New 2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ Review

Is the new MG ZS Hybrid+ an improvement over a great model or does it fail in areas its rivals excel in?

Exterior – Front

So, starting with the design of the new MG ZS and it has the latest design language that we have seen on other MG’s. we get this big stylish grill that takes up most of the front end with some smaller side vents that do actually have a purpose. It also makes the grill have a bigger edge to it too. we also get a decent looking central air vent to finish the front-end look. The headlights are plain and simple but are decent and have LED Technology. Now they are connected with this chrome and black strip which I do quite like, but I would have liked to of seen this as a light bar to give it a truly modern look. Finally on top of the front we get the MG logo.

Exterior – Side

Moving round to the side of the new MG ZS and the design is very simple and some people would say old fashioned, but I quite like this approach as it does feel refreshing and if anything helps it stand out from the crowd better. MG has used the less is more approach with only 2 creases. One lower down and one just below the window line. You also get proper chunky door handles and chunky door mirrors with actual indicator bulbs in them rather than LED, so it is cheaper to replace when they do break. The wheel designs can be a bit plain for MG terms but do still look modern and unique for 2026 and are decent in size. We also get a lot of matt black cladding around the wheel arches and lower sills as well as some chrome and silver touches to finish the side view off.

Exterior – Rear

Moving round to the back of the MG ZS and it has really grown up from the previous generation but not too much to be too crazy and concept like. We get these big taillight units that do look a bit dated, but it does have LED technology in them and suit the design of the car. the boot design as a sort of built in spoiler design and it also houses the number plate too. lower down on the bumper we do unfortunately get some fake exhausts, but it does give it a sporty lower design worth its silver and matt back bumper. Right, talking of exhaust let’s have a look and see what engine and gearbox options you can have with the new MG ZS.

Car and engine specs and price

So, for the MG ZS there are 2 versions a normal petrol version or a mild hybrid version. Now there isn’t an electric version anymore but that has been replaced by the excellent MG S5 EV. If you would like to watch that review, then click on the top right-hand banner now. Right, then, lets have a look at the base petrol engine first. This uses a 1.5 Litre turbo engine which has 113 bhp. this can do 0-62 in 12.5 seconds which isn’t the quickest on the market. What is interesting though is that you can have it with a 5-speed manual which is getting very rare nowadays. There is also a 7 speed DCT automatic version too if you want that one. The final version would be the one I would go for and this is the mild hybrid setup. This uses the same 1.5 litre engine which has 193 bhp which is a lot for a car in this segment. This is mated to a small electric motor and a 1.83 kWh battery pack so you can go around in electric at low speeds. This can do 0-62 in 8.7 seconds which is quite quick and can only be had with a 3 speed Automatic gearbox. What is brilliant is the MPG reading though. Its combined figure is 55.4 which is very good for this type of car. anyway, the price of the new MG ZS starts at £20,245 and the Hybrid+ version starts at £22,745. Right, lets have a look and see what the interior is like.

Interior – Design

So, climbing inside the new MG ZS and the interior is completely different to the outgoing model. To start with the materials and the layout is much better than before and even better than some premium cars. Lets start with the dashboard design we get this premium and sporty looking dashboard design with some Aston Martin grill style air vents. The infotainment system is embedded in the dashboard and not high up like some other cars which means it doesn’t distract you. It is also quite big. Bigger than what it looks like in pictures, but it is very easy to navigate and use and works quite well. Just below that you do get some shortcut buttons which is always nice. In front of the passenger, you also get a bit of storage or a grab handle depending on how you look at it. In front of the driver, we get a digital instrument cluster with some cool graphics on them. again, this shows the relevant information that you need and is very easy to change whats in front of you. The steering wheel is the usual new MG steering wheel and has a sporty design to it with physical buttons that again are logical. The centre console is quite interesting too as it houses a gear shifter that looks like it could come from an Audi and we also get a lot of storage for your phone. You also have this driver orientated centre console too which is nice. Finally, the seats are very comfortable and have this perforated look to them which I am a fan of. Right then, lets have a look and see what the rear seats are like.

Practicality

So, climbing into the back of the MG ZS and it is a decent place to be. Legroom and headroom aren’t too bad, and you do get a few creature comforts like some air vents and a USB A port which I’m sure kids will complain about. Now there is some cheap plastic around the place but then it is a cheaper SUV than its rivals and unfortunately there isn’t an arm rest which is a shame. It doesn’t feel too bad though, but it does feel a bit dated. It’s a bit like a car from 8 years ago but that is no bad thing as they were decent then and even better than cars now. Right then, lets have a look and see what the boot space is like.

Boot Size

So, opening the boot to the new MG ZS and you are welcomed with 443 litres of space which is quite decent for its segment, but it gets better when you fold the seats down revealing 1,457 litres of space. the seats also fold down 60:40 split which is quite handy too. there are also plenty of storage options too which is quite nice.

Summary

So, what do I think of the new MG ZS Hybrid+ then. Well, it has a much better design than before and this helps it look a lot more premium too. this is the same inside with a much better interior layout and loads of premium feeling materials. Now I would of like to of seen better rear seat options with an arm rest but then it is a cheap car in its segment. You also get the great 7-year warranty which is one big positive. I would definitely consider this if you were in the market for a small size SUV.

Exterior 4/5

Interior 5/5

Practicality 4/5

Total 13/15

Model	MG ZS Hybrid+ Trophy
Engine	1.5 NA Petrol, 193bhp, 0-62 = 8.7 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive
Transmission	3 Speed Automatic
Price	£25,245
On Sale	Now