Hybrid engine

The MG ZS is currently offered with just one 196hp hybrid engine, though a petrol-only option is due later on. It’s a 1.5-litre unit paired to a 0.92kWh batter that delivers power to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic gearbox. With such a small battery capacity, the ZS can’t run on electric drive for very long but instead uses the auxiliary power from the battery to support the engine. 

22

Though its 8.7-second 0-62mpg time isn’t much to write home about, with the help of the electric motor, the ZS can get away from a standstill in good time. Power delivery feels instantaneous, the movement urgent. It’s impressive for a car of this size with an engine so small, but it was especially useful in situations when I had to be fast off the mark. I.e when pulling onto roundabouts or away from lights. 

What’s it like to drive?

Easy enough, though perhaps not as easy as some rivals. The steering at slow speeds felt heavy, cumbersome and devoid of connection to the road, yet still adequately direct. It made manoeuvring around town a bit of a pain at times, but became more engaging at higher speeds. The brake pedal is reassuringly firm and though the suspension is taut, it permits the car a higher degree of dexterity through the bends than you might think. 

22

Back to Alan: ‘The revamped ZS drives far better than the old car, if not without issue. It’s stiffly sprung which leads to a jostling ride over patchwork urban roads but it smooths out as speeds increase. There’s no float or wallow, yet a Kamiq is undeniably easier to live with.

‘It does mean the ZS feels reasonably agile in the bends. There isn’t much body lean and the well-weighted steering makes it easy to place on the road. You can hustle it down a B road quickly albeit without having loads of fun.’