Against the rising tide of prices, MG is bringing value for money back with the MG ZS, without discounting the modern driver’s wants.
Can the MG to return to our country just recently and its new electric car, the MG4has received excellent reviews throughout Europe, however the range of the historic brand, in its new era, began to take shape already in 2016, consisting mainly of very well-equipped models, which are available at very competitive prices.
One such case is that of MG ZS, first presented at the 2017 Shanghai Expo, which belongs to the category of B–SUV and placed under the larger dimension SUV of the company, the MG HS. With a length of 4,323 mm, the ZS dimensionally it shares the top of its class, along with the Peugeot 2008 and the new Hyundai Konawhile, to give you an idea of its size, it is marginally larger than the first Nissan Qashqaiwhich is ranked in the next highest category.
Its range MG ZS is easily perceived by the prospective buyer, as well it is offered with two gasoline engines, while it is also available in a purely electric version. The basic thermal version wears an atmospheric 1,500 with a performance of 106 hp, is combined with a 5-speed manual transmission and is offered in two equipment levels. The acquisition prices for these two variants of the model (Exclusive and Luxury) are, respectively, 18,950 and 20,550 euros, and are considered tempting, given the increases that have been made in all the cars on the market.
Our test car is its most expensive automatic version MG ZS (25,150 euros), in the richest level of equipment Luxury. In this case, the 6-speed automatic transmission is combined with a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with an output of 111 hp and a maximum torque of 160 Nm.
Judging by sight
Externally it ZS possesses the typical physiognomy of one SUVwith the large grille and the company’s signature badge dominating the front of the car. Maybe its design lacks its freshness MG4, nor the more balanced proportions of its older brother, but its large body dimensions ensure excellent spaces for passengers and luggage. Plenty of air for the head of those who will be accommodated in the back seat, with the reasonably sized and square central tunnel in the floor not proving troublesome for the one who will move to the middle position.
The luggage compartment is also extremely spacious, with a capacity ranging from 448 to 1,166 liters (by folding the back of the rear seats). Opening the rear door gives access, albeit with a high threshold, to the regular-shaped cargo area, with its removable base revealing an extra-large space that can accommodate a spare wheel.
The driver will easily find the ideal position, thanks to the multiple (electric) adjustments of the seat, although the lack of telescopic adjustment (inside-out) of the steering wheel position is strange. On the other hand, the passenger seat is manually adjusted, while in both cases of the front seats we would like to have the option of a lower position.
What impresses in any case inside is the quality of the selected materials on the dashboard and door linings, many of which have a soft feel. In this case the driver enjoys the leather steering wheel with red stitching, while upholstery eco leatheralso with red stitching, can be found on the seats and also on the central console.
In the equipment of this particular ZS also include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, satellite navigation system, 360-degree panoramic camera, six-speaker audio system, heated seats, front fog lights, as well as functions Auto Hold and blind spot monitoring. From there we should point out that the lag in terms of the offered electronic driver assistance systems is mostly the reason for the low performance in the tests of EuroNCAP (3 stars).
An easy-to-use 10.1-inch touchscreen is available to control the multimedia system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, at the bottom of which is listed a series of physical switches for direct access to some basic functions. In its simple and understandable menu infotainment all we have to notice is the lack of “back button».
In practice
On the driving side, this version with the 1,000th engine (which is based on a known from Opel Astra and Corsa whole of it GM) turns out to be clearly more vivid than the atmospheric variant. Obviously the difference is not made by the 5 extra horses or the extra 19 Nm of torque, but the fact that the latter is delivered from much lower revs, thus demonstrating an increased elasticity.
From there, in the field of performance the automatic version, with 11.2 dl. for the standard ‘0-100’, it turns out 2 tenths of a second slower than the naturally aspirated manual. This difference is largely due to the automatic transmission, which always loses at start-up, while also in the changes the 6-speed transmission system is not oriented to satisfy a more… combative mood on the part of the driver. However, in everyday driving it proves to be a delight, with upshifts and downshifts taking place extremely smoothly.
The suspension, although it too is geared towards passenger comfort, proves to be balanced, with the body roll kept within reasonable limits when corneringensuring good traction at the same time, with the size of the tires (215/55 R17) to be a normal choice against the exaggeration of the giantization of the wheels of modern cars. Precise steering and brakes live up to the driver’s demands.
The voice of reason
With car prices on the rise, the MG ZS is the perfectly logical choice, primarily offering comfort in daily commuting. The everyday life of the driver, as well as the passengers, as determined by the ergonomics and quality of the interior, the available spaces, the operation of the suspension, but also that of the engine-transmission set, leaves no room for complaints. The same applies to the driving character of the car, which has nothing to envy from the modern European competition.
In addition, the 7-year warranty (or 150,000 km) comes to entertain any doubt for someone who is thinking of investing in the recurved MG. Perhaps the most important thing is that, if the first generation of models of the Chinese brand is so complete, we understand that the competition should already count it as a very measurable opponent._ M. S.
PHOTOS: THANOS ILIOPOULOS
FOR AGAINST
MG ZS 1.0 T–GDI AUTO
FOR//SPACES//PRICE//INTERIOR QUALITY
AGAINST//LIMITED NUMBER OF ELECTRONIC DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
specifications
MG ZS 1.0 T–GDI AUTO
ENGINE: b/c direct injection with turbo >DISPLACEMENT: 999 cc. >POWER: 111 hp/5,200 rpm >TORQUE: 160 Nm/1,800-4,700 rpm >DRIVE: Front wheels >TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic >FRONT SUSPENSION: MacPherson struts >REAR SUSPENSION: Semi-rigid axle >LENGTH.xPLxH.: 4,323×1,809×1,653 mm. >WHEEL BASE: 2,580 mm. >LUGGAGE SPACE: 448 liters >WEIGHT: 1,264 kg >0-100 KM/H: 11.2 seconds >TOP SPEED: 180 km/h >AVERAGE CONSUMPTION: 7.2 l/100 km >CO2 EMISSION: 163 g/km. >PRICE: 25,150 euros