that automatically adapt to your driving conditions, including an EV mode that allows for longer stints with electric-only power, so much so that you might think you’re driving a battery-electric vehicle for much of the time. It’s truly impressive in this regard.
Additionally, with Energy Regeneration Mode, you can optimise fuel efficiency by adjusting regen settings between High, Medium and Low, giving you full control over the level of retardation and energy recuperation during braking to recharge the battery as you drive and enhance overall efficiency.
You can also take your driving experience a step further with three selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. As the name suggests, Sport mode delivers a more dynamic, performance-focussed drive, while Eco mode is deigned to optimise fuel efficiency.
At all times, the response to steering, brake and throttle inputs are well calibrated and predictable, making this hybrid enjoyable to drive in a wide variety of conditions, and making it well suited to buyers looking to make the transition away from purely petrol power.
Thanks to the strategic placement of the dedicated hybrid battery at the rear, the front-end feels light and generally responsive, making this more manoeuvrable in tight spaces as well as fun to pedal through your favourite bends on the way home, if you’re that way inclined.
Visibility is excellent, too, both out the windscreen and on the sides of the car. Despite the relatively compact dimensions of the ZS, you sit high enough to have a commanding view of the road.
Safety also takes centre stage in the ZS Hybrid+. Equipped the advanced MG Pilot driver assistance suite, this small SUV comes with essential features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Automatic Emergency Braking. These features not only offer peace of mind but also contribute to making the roads safer for everyone.
Stretching almost 4.5 metres long overall, interior space remains one of the most significant advantages of the new MG ZS Hybrid+. There’s a versatile 443 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1457 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
That’s plenty of room for everything from everyday commuting to weekend getaways and even light-futy off-road trips to a secluded Airbnb. The well-thoughtout cabin design ensures comfort for the driver and passengers alike, boasting ample leg and head room, making it a top contender at the more affordable end of the small SUV segment.
All of this makes the MG ZS Hybrid+ an attractive alternative for those who want the benefits of electrification without fully committing to an all-electric vehicle.
Striking a fine balance between style, technology, efficiency and, above all, affordability, the first petrol-electric MG ZS is therefore a practical choice for both small families and older folk alike, whether they be urban or rural dwellers.
With competitive pricing, modern hybrid technology, and a feature-packed interior, the ZS Hybrid+ proves that MG is serious about providing value-driven, eco-conscious mobility solutions.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hybrid SUV that doesn’t compromise on looks, tech or practicality, the MG ZS Hybrid+ might just be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
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