MG ZST 2023 review: Essence | Does this compact, value-focused SUV help balance the family budget?

Over the last five years MG has exploded in popularity, rising from a virtual unknown, to a regular scorer on the Australian top 10 new car sales leaderboard.

The compact MG ZST SUV challenges established players like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Mitsubishi's evergreen ASX. Not to mention hugely popular newcomers like Toyota's Corolla Cross.

CarsGuide family reviewer, Helen Frost, spent two weeks with the top-spec Essence grade, running around the city and suburbs, before heading out on a lengthy road trip.

She's put everything from design, price and practicality, to safety, ownership costs and driving characteristics under the microscope. There's a lot to like, and some things to think about before adding it to your new car short list.

Does the Essence model's price premium add up in terms of value-for-money, and can the little 1.3-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine deliver an acceptable balance between performance and economy? Helen covers it all.

#MG #MGZST #review

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00:00 Intro
00:25 Pricing and features
00:47 Design
01:53 Practicality
03:20 Driving
03:45 Fuel economy
03:58 Safety
04:25 Ownership
04:46 Verdict

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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

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[TenzWang]

i won't pay 45k for the toyota crolla cross entry model. MG zst 25k comes with all luxry interior and all latest saftery features is amzing. it also has Asin 6 speed automatic transmission is big bonus for the money. toyota turning every car into cvt transmission is the big night mare for the future.

[michaelgoh]

We have been driving a MG ZST Essence since Dec 2021 and have to say we are very satisfied with the car.
For the price, it has most of the safety features and it serves our needs well.
Only things missing as you have pointed out, are the directional air vents and centre armrest for rear passengers.

[Mayhm-inc]

I’m confused by your lack of power comment. The car has outstanding power for its size, in fact it has more power than all the other crossover SUV’s in its class. I’ve only ever owned high performance cars, the last one being the least powerful of them all which was a subaru wrx. I find the zst to have plenty of power for what it is, it’s not meant to be a performance car it’s meant to be a cheap entry level family car. I’ve not had a problem with it even after owning cars with nearly 4 times the power. For its price it’s a great car.

[craggles]

The usb port behind the mirror is for the dash cam.

[alexisan]

Beautiful car .I got this exact colour and grade .After a few months of ownership I’m very happy .If you want the extra bit of power put it in sports .More than enough power .

[scottjenko]

The ZST is well built. We have an Excite that was delivered in December. The only issue is the pathetic infotainment system. The Apple carplay and abdriod auto are both flawed. Cutting out and lagging by up to 10 sets or more causes issues. Try connection your phone.

[pdwwnkg]

if anyone on here owns any of the zst variants what's the fuel range everyone has achieved with their variants?, cuz the official fuel consumption isn't to be trusted on online platforms....thanks in advance for the info

[jackiechan]

Engine delay and reverse camera always shaking make me feel unsafe on the road.

[muhammadbaqir]

She got a beautiful voice, perfect for this type of job 👌

[Daewonnni]

Is this the small SUV compared to their HS model?

[gauravsisodiya]

This seems spacious and impressive, As this is an MG car it will have a bundle of features

[saraaoyitslove]

It's really good, I like it a lot.❤

[toyshanger]

My zst vibe is wireless CarPlay, easy $30 upgrade.

Let me point out disadvantages
No rear cup holders
No rear cabin light
360 camera should have show blind spot when car is changing lanes
No eco mode

7/10 is correct

[mvnorsel]

Big engines for a big country are so old fashioned, the smaller the better ?

[damnfedsfbi]

imaging paying 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. x10 the amount to buy this car on a bmw when you realize that this car has better interior and way cheaper

[felicityishome]

What is the red thing in the boot of these cars.

[iJagraho]

All ZST have AEB
Wrong information given in this review

[RichardGonzalez-vy]

Robinson Sandra Miller Timothy Lopez Mary

[electricdiesel]

MG is the reason Harry and Meghan wanted an MG ZST in Montecito

[RiverDanube]

44, 000 views, only 267 likes and 37 comments. That says it all.