MG ZS

Overview

Compact SUVs is the flavor-in-trend for auto markets all across the world, and the UAE being one of the oldest and biggest markets for SUVs, every car maker wants to have its sizeable share of pie. Seeing the trend getting hotter day after day, MG Motors has re-jigged the lineup for UAE, which now comprises SUVs in majority. Out of its entire lineup, the ZS serves as its smallest SUV, however, make no mistake, as the ZS has a good road presence despite being a compact SUV. For UAE, MG has made the ZS available with only one petrol powertrain, but in three different variants. Color options on offer for the MG ZS are Speed Red, Laser Blue, Mountain White, Light Silver and Pebble Black.

Interior

On the inside, the MG ZS looks equally modern and decently flashy, thanks to a refreshing dashboard layout and the presence of the essential equipment in the cabin. What’s interesting though is the fact that you do get a choice of three dual tone interior trim options, namely Warrior Brown (brown with black), Knight Dark (full black) and Windsor Checked (red with black).

The flat-bottomed steering wheel feels nice to hold, and the host of buttons on either side as well as the silver finish for the third bottom spoke looks good too. The block design for the instrument console is a thoughtful feature, however, the fonts inside look too plain.

Another thoughtful feature is carbon fiber finish around the touchscreen infotainment system. However, the rest of the center console looks quite simple, with a slanting layout and staid looking buttons for the auto climate control. The faux silver finish across the dashboard extending all the way towards the side doors lends the cabin a premium appeal.

In terms of features, the MF ZS is quite stuffed with essentials such as push button start, automatic climate control, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 6 speakers, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, reverse camera and navigation system, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, follow-me home headlamp and electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors.

Exterior

It’s good to see that MG has finally begun to make eye-pleasing and swanky looking cars, and the ZS is one prime example of it. The ZS looks quite big for a compact SUV and the design is full of modern elements and sharp creases, making it look every bit a vehicle of today. However, one cannot ignore the uncanny similarity of the ZS with the Mazda CX-3, as there are a number of design elements which are very same in both the cars.

At the front, the ZS has got a large grille with chrome bordering and diamond like inner pattern. The upper edges of the chrome grille extend towards the large and sleek headlamps. These headlamps come with projector headlights as well as daytime running LEDs, with the latter being in the same fashion as we have seen in BMWs. The trapezoidal fog lamps with chrome garnishes as well as black cladding and silver skid plates on the lower portion give it a muscular stance.

From the side, the MG ZS looks quite athletic and aerodynamic, thanks to the curvy profile and sharp creases running on the side doors. The sharp line running from the top edge of the headlamp all the way till the rear door gives it a prominent stance. The body cladding on the side profile too adds in its rugged stance, whereas the sloping roofline, rear spoiler and roof rails lend it a sporty appeal.

At the rear, MG has followed a minimalist approach, with a prominent character shoulder line running above the tail lamps and serving as the merger between the two. The inverted trapezoidal tail lamps look cool with LED inserts. The body cladding and silver skid plates are quite large at the rear, which restrict the rear hatch from looking plain.

Comfort Suspension

The MG ZS sits on a monocoque frame, and gets a conventional suspension setup of MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear. Given its rugged appeal suitable for urban jungle, the suspension has been set slightly on a stiffer side, which makes the ZS very car like to drive. The large 17-inch wheels make the car feel rock solid around all kind of driving conditions, whereas the disc brake setup at both the ends provide excellent feedback while braking.

Engine Performance

Powering the MG ZS for the UAE market is the sole option of a 1.5 liter four cylinder petrol engine, which is the smaller engine in the MG lineup. This petrol engine is punchy enough to produce 120 PS of maximum power and 150 Nm of maximum torque, which is healthy enough for a compact SUV of this size. The only gearbox option for this engine is a 4-speed conventional torque converter. MG claims an estimated fuel economy of 17.3 kmpl, which is pretty good for an engine this powerful.

Braking Safety

Given its competitive price positioning, it is surprising to see that the MG ZS is quite loaded with many premium safety equipment. The list of standard safety features on the ZS include the likes of front and side airbags, ABS, EBD, reverse camera, reverse parking sensors, engine immobilizer, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold control, traction control and electronic stability program.

Verdict

The MG ZS might be a bit underrated player in front of established rivals, however, this compact SUV from MG Motors has every right to be at the top of the game. The ZS has hit the sweets spot in each aspect of engineering, whether it comes to stylish exteriors, feature loaded interiors, a punchy engine, ample amount of space inside the cabin and precise ride and handling balance. There are very few vehicles which manage to be such a sharp all rounder, and for this sheer accuracy, the MG ZS is one of the worthy options to be considered while buying a compact SUV.