While the original MG ZS was a cheap and cheerful small SUV that had a hard, cheap interior and surprisingly perky dynamics, the new second-generation ZS significantly upped its quality game in a slightly larger package with decidedly more modern looks, making it quite the upgrade on the original car.
Something that hasn’t changed, however, is the “cheap” part of that equation, with the ZS range starting at just $29,990 for the entry level Excite model. However, this is neutralised somewhat by the fact that it is powered by a - let’s be kind and say “modest” - 81kW/140Nm 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine.
However, while you can get a higher-specification Essence model with the same powertrain for $32,990, you would be a bit silly to do so, as you can now buy a version of the Essence-spec ZS with a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder that brings more than 50% additional power and torque for just $2000 more.
More than 50% extra oomph for just $2K quite the bargain, but it doesn’t exactly transform the ZS into a powerhouse, but it does make it easily one of the most powerful SUVs in its size and price segment, and a rather compelling option.
With 125kW and 275Nm on offer, the $34,990 ZS Essence Turbo effortlessly outperforms its naturally-aspirated siblings, rivalling the more expensive 158kW/465Nm ZS Hybrid in terms of drivability, if not outright grunt.
What it does lack in comparison with the hybrid model however is the seamless EV-like delivery of power thanks to the electrified model’s low-down torque and hybrid transmission, and the fact it uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). But the engine is refined and smooth enough that the CVT isn’t really an issue, and the ZS is well sound-proofed, making irritating flaring far less of an issue too.
All of this adds up to a genuinely impressive package for the money, with the Turbo packing the same levels of equipment as the standard Essence model, which includes the likes of adaptive cruise control and a full suite of safety and driver assists, a 360 degree camera, LED lights all round, artificial leather seats (heated in the front), a big 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 6-speaker audio system.
The ZS Turbo’s interior also matches that of the other Essence models, including the $39,990 Essence Hybrid+ we tested earlier, with the biggest downsides inside being some areas of hard plastics and a lack of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless phone charging.
Higher running costs are always the price for extra power, and in this case, I would say they are well worth the trade-off.
On the road the extra power keeps the ZS from feeling overwhelmed by things such as hills and passing lanes, with a nice thick band of mid-range torque easily keeping things on the boil.
Handling-wise, the ZS Turbo is pretty much what you would expect from a small SUV - well-controlled body roll with a safe tendency towards gentle understeer - and while it is heavier than the naturally-aspirated ZS (at 1360kg it has 60kg on the Essence and a hefty 96kg over the Excite), it is lighter than the hybrid that clocks in at a further 40kg (1400kg) for the Essence model.
There are trade-offs for this extra power, however, and they rear their heads in the form of running costs. Like the ZS Hybrid, the turbo requires 95 octane fuel - the naturally-aspirated cars are happy with 91 - while MG’s claim of 6.9l/100km combined fuel consumption (0.2 more than the standard car) is almost impossible to actually achieve in real world driving, with our car sitting closer to 8.9 during our time with it, which is more in line with RightCar’s 3P-WLTP-converted figure of 7.7l/100km.
Higher running costs are always the price for extra power, and in this case, I would say they are well worth the trade-off, as the ZS Turbo is a genuinely pleasant small SUV to live with. Easy to drive (and park) in urban environments, it can easily hold its own out on the open road as well.
Of course, the Hybrid+ offers even more power and better fuel consumption, but costs $5000 more for the Essence model, although you could take a spec-hit and get the Excite Hybrid+ for $36,990.
For a small SUV the ZS feels surprisingly confident and planted on the open road, while remaining agile and manoeuvrable in urban settings.
Ultimately it all depends on what matters to you more: the naturally-aspirated models are super-cheap and use cheaper fuel, but are less impressive to drive, while the hybrids are super-frugal, but quite a bit more expensive.
The Turbo, however, nicely splits the difference between the two, offering the drivability of the hybrids and the cheaper entry price of the naturally-aspirated models, with the trade-off of higher fuel consumption. Like I said, it just depends on what matters to you more.
How much is the MG ZS Essence Turbo?
The Essence Turbo sits right in the middle of the MG ZS range at $34,990, bookended by the ZS Excite at $29,990 and the Essence Hybrid+ at $39,990.
What are the key statistics for the MG ZS Essence Turbo?
As it's name would suggest, the Essence Turbo is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. With 125kW of power and 275Nm of torque it is the second most powerful ZS after the 158kW/465Nm Hybrid+ and, like the hybrid, requires 95 octane fuel.
Is the MG ZS Essence Turbo efficient?
Not particularly, but neither is it particularly bad. With a WLTP combined average consumption of 7.7l/100km, the MG is a bit thirstier than most in the segment, but then it is also one of the most powerful vehicles in that segment. Urban running will see this creep up closer to 9 or 10, however.
Is the MG ZS Essence Turbo good to drive?
For a small SUV the ZS feels surprisingly confident and planted on the open road, while remaining agile and manoeuvrable in urban settings. Handling is predictable and benign, so doesn't deliver any nasty surprises if you push it beyond what is reasonable for a small SUV. It is also impressively comfortable and generally just a pleasant small SUV to drive.
Is the MG ZS Essence Turbo practical?
Very much so. The ZS offers up a generous 443 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, along with a nicely low boot lip and a wide opening. This grows to 1457 litres with the rear seats folded, while there are also a number of storage options around the cabin. Space of mobile phones is well-placed, but the lack of wireless charging is an irritation, even in a $35K car..
What do we like about the MG ZS Essence Turbo?
Seriously good value for money n a handsome package, the ZS is bigger than before while retaining its small SUV advantages. The interior is comfortable, modern and largely of a high quality, while the driver assists are well-calibrated and not intrusive or annoying.
What don’t we like about the MG ZS Essence Turbo?
It is a bit thirsty for the segment and some areas of the bottom half of the interior are still a bit cheap feeling.
What kind of person would the MG ZS Essence Turbo suit?
A small family or empty nesters wanting to downsize to a city car, but still retain the practicality of an SUV. While the hybrid would arguably suit both types of customer better, the price point of the Turbo makes it hard to overlook.
