Likes
- Stylish and modern design
- Competitive pricing in its segment
- Spacious interior with comfortable seating
- Long, 7-year warranty
Used MG ZS review
2017 - 2022
Dislikes
- Lacklustre engine performance
- Mediocre handling and ride quality
- Interior materials may feel cheap and low-quality
- List of faults and concerns is a worry
Stuff you should know
The MG ZS, manufactured between 2017 and 2022, is a compact SUV that garnered attention for its value for money. The ZS offers a stylish design with distinctive features. It boasts a well-equipped interior, including a user-friendly infotainment system and comfortable seating.
The SUV is available in different trims and engine options, offering flexibility to potential buyers. In terms of performance, the ZS delivers a smooth and quiet ride, suitable for city driving.
With its affordable price point and decent fuel efficiency, the MG ZS aimed to compete with established players in the compact SUV segment. While it offered amazing value when new, should you consider buying one used? Read on…
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- There are reports of premature rusting, some owners have reported rust spots as early as a few months after purchasing a new car.
- On some vehicles, the boot struts are beginning to give way. This is an easy fix, however.
Interior:
- Some owners complain about the cruise control system struggling to keep the Zs at a consistent speed.
- There are reports of the sound system being noticeably low quality and budget.
- Some owners report issues with the infotainment screen not turning on. While others note how generally slow the CPU is.
Mechanically:
- Many owners note that the automatic transmission struggles to find the correct gear. This issue is compounded when paired with the turbo lag from the 1.0-litre turbo petrol models.
- Several owners report that that brakes can feel unresponsive.
Recalls:
- November 2018 – Potential software fault with Stability Control System (SCS) in MG ZS (2016-2018). 1,823 units affected. Heavy steering feel due to decreased power steering assistance poses hazards to occupants and road users.
Exterior:
- There are reports of premature rusting, some owners have reported rust spots as early as a few months after purchasing a new car.
- On some vehicles, the boot struts are beginning to give way. This is an easy fix, however.
Interior:
- Some owners complain about the cruise control system struggling to keep the Zs at a consistent speed.
- There are reports of the sound system being noticeably low quality and budget.
- Some owners report issues with the infotainment screen not turning on. While others note how generally slow the CPU is.
Mechanically:
- Many owners note that the automatic transmission struggles to find the correct gear. This issue is compounded when paired with the turbo lag from the 1.0-litre turbo petrol models.
- Several owners report that that brakes can feel unresponsive.
Recalls:
- November 2018 – Potential software fault with Stability Control System (SCS) in MG ZS (2016-2018). 1,823 units affected. Heavy steering feel due to decreased power steering assistance poses hazards to occupants and road users.
Exterior:
- There are reports of premature rusting, some owners have reported rust spots as early as a few months after purchasing a new car.
- On some vehicles, the boot struts are beginning to give way. This is an easy fix, however.
Interior:
- Some owners complain about the cruise control system struggling to keep the Zs at a consistent speed.
- There are reports of the sound system being noticeably low quality and budget.
- Some owners report issues with the infotainment screen not turning on. While others note how generally slow the CPU is.
Mechanically:
- Many owners note that the automatic transmission struggles to find the correct gear. This issue is compounded when paired with the turbo lag from the 1.0-litre turbo petrol models.
- Several owners report that that brakes can feel unresponsive.
Recalls:
- November 2018 – Potential software fault with Stability Control System (SCS) in MG ZS (2016-2018). 1,823 units affected. Heavy steering feel due to decreased power steering assistance poses hazards to occupants and road users.
Should you buy it?
There’s no denying the MG ZS is a great option for someone looking for a safe, value-packed SUV with a long warranty. Other than the MG3, the MG ZS was one of MG’s first vehicles used to re-launch MG back into the mainstream in the late 2010s.
While there has been great improvement in MG offerings in Australia in the past couple of years, there are concerns over the longevity of the early model ZSs. The what goes wrong section details some of the issues many owners reporting.
You shouldn’t necessarily be put off by the list of concerns, the issues won’t affect every vehicle, and many owners have had a trouble-free experience with the ZS.
The saving grace of the MG ZS is the low price and the enormous warranty, and the fact (as of publishing) all MG ZSs will still have some factory support left on them, so any concerns should still be fixed up by the factory.
There’s no denying the MG ZS is a great option for someone looking for a safe, value-packed SUV with a long warranty. Other than the MG3, the MG ZS was one of MG’s first vehicles used to re-launch MG back into the mainstream in the late 2010s.
While there has been great improvement in MG offerings in Australia in the past couple of years, there are concerns over the longevity of the early model ZSs. The what goes wrong section details some of the issues many owners reporting.
You shouldn’t necessarily be put off by the list of concerns, the issues won’t affect every vehicle, and many owners have had a trouble-free experience with the ZS.
The saving grace of the MG ZS is the low price and the enormous warranty, and the fact (as of publishing) all MG ZSs will still have some factory support left on them, so any concerns should still be fixed up by the factory.
Should you buy it?
There’s no denying the MG ZS is a great option for someone looking for a safe, value-packed SUV with a long warranty. Other than the MG3, the MG ZS was one of MG’s first vehicles used to re-launch MG back into the mainstream in the late 2010s.
While there has been great improvement in MG offerings in Australia in the past couple of years, there are concerns over the longevity of the early model ZSs. The what goes wrong section details some of the issues many owners reporting.
You shouldn’t necessarily be put off by the list of concerns, the issues won’t affect every vehicle, and many owners have had a trouble-free experience with the ZS.
The saving grace of the MG ZS is the low price and the enormous warranty, and the fact (as of publishing) all MG ZSs will still have some factory support left on them, so any concerns should still be fixed up by the factory.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
ANCAP Ratings
4 stars (tested 2017)
Body Styles
5-door Wagon
Engines
1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
1.0 litre 3-cylinder engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Power
84kW – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
82kW – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Torque
150Nm – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
160Nm – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Transmissions
4-speed Automatic (Excite)
6-speed Automatic (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Fuel Consumption
6.7 – 7.1L / 100km
Length
4314mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1809mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1644mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2585mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1,284 to 1,610 kg
Towing
500kg (unbraked), 500kg (braked)
ANCAP Ratings
4 stars (tested 2017)
Body Styles
5-door Wagon
Engines
1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
1.0 litre 3-cylinder engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Power
84kW – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
82kW – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Torque
150Nm – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
160Nm – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Transmissions
4-speed Automatic (Excite)
6-speed Automatic (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Fuel Consumption
6.7 – 7.1L / 100km
Length
4314mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1809mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1644mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2585mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1,284 to 1,610 kg
Towing
500kg (unbraked), 500kg (braked)
ANCAP Ratings
4 stars (tested 2017)
Body Styles
5-door Wagon
Engines
1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
1.0 litre 3-cylinder engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Power
84kW – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
82kW – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Torque
150Nm – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine (Excite)
160Nm – 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo engine (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Transmissions
4-speed Automatic (Excite)
6-speed Automatic (Essence, Excite Plus, Anfield Edition)
Fuel Consumption
6.7 – 7.1L / 100km
Length
4314mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1809mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1644mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2585mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1,284 to 1,610 kg
Towing
500kg (unbraked), 500kg (braked)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
7 years / unlimited km
Service Intervals
10000 km / 6 months
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of June 12, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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