Should you buy one?

If your priorities are value, space and economy, then the MG ZS is worth considering. Despite being one of the bigger cars in its class – it’s only 5cm shorter than a Skoda Karoq – it’s also one of the cheapest and comes well equipped. Peppy performance doesn’t come at the expense of fuel efficiency, either.

But while the hybrid system has those advantages, it also feels less polished than a Toyota Yaris Cross‘s. Similarly the interior can’t match the best in class for finish. A Skoda Kamiq is better here, and it’s spacious inside, too. You’ll be paying more for a slower, worse-equipped Kamiq, although overall we’d say it’s worth it, assuming you’re not wedded to the idea of a hybrid.

What we like

You’d expect to get a fairly weedy petrol engine for this price, so getting a more efficient and powerful hybrid is a real bonus. Space for passengers and luggage is generous for the class, and equipment levels are high.

What we don’t like

It’s not particularly comfortable on poorly surfaced roads at low speed, and the hybrid system can run out of puff if you work it hard. MG also doesn’t have the best reliability record in recent times, although the brand reports fewer problems with the latest generation of models.