All-new MG ZS Hybrid+ is the cheapest hybrid SUV you can buy

• All-new small SUV
• 193bhp full hybrid engine
• Priced from £21,995

This is the all-new MG ZS Hybrid+, a full hybrid small SUV that’s aimed squarely at the Ford Puma. It replaces the outgoing ZS SUV but packs an entirely new engine, a more up-to-date interior and a refreshed exterior look. Thankfully, the new ZS remains just as affordable as the last – a starting price of just £21,995 will make it the cheapest hybrid SUV on sale when it lands in dealerships this October.

What do I need to know about the new MG ZS?

The MG ZS is the smallest SUV that the British-Chinese firm builds, sitting beneath the new MG HS. It’s similar in size to cars like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, and of course, the best-selling Ford Puma. 

The all-new model builds upon the SUV proportions of its predecessor, but brings sharper styling details that mimic the look seen on the MG3 hatchback. There’s a wider front grille than before with a new black mesh design, sitting below a pair of LED headlights. There are LED lights at the rear, too, similar in shape to the MG3’s lights, plus a silver trim piece below the bumper to house the (fake) twin exhaust pipes.

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The similarities with MG3 don’t stop there, as under the bonnet of the new ZS lies the same 1.5-litre hybrid engine as the supermini. The four-cylinder petrol engine works alongside an electric motor, with the two combining to produce 193bhp. Unlike most hybrids, it’s actually the electric motor that does most of the heavy lifting, delivering up to 134bhp of that total power figure.

Performance and economy look to be pretty impressive for a small SUV of this price point; 0-62mph is done and dusted in 8.7 seconds, while WLTP-official fuel economy stands at 55.4mpg. For comparison, the updated Renault Captur E-Tech will officially return up to 60.1mpg, but it’ll take an extra two seconds to hit 62mph. You’ll be able to drive at slow speeds for short periods using the 1.83kWh battery, but don’t expect to complete your morning commute without using any fuel.

The new ZS probably won’t be the top pick for business drivers, with a fairly average 115g/km CO2 emissions figure. Those hoping for a new MG ZS EV will be left wanting, unfortunately, as the affordable electric SUV has not been renewed for this new generation. Instead, MG is developing an all-new electric SUV replacement that will sit alongside the new MG ZS, based on the MG4 hatchback. A pure-petrol ZS will be offered down the line, too, for even less money.

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While we don’t have pictures of the interior of the MG ZS yet, we do know that it features a new 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a seven-inch digital gauge cluster. All cars get rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry and automatic headlights and wipers. There’s 443-litres of cargo space in the boot, which is marginally down on the Puma, but still beats the Captur and Juke.

How much does the MG ZS cost and when can I buy one?

The MG ZS Hybrid+ starts from just £21,995. Considering the hybrid tech, interior space and impressive equipment levels, that seems like decent value. Upgrading to Trophy specification adds £2,500 to the bill, but brings heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, faux-leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and privacy glass. Like every MG, it also gets a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty.

The MG ZS Hybrid+ is available to order now – first customers can expect their car to be delivered by October. An even more affordable pure petrol MG ZS is in the works, which is likely to cost from under £20,000, although its release date is still unknown.

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