2026 MG ZS review

MG’s ZS line-up has always been popular. We’re comfortably into the model’s second generation, and the local line-up now includes turbocharged models alongside naturally aspirated and hybrid options. There’s no pure-electric model, that one has been replaced by the MGS5. The hybrid was the most interesting at launch, being the first of its kind for the ZS, and we liked it. The three-speed automatic is somewhat interesting on paper but it works quite well in the real world, keeping things easygoing and frugal.

But if you prefer things a bit more traditional without breaking the bank, MG has you covered there as well. The ZS can be had with an atmospheric 1.5-litre four-cylinder making a rather modest 81kW/140Nm or a gruntier turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder 125kW/275Nm. Up until this year, to get that turbo engine you were locked into the pricier Essence specification, which reduced its value proposition somewhat. 

To fill that gap, MG has dropped the boosted engine into a new entry ZS, the Vibe. And that's what we got our hands on here.

How much does the MG ZS Vibe Turbo cost? 

MG has nailed the bargain aspect here, pricing the Turbo Vibe at a snappy $27,990. That’s the same price as the older Excite, which will likely eventually be phased out in favour of the Vibe. The price parity isn’t all that surprising, considering both models have very similar levels of specification. 

What’s the MG ZS Vibe Turbo like on the inside?

Like the Excite before it, the Vibe is cheap and cheerful. Emphasis on cheerful though, because the interior here is actually pretty good for the money. The fabric soft panelling on the dashboard feels more premium than the price might suggest, and you still get a good degree of tech with a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash. It’s reactive enough, and while there’s no wireless phone mirroring, wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay is fine. Plus, considering there isn’t wireless phone charging in the ZS, your device won’t utterly juice itself before you get to work. 

I’m not a big fan of putting the controls for absolutely everything through the touchscreen like MG has done here, as even with shortcut buttons it can be quite irritating. That includes disabling the sensitive lane assist or the overspeed chime along with all of the air-conditioning controls. Call me old-fashioned but twisting a knob or pushing a button is so much easier … 

The fabric seats are fine, nothing much more. They’re comfy enough and well on par with what you’d expect for sub-$30k. Rear legroom isn’t bad, like other ZS models, though taller folk might be a bit squished. 

You’ve got a conventional dashboard as well, with twin analogue gauges for revs and speed. It’s nice not having a screen behind the wheel for a change - well, aside from the small multifunction display between the gauges. 

More disappointing is the lack of a telescopic steering wheel adjustment. Not being able to pull the wheel towards me is a pain for my six-foot frame, as it means I have to have the seat too far forward to comfortably reach the steering wheel. The passenger seat also isn’t adjustable, which is an odd thing to omit.

In the same vein, there aren’t any front parking sensors. Surely that wouldn’t be too much to add on, especially considering the breadth of the rest of the standard safety equipment? 

What’s under the bonnet?

The big party piece is the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powering the Vibe. It produces the same as in the Essence Turbo, a decent 125kW/275Nm, which is 54% more output than the outgoing Excite. It’s connected to a CVT transmission, driving the front wheels only. Compare those figures to the Hybrid, which makes 158kW/465Nm, thanks to its large electric motor doing most of the driving. 

The Turbo engine is one we’ve seen before, and it’s a good one, focusing on smoothness and efficiency. It doesn’t need to focus on power because the ZS is a small SUV, and the Hybrid has already effectively taken care of that. What we want to see here is ease of use first and foremost.

You also get the MG Pilot safety suite, which is MG’s full package of active driver assistance technologies. Things like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking are all bundled in, which adds to the ZS Vibe Turbo’s value proposition.

How does the MG ZS Turbo Vibe drive?

Boy, is that extra poke welcome. No longer is the entry ZS feeling asthmatic on hills or when trying to pass, instead it’s quite the little hustler. The mid-range is punchy which makes up for the lack of low-end grunt you get in the more expensive Hybrid-powered ZS. It feels quicker than the Kia Seltos and Tiggo 4 as well. Smooth on the move, too.

It’s connected to a CVT which is less inspiring. As far as these transmissions go it’s not the worst, thanks to both the refined engine and MG’s noise-deadening. And while it might be a bit uninspiring, remember this is a sub-$30,000 SUV and the whole point is to be a solid, comfy, safe, A-to-B machine. Plus, conventional automatics at this price point aren’t really that much better.

The ride is good too, like all ZS models. Body roll is controlled up until a respectable point, which is generally when a little understeer kicks in. I like how responsive the steering is as well, considering the value-oriented nature of the Vibe.

Fuel consumption isn’t the best, with real-world figures getting close to the 9L/100km mark. The Turbo also feeds on 95 RON, which might not be as ideal for Kiwi buyers watching the pump pricing. However, if you’re gentle with the right foot and don’t lean into the turbo power too much, you might be able to drop those figures down to the low eights. If this is a real concern for you, consider the Hybrid, which starts at $32,990. It’s still better than the naturally aspirated engine, however, which would routinely go over 9L/100km, occasionally into double digits.

What do you get?

The MG ZS Vibe Turbo comes with a decent array of standard kit. Interestingly, while the Excite is still listed on MG’s website, it isn’t on the information pamphlet for the ZS range, further indicating the model is on the way out. Same goes for the Essence model using the naturally aspirated engine. The equipment highlights below are therefore for the two turbocharged internal combustion-only ZS models. 

The MG ZS can still be had in Hybrid+ trim, with Excite and Essence models on offer.

MG ZS Vibe Turbo equipment highlights:

• 17-inch wheels
• 3.5-inch multifunction instrument cluster
• 10.25-inch digital infotainment display
• Reversing camera
• Fabric seating
• Fabric interior trim pieces
• Driver’s 6-way manual seating adjustment
• Wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• 4-speaker audio system
• MG Pilot safety system
• LED daytime running lights

MG ZS Essence Turbo adds:

• 18-inch wheels
• 12.3-inch driver’s display
• 12.3-inch infotainment display
• Leather steering wheel
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• 360-degree camera
• Automatic LED headlights
• PVC seating
• Heated front seats
• 6-speaker audio system
• Rain-sensing wipers

MG ZS Excite Hybrid+ equipment highlights

• 17-inch wheels
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 12.3-inch infotainment display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• Drive modes (Eco, Sport, Normal)
• 360-degree camera
• LED headlights and daytime running lights

MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ adds:

• 18-inch wheels
• Electronic panoramic sunroof
• PVC interior trim pieces
• Leather steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Driver’s six-way electrically adjustable seat

CarExpert’s take on the MG ZS Vibe Turbo

The MG ZS Vibe Turbo is a welcome addition to the ZS family, and possibly one of the best small SUVs for the money. Under $30k is a tough category, but MG has done really well to include a strong powertrain and a good array of kit at the price point. 

You get a remarkably snazzy interior - those fabric trim bits are really nice - along with a full array of active safety gizmos to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy, not to mention the extra herbs from the turbo engine. 

Considering the next turbocharged model up is the Essence Turbo at $32,990, the Vibe does very well for itself. If you do want the extra creature comforts, the Essence might be worth the $5k difference (honestly, the telescope steering adjustment almost does it for me) but for those on a budget, the Vibe performs well. 

Competition? Under $30k means you’ll be looking at the Chery Tiggo 4 (less powerful than the Vibe Turbo but with wireless phone projection, more speakers and $2k cheaper), the Kia Stonic LX (currently down to $28,990 and with less power than the ZS and non-adaptive cruise control) and the ever-popular Mitsubishi ASX ($28,990, non-adaptive cruise control and less fuel efficient 2.0-litre engine).