2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence Review

After cementing itself as both MG’s best-selling vehicle and the best-selling outright small SUV package here in Australia, an updated MG ZS range has arrived with two hybrid variants on offer.

Complete with redesigned bodywork, updated technology lists and a brand-new, fuel-efficient hybrid system that produces some decent on-paper figures, the ZS Hybrid+ is hard to ignore if you’re after some value in the hybrid-powered, small SUV segment.

MG’s ZS range is headlined by two hybrid versions, the entry-level Excite and the range-topping Essence to help win over buyers in the ever-competitive world of small SUVs, hoping that an undeniable value proposition with long warranty coverage will get buyers over the line.

Will it be enough? We got behind the wheel of the more premium MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence to find out how it stacks up as one of Australia’s cheapest small hybrid SUVs.

MG ZS Hybrid+ Competition

How Much Does the MG ZS Hybrid+ Cost?

MG’s entry-level ZS Hybrid+ Excite is priced from $33,990 drive-away.

Stepping up to the range-topping MG ZS Hybrid+ that we’re testing here brings the price to $36,990 drive-away.

• MG ZS Hybrid+ Excite - $33,990

• MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence - $36,990 (tested)

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MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the MG ZS Hybrid+ Have?

One of the main drawcards for the ZS Hybrid+ range is MG’s generous approach to features, especially in range-topping Essence form which picks up a long list of equipment.

Over the base model, the MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence receives a set of 18-inch alloys, as well as leatherette upholstery with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, a sunglasses stash and an illuminated vanity mirror.

It also picks up all the features you’d find in the entry-level MG ZS Hybrid+ Excite.

This means you’ll receive automatic LED headlights, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor with rear parking sensors, a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster with a 7.0-inch display and climate control.

For the money, there’s no faulting the MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence when it comes to equipment, with MG’s range-topper picking up a number of creature comforts that are difficult, if not impossible to find at this price.

MG ZS Hybrid+ Connectivity & Infotainment Features

Another key area the ZS Hybrid+ range has been updated for 2025 is the infotainment system.

Replacing the previous 8.0-inch display is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is nestled into the dashboard and makes for a substantial upgrade over the previous unit.

It makes a great first impression, helping to keep the cabin aesthetic nice and high-tech, particularly at this end of the price spectrum.

It’s a bright, high-definition display that responds well to touch inputs and has a simple menu layout with a permanent shortcuts banner on the right-hand side of the display.

There’s also physical shortcut buttons below the display for volume, home navigation, hazard lights, demister and fan on/off, though you’ll still need to control the temperature and fan speed for the climate control system.

You can also configure a pair of ‘favourite’ buttons mounted on either side of the steering wheel that can adjust the level of regenerative braking, bring up the surround view monitor and - thankfully - the climate settings.

MG’s infotainment system is packaged with satellite navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio and a six-speaker sound system.

Buyers also pick up a 12-month subscription to MG’s ‘iSmart’ connected services suite that offers remote vehicle diagnostics and location tracking and a range of vehicle controls via your smartphone.

Does the MG ZS Hybrid+ Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Buyers hoping for wireless smartphone mirroring are set to be disappointed because the MG ZS Hybrid+ range does not offer either wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.

Instead, you’ll need to bring your own USB-A cable to access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the sole USB-C cable acting solely as a charging outlet.

We’ll give MG a pass in this regard, simply because the added screen real estate in MY25 versions represents a big step forward for the ZS range and, at the very least, a wired connection does eliminate pesky drop-outs.

Is the MG ZS Hybrid+ Comfortable to Drive?

The driving experience has come a long way in MG’s baby SUV and while the new hybrid powertrain is great - there are a few drawbacks behind the wheel of the ZS Hybrid+.

Under the bonnet, the ZS Hybrid+ comes powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with an electric motor that produces a combined 158kW of power and 465Nm of torque.

It’s the same unit now powering the hybrid-only MG 3 lineup and likely more of MG’s vehicles as it grapples with fuel-efficiency standards and increased buyer demand for hybrid engines.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a three-speed hybrid transmission while power for the ZS’ electric motor is supplied by a 1.83kWh nickel cobalt manganese battery pack.

First impressions of the new hybrid powertrain are overwhelmingly positive.

There’s no shortage of power for the price while the smooth acceleration curve from the electric motor keeps things nice and refined under electric power.

Better yet, MG’s electric motor is happy to take care of acceleration up to 100km/h, effectively behaving like a full electric vehicle.

When the petrol engine does kick into life, it’s relatively subdued in the background, which is a good thing because it can hold some high revs to charge the battery and supply added power to the wheels.

One quirk is that MG’s software allows you to use far more of the battery than rivals, often dipping down to 15 per cent; this can leave you short on power at times because the petrol engine doesn’t bring a whole lot of life to the party.

MG says that this particular issue will be patched with a software update aimed at maintaning optimal power reserves for overtaking or climbing up a hill.

In terms of the driving experience, the ZS Hybrid+ is solid, if not a little boring.

Around town, the ZS is well-mannered and zippy thanks to the e-motor’s instant torque, though the steering leaves a lot to be desired.

It’s almost completely lifeless, offering little in the way of feedback.

That said, it gets the job done when it comes to effortless lock-to-lock steering that makes it a dream to park - undoubtedly a higher priority for buyers thanks to the featherweight steering rack.

The regenerative braking system can also be dialed up or down with three levels of adjustment, the most powerful of which is great for maximising your efficiency when driving around town.

One quirk that presented itself in the wet was that it was far too easy to overwhelm the Giti Comfort tyres with even partial throttle. While this doesn’t inspire confidence, it’s more reflective of the stock tyres than it is of the ZS itself.

The suspension package is a tad too stiff if you’re a country buyer looking for a long-distance cruiser. 

While the ZS Hybrid+ suspension setup can iron out some smaller bumps around town, it’s overwhelmed in the corners - resulting in some serious understeer - while bouncing around on a rougher stretch of Aussie B-road.

Upgrading to the ZS Hybrid+ Essence with its 18-inch alloys comes at some cost to the ride quality on country roads.

We think that some more local suspension tuning would go a long way for the ZS’ versatility with a wider range of Australian buyers.

That said, as a primarily city-dwelling small SUV package, the ZS Hybrid+ has all the important boxes ticked…. It’s easy to drive and easy to drive smoothly, the latter of which shows MG has come a long, long way.

On a smooth stretch of road, the ZS Hybrid+ is well-mannered while the highway driving experience is smooth and quiet, albeit with some road noise entering the cabin but nothing too significant.

To sum up the driving experience, there’s little, if anything, appealing on offer for enthusiasts but as a small, user-friendly SUV for the masses, the ZS Hybrid+ range has the bases covered.

Is the MG ZS Hybrid+ Fuel Efficient?

Arguably the most important question buyers have on their mind when looking at the MG ZS Hybrid+ is the fuel efficiency on offer.

We can report that MG’s claimed fuel economy figures of 4.7L per 100km on a combined cycle are, in fact, accurate and fairly easy to replicate in the real world.

This is no small feat and positions the ZS Hybrid+ range against some of the most fuel-efficient small SUVs currently on sale in Australia.

Our time behind the wheel saw us covering around 700km of highway, town and country driving, averaging 5.0L per 100km.

While it’s not the most fuel-efficient package on the market, it’s great to know that you can actually get close to MG’s official figures.

MG says that around town, the ZS Hybrid+ consumes 0.9L/100km while the highway cycle lifts these figures up to 6.9L/100km.

One drawback in terms of fuel is that buyers will need to keep the ZS Hybrid+ topped-up with RON95 fuel which is the minimum octane required for MG’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit.

Is the MG ZS Hybrid+ Practical and Spacious?

The MG ZS knocks it out of the park when it comes to space and practicality in the small SUV segment.

The previous-gen ZS did well on this front, too, though the update has made things even more accommodating for those inside the Hybrid+ range. 

Step inside and you’re greeted with a pretty handsome cabin for the price point; MG has done well modernising the cabin.

The cockpit offers a healthy amount of headroom for the segment and decent forward visibility thanks to the design of the nose.

The ZS’ front seats are incredibly soft, potentially too soft for some preferences - including ours - while the lack of telescopic reach adjustment meant that our preferred driving position was difficult to find.

The driver’s seat picks up six-way power adjustment which is a nice touch and offers a high-riding driving position for those who need a better view of their surroundings.

On the whole, things look and feel pretty solid, though we’d be remiss not to mention a potential quality issue in terms of the seat.

In our review vehicle, for example, the incredibly soft seat bolster seemed to buckle and expose the seat’s side mounting when placing our derriere down.

This may well be an issue relegated to our review vehicle but should be something to keep an eye on for potential deterioration.

There’s no shortage of cheaper trim pieces, though on the whole, MG has done well to make things look fresh, avoid smothering everything in piano black and give the important touch points a softer finish. 

The TFT instrument cluster looks a bit low-rent, though the addition of a 7.0-inch display inside adds a splash of modernity, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel with a slightly squared-off design feels nice in hand.

In terms of storage, the ZS Hybrid+ has the fundamentals covered thanks to a redesigned and raised centre console that separates the driver and front passenger.

There’s a rubber-lined stash for smartphones - though no wireless charger - as well as another storage tray hiding behind the gear lever.

You’ll also find a pair of small cupholders with an adjustable separator, added storage inside the folding armrest and glovebox, large door bins and a curious, extremely compact tier on the passenger’s side of the centre console.

Move to the second row of the cabin and things stay nice and practical inside the ZS Hybrid+.

Even behind a 185cm driving position, there was enough legroom in the second row for an adult which is quite the feat for the small SUV segment.

It’s not palatial, but there is more than enough room to keep kids and teenagers happy back here so long as you don’t draw the short straw and sit in the middle.

Amenities are pretty basic in the back of the ZS Hybrid+, with air vents and a solitary USB-A charging port on offer alongside map pockets and door bins.

All things considered, interior space and practicality in the latest ZS Hybrid+ has improved over its predecessor while the usable second-row makes it hard to ignore in the pint-sized SUV segment.

How Big is the MG ZS Hybrid+ Boot?

Typically, boot space can prove a mere afterthought for the small SUV segment.

The ZS, though, offers a healthy amount of boot space that makes it one of the more practical members of the compact SUV range.

With the rear seats standing, the ZS Hybrid+ boot measures 443L which is both great for the segment and a substantial increase over the previous-generation ZS which had a 359L boot.

Fold the rear seats down and you’ll unlock a total of 1,457L worth of boot capacity.

There’s no powered boot lift available and just a tyre repair kit hiding beneath the boot floor, though an adjustable floor and some side pockets and bag hooks add to the ZS Hybrid’s practicality chops.

• Boot Space Minimum: 443L

• Boot Space Maximum: 1,457L 

Is it Safe?

MG bundles the ZS Hybrid+ with a lengthy list of active safety tech which, behind the wheel, can prove both a blessing and a curse.

As standard, buyers pick up autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, safe exit warnings, tyre pressure monitoring, a surround-view monitor with rear parking sensors and six airbags inside the cabin.

As is common for modern vehicles, all that active safety tech can provide a chorus of beeps and bongs if you’re not on your absolute best behaviour, though MG’s tech is better calibrated than many of its domestic rivals.

While the intelligent cruise assist system worked well, even on some stretches of country roads, the ZS’ over-speed alert kicks into life when you’re a single kilometre over the limit and the lane-centring can make some curious and forceful corrections.

Many of these can be disabled with just a few touches of the display, though they’ll all return by default the next time you switch the ZS on.

Does the MG ZS Hybrid+ Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The MG ZS+ Hybrid range has picked up a four-star ANCAP safety rating after scoring the following marks in 2024 testing.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 75%

• Child Occupant Protection: 84%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 73%

• Safety Assist: 79%

ANCAP’s four-star rating for the MG ZS Hybrid+ is valid until December 2030.

What Warranty Does the MG ZS Hybrid+ Come With?

One area that the ZS Hybrid+ blows many of its competitors out of the water is the warranty coverage.

MG’s previous seven-year warranty has been stretched out to a ten-year/250,000-kilometre ownership program which is currently Australia’s longest warranty.

The company also offers a ten-year/250,000-kilometre for the ZS Hybrid+ battery and electric motor.

Capped-price servicing deals for the MG ZS Hybrid+ stand at a very reasonable $1,232 over the course of five visits to the service centre.

Service intervals for the MG ZS Hybrid+ sit at 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence Worth it?

The MG ZS Hybrid is arguably the company’s best vehicle sold in Australia to date.

The outgoing ZS was a great option in the value-centric segment, while the addition of a hybrid engine that adds more power and offers attainable fuel efficiency makes it hard to ignore if you’re after a good deal.

In terms of whether it’s worth upgrading to the Essence, specifically, we’re still torn on that one.

There’s a handsome amount of kit for the money, though the fundamentals of the package, namely the hybrid powertrain and practical interior remain the same while the ride quality is actually better with the smaller 17-inch alloys.

We’d argue that if you’re looking at the ZS Hybrid, you’re a value-conscious buyer and in this respect, perhaps sticking with the most affordable variant makes more sense because you’re not dancing as closely to some pricier rivals.

That said, comparing even the range-topping ZS Hybrid+ Essence to direct rivals and their price tags, features lists and warranty coverage, it represents an undeniable value proposition and a substantial upgrade to Australia’s best-selling small SUV.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price.

Five MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence Specs You Need to Know

1. Ten-year/250,000-kilometre warranty

2. 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol + electric motor hybrid

3. 443 - 1,457L boot space

4. 4.7L/100km fuel economy figures (combined cycle)

5. Four-star ANCAP safety rating