MG ZST

Much like the exterior, MG has followed a safe and conventional approach for the cabin of the ZST. While the cabin has rich fit and finish levels and is high in quality, the layout of the dashboard has now begun to show its age.

In its top-spec form, the cabin of the MG ZST looks futuristic with the full-TFT dash behind the three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel. The asymmetric-designed, slim-looking AC vents, which have nice-looking silver garnish towards its right, are placed above the massive 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The wraparound design for the surrounds for the lower centre console makes it feel wide and adds substance to the cabin.

The interior of the MG ZST is well-equipped with more features like a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a powered driver’s seat, heated front seats, full-leather upholstery, and a 6-speaker audio system.

While the MG ZST might be a Chinese SUV by its origin, it looks very European when it comes to design and fit and finish levels. The smooth and aerodynamic crossover-esque design of the MG ZST makes it look premium from every angle.

At the front, the smooth and well-contoured bonnet of the MG ZST flows towards the wide, hexagonal grille with slightly rounded edges. The grille has a usual mesh design in the 1.5-litre variants and a sporty gloss black finish in the 1.3-litre turbo variant. The sweptback headlamps of the MG ZST have eyebrow-shaped daytime running LEDs and LED projectors below them. The fog lamps placed on the lower corners of the front bumper have gloss black highlights around them.

The MG ZST has a not-so-heightened stance when viewed from the side, but it has a dynamic stance with a sharp crease running sideways, the uprising window waistline towards the rear and muscular fenders. The dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents on the lower portion of door panels, door handles and window waistline add to the premium look of the MG ZST.

At the rear, the MG ZST has a premium look with the sweptback trapezoidal combination tail lamps, which come with attractive-looking LED inserts. While the boot lid has a rather clean look, the rear bumper looks stylish, with black highlights around reflectors and dual faux exhaust ports.

With Macpherson struts at the front and a torsional beam at the rear, the suspension setup of the MG ZST is more comfort-oriented with its soft tune. And while the MG ZST has a light steering setup which might be a boon for handling tight traffic in urban conditions, it feels numb as the speeds rise.

There are two powertrain options offered by MG for the ZST – a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 1.5-litre engine claims 110 PS and 180 Nm and enables the ZST to cover 0-100 kmph in 12.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 kmph. On the other hand, the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol is slightly more enthusiastic with 160 PS and 230 Nm, with which it can do 0-100 kmph in 9.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 185 kmph.

The MG ZST is armed with a decent set of safety features like front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, 360-degree parking camera, hill hold assist, traction control, electronic stability program, blind spot monitoring system, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.

While the MG ZST is not an out-and-out SUV, it offers a good urban package with chic styling, premium and feature-rich interior and decent ride quality and ease of driving.