2021 MG ZS Exclusive Review: More Money, Less Value?

2021 MG ZS Exclusive Review: More Money, Less Value?

The MG ZS has recently been given a facelift; this means a new frock, revised interior and new features. In the process, has it lost one of its key strengths - value for money? I recently tested it to find out.

Unlike the last MG ZS I had (review can be found here: ) this version is fitted with the 1.0 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. This can either be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, or in the case of the model tested, a 6-speed automatic. Performance can be described as leisurely at best as it will take 12.1 seconds to hit 60mph, and the top speed is 112mph.

There's a good chance you're more concerned that fuel economy, and if you are, you may be disappointed. It's more thirsty than you may have expected as on a combined run MG states you can achieve up to 39mpg, and it emits 163g/km of CO2 emissions.

The starting price for the ZS is now £15,995 compared to £12,495 when the car first came out – well, the new SUV variant. The version tested in this video is the range-topping Exclusive, which starts from £18,295, although the car seen here is £21,500 due to the 1.0 petrol engine, 6 speed automatic gearbox and this fetching Dynamic Red paintwork.

It’s true the ZS is more expensive than it used to be, but as mentioned it has added features, plus for a family SUV it still isn’t what you’d call expensive. Hey, some Fiestas cost more than this car does. Speaking of features what comes as standard?

Let’s start with the new features, shall we? For the Exclusive these include full LED headlights, front armrest, power folding mirrors, 10.1” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360 degree reversing camera, heated front seats with electronically adjustable driver’s seat, blind spot monitoring, automatic wipers, keyless entry and a digital driver’s display. 1.0 litre manual versions also receive a panoramic roof.

This adds to the previous features you got as standard including 17” alloys, Bluetooth, cruise control, rear parking sensors, air con, leather style seating, and navigation. There’s still no autonomous emergency braking, so you may want to look elsewhere if safety is high on your list of priorities.

For those of you on a tighter budget, you can opt for the Excite, which starts from £15,995. Standard features include 17” alloys, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, leather steering wheel, 10.1” touchscreen with Bluetooth, DAB radio, and smartphone connectivity. Back to you, on screen Aaron.

Music Credit:

#MGZS #MGZSExclusive #2021MGZS

[marklittler]

Your presenting us with a very good all round idea of what to expect from the MG, you have obviously had enough experience of it to give a very good review.

[terrificspokesman]

In India its called the MG Astor and you can get an AI assistant on dashboard that you see on Chinese cars. Instead of the 1.0 Turbo petrol you get a 1.3 Turbo petrol with 140 bhp.

[PocketRockets]

Thanks for spoiling me for the day in this absolute specimen of an automobile, a moment I will forget everyday

Great review & presenting as always bro!

[ericharvey]

I purchased a Nissan Juke Tekna 2011 with so called leather seats, the side bolster split, not unusual so i heatd, ( apparently not leather ) just outside warranty and with about 7000 miles on the clock. I'll never buy another Nissan, the only car i've had where a seat has split. My 4 Skodas were better. Nice review

[paoo]

MG needs to make a ZS variant catered for performance. And they gotta improve the suspension. Man the suspension feels like it’s gonna break anytime.

[michaelkellett]

Check the side windows cannot keep reviewing them if faults haven’t been corrected on vehicles already sold . I suppose it is get the money and forget about the customer .

[marklittler]

Your reviewing a vehicle that I'm sure many people are interested in watching a review of.

[kofib]

How does the performance and price compare to a Suzuki Vitara which is available with a 1 litre engine.. As usual, nice review..

[howardthomas]

It's a nice car I have the mg zs but have one complaint you can't turn off radio which is a pain

[Paul-wpbb]

Hi love the review, looking to buy the 1.0 t exclusive, one thing puts me off and that’s the faux leather seats, should I let this put me off buying one?, (I have some bad memories as a kid in cars with vinyl seats). I have a 20 mile journey every day!….don’t want to get out of a car with a wet back and arse!

[davidpage]

I queried the lack of skyroof on the Exclusive and MG stated the following...Thank you for getting in touch with MG motor.



With regards to the MG ZS, the availability of the panoramic sky roof for petrol versions was linked to the launch of the facelift. Because the 1.0T 6 speed manual was a new version added to the range after the facelift was introduced we were able to add the panoramic sky roof.



Your feedback is much appreciated and we will keep a record as a reference for the relevant team. Apologies for any disappointment.

[MrSunnyBhoy]

The look of disgust on your face when talking about the cars performance and handling 🤣. Is that pocket rockets sitting quietly at the front? :)

[connordavies]

Is this the best suv at this price tag?

[jervanbrian]

Hey...I'm thinking of buy this car for my wife and as a family car and I live in trinidad were the roads are not to good what do you think about owning this ????

[phil]

Too much money for a Chinese made vehicle. A 1 litre engine for cars this size is too small. MG should be selling the petrol ZS at Dacia Duster prices. If you are on a budget the Dacia Duster is much better value and is available with a much more powerful 4 cylinder engine. Good review thanks.

[michaelkellett]

Can anyone tell me if these windows are acceptable or not on a new car everyone seems to be sidestepping this wobbly windows when open partially, even the reviewers . What is going on?. MK