MG ZS Hybrid+ (2020 - )

MG has just launched its fifth new model this year with the latest second-generation ZS Hybrid+ aiming to build on the success of its predecessor, which went on to sell 100,000 units since 2017.

The ZS Hybrid+ has grown in stature, offers a whole lot more technology, boasts improved efficiency, yet the price has only increased by £1,105.

There are two trims to choose from, both generously equipped, and these are called SE and Trophy. All cars feature the same 1.5-litre petrol hybrid powertrain and, with 80 per cent of buyers expected to opt for high-end Trophy, that was the car we tested too.

Design-wise, the five-door MG ZS Hybrid+ is very easy on the eye with elegant curves, a rising shoulder line and rear spoiler. The front grille has smart chrome decorative inserts and the slim headlights are connected by a narrow bar. There are new-look LED tail lights, with the MG badge sitting proudly in the centre of the tailgate. The Trophy model is finished off with smart 18-inch alloy wheels, which are slightly smaller at 17-inches on the SE grade.
For the exceptionally competitive price-tag you would imagine corners have been cut in terms of interior quality, but that’s not so. In fact, the cabin on the Trophy model is fairly high-end with leather-like upholstered seats that are power-adjustable, lots of soft-touch surfaces and a chunky gear lever.
A 12.3-inch infotainment screen offers access to all the on-board tech, including navigation with speed recognition, smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and a six-speaker sound system. Reversing is made easier thanks to the 360-degree camera, plus there are quick keys to many systems beneath the screen and also on the steering wheel where preferences can be stored. For example you can use a favourite button to adjust the level of regenerative braking, control radio stations, or for navigational routes.
Elsewhere, all the vital driving data is viewed on a clear seven-inch driver display which can be configured to taste. 
It all works really well and it’s nice to have heated seats and a heated steering wheel to warm against the winter chill.
Owners can also use their smartphone to control many functions via the MG iSMART app. This can be handy to check the vehicle is locked, pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin and even turn on the seat heaters from the comfort of your own home.
 

Powering the MG ZS Hybrid+ is a 102PS, 128Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor delivering 136PS and 250Nm of torque. The combined output is 196PS with 465Nm of oomph. That translates into a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 104mph.
With a kerb weight of 1.42 tonnes, the compact SUV is confident when faced with twisting country lanes and offers impressive grip through the tight bends with next-to-no body sway. It will effortlessly eat up motorway miles sitting comfortably at 70mph, although what is generally a nicely hushed cabin does become noisier at higher speeds with tyre rumble the most noticeable.
There are drive modes called Eco, Normal and Sport that alter the handling and dynamics, while the driver can also adjust the strength of the regenerative braking with three levels to choose from. Sadly, there is no single-pedal driving though, but in its strongest setting, busier stop, start city driving becomes more manageable.
The ride was a little fidgety over more pitted road surfaces and at times a little bouncy, but the Trophy version does sit on larger 18-inch wheels compared to the 17-inch ones on the SE version. 
One of the most notable facts about the MG ZS Hybrid+ is it drives a bit like an electric car and even sounds like an EV at times. It is sharp out the starting blocks with smooth acceleration via a three-speed automatic transmission, and there’s bundles of power on tap to make light work of joining a motorway from a slip road or overtaking a pesky caravan.
The sharp performance is down to the clever technology driving the vehicle which sees the powertrain automatically switching between a number of operating modes to suit the conditions. It can run in EV mode if there is enough charge in the 1.83kWh battery, then there are all manner of combinations that sees the engine, battery, motor and generator working in tandem to deliver the best outcome. Clever stuff, but very impressive.
The only downside is the constant beeping. Like all the other Chinese cars, this MG likes to randomly beep loudly at you and, on numerous occasions, I couldn’t fathom out why.
 

The second-generation MG ZS Hybrid+ is almost 10cms longer than the outgoing car stretching 4,430mm in length. It is marginally wider at 1,818mm wide, slightly taller at 1,635 and has a longer wheelbase measuring 2,610mm.
This growth spurt results in extra cabin space with ample room up front for a couple of six footers to sit comfortably and room in the back for two more adults or three at a squeeze.
Surprisingly, the boot capacity with all seats upright is slightly less than the first-gen car at 443 litres compared to 448 litres. This is due to the positioning of the hybrid system. However, with the split-folding rear seats dropped flat, the new model boasts a larger volume of 1,457 litres. There is a split-level boot floor, along with numerous handy storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin. These include a glovebox, central cubby, door bins, a couple of non-slip trays, two fairly small cup holders and seat back pockets.
 

The MG ZS Hybrid+ is on sale now in trim levels called SE, costing £21,995, and Trophy as tested, priced at £24,495. And there were no optional extras either to bump up the final price-tag.
According to official WLTP figures, the MG ZE Hybrid+ Trophy can deliver 55.4mpg with carbon emissions of 115g/km. That CO2 figure would result in a first-year road tax charge of £220 dropping to the reduced fee for hybrid models of £180 after 12 months
For anyone considering the MG ZE Hybrid+ for a company car, it has a Benefit in Kind tax rating of 28 per cent.
And another feather in MG’s cap is the excellent warranty package of seven years or 80,000 miles.
 

The second-generation MG ZS Hybrid+ is a superb all-rounder and a great contender for sales in the B-SUV sector. It looks modern and fairly dynamic, is very well equipped and drives nicely too.

The only real gripe is those constant warning beeps. At times, I was left pondering what I was doing wrong. I was not speeding, perfectly positioned in the middle of my lanes, had both hands on the steering wheel and eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead. Still those beeps kept on coming. Eventually, I pulled over and deactivated the warnings, but that’s not ideal as these safety systems are in place for a reason. They just need to be less obtrusive.

That aside; we really liked the new kit inside the latest car and expect to see plenty MG ZS Hybrid+ models on the road very soon. It’s the ultimate proof that competitively priced cars can still deliver the goods,