2024 MG ZST Essence evaluation

Aussies love a discount.

Whereas many producers will report excessive percentages of pricey, top-of-the-line automobiles as their largest sellers, the Chinese language manufacturers have confirmed that low cost and (largely) cheerful motoring nonetheless has a powerful following.

Take the 2024 MG ZST for instance; on paper it’s totally loaded and appears fairly swish within the steel. Right here in flagship Essence guise it’s priced from $33,990 drive-away which is 1000’s cheaper than rivals from Japan and Korea.

It’s a big cause why the ZS nameplate is so sturdy in Australia, with 29,258 offered for the 2023 calendar 12 months with 19.9 per cent share of the mainstream small SUV phase – for reference, the second-placed Mazda CX-30 was lower than half of that quantity and market share.

The hole is closing in 2024, with the brand new Hyundai Kona snapping on the Chinese language crossover’s heels due to the provision of hybrid and EV choices, although the ZS EV does exist and does strong numbers. MG has additionally confirmed a new-generation ZS/ZST is due earlier than the top of this 12 months, too.

You may really get right into a ZST for as little as $26,990 drive-away for those who can reside with a naturally aspirated petrol engine and some much less options, and the decrease grades preserve a strong stage of spec that’s arguably even higher worth.

However the turbocharged Essence showcases every part the nameplate has to supply in Australia. How does it fare in 2024?

How does the MG ZST evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the MG ZST in opposition to equally sized automobiles.

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ZST

How a lot does the MG ZST value?

As famous earlier, a 2024 MG ZST will set you again $33,990 drive-away with normal paint.

A fast look on the MG Motor Australia web site on the time of writing, nevertheless, exhibits MY23 variations marketed for $30,490 drive-away – and there have been no spec modifications for MY24. Not dangerous in any respect.

That cash barely buys you a base Hyundai Kona or Mazda CX-30 lately, although the GWM Haval Jolion and Mitsubishi ASX play on this bracket.

To see how the MG ZST stacks up agains the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s the MG ZST like on the within?

Identical to the surface, the MG ZST presents fairly well inside on first look.

It’s very standard with the final structure, and doesn’t do something too outlandish when it comes to show tech or switchgear. The black trim with pink stitching is sporty in vibe with out being too gauche as effectively.

The pleather trim is slightly shiny and fake-looking, although, and the carbon-effect detailing in areas is slightly naff, however some in all probability like a little bit of design flourish.

Forward of the driving force is a steering wheel that’s very Mk6 Volkswagen Golf in design – given SAIC’s three way partnership with Volkswagen in China, it might very effectively be the identical unit – with a perforated leather-based rim and chunky buttons.

Behind that could be a partially digitised instrument cluster within the Essence, which is successfully an enlarged driver supervision show which affords plenty of journey pc readouts and menus. It’s all fairly easy, and works wonderful.

I did discover the driving force’s show to be a contact dim even in its brightest setting. For some cause the headlights would default to on when set to Auto and would dim the shows even in harsh daylight.

The ten.1-inch central touchscreen affords vibrant colors and is effectively positioned to be inside arm’s attain, although MG’s native interface is fundamental and a contact aftermarket in really feel.

It’s value noting these automobiles include very subtle linked interfaces within the Chinese language home market, and since these are taken out for Australia it looks like an afterthought regardless of the youthful, tech-savvy demographic.

There’s wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to embedded satellite tv for pc navigation, although I had a bug or two with my iPhone 15 Professional Max. I’d keep away from the native navigation too except you actually need it, which runs a mapping system that appears just like the WhereIs nav models from over a decade in the past.

Whereas MG has retained toggle-like switchgear for some capabilities like quantity, temperature and fan velocity, the extra detailed controls are buried within the touchscreen and it’s odd that the ZST doesn’t provide computerized local weather management.

You additionally would possibly discover adjusting issues on the fly slightly fiddly when you have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in use, as it’ll imply a number of selection faucets on the display screen to get to the place it’s good to go.

Storage is respectable, courtesy of a phone-shaped slot below the centre stack although devoid of a wi-fi cellphone charger, and there’s USB-A ports for charging and smartphone mirroring.

A pair of cupholders reside behind the shifter, as does a cubby below the padded front-centre armrest. The door bins are an honest dimension too, excellent for stowing bigger bottles.

In comparison with equally priced ‘gentle’ class SUVs, the ZST affords spectacular house within the second row.

I’m a contact over 6’1 and may comfy sit behind my most well-liked driving place, even with the panoramic sunroof. Knee, leg and toe room are all good, which makes for strong worth for those who’re on the lookout for space-per-dollar.

Facilities are restricted to map pockets and a cubby behind the centre console in lieu of vents, and there are USB cost ports too. Bottle holders spherical it out, because the ZST lacks a folding centre armrest.

I’ll additionally word the bigger driveline hump the place the centre seat is, regardless of the ZST being front-drive solely. Fortunately it’s not too broad, however along with the raised and thin centre chair means it’s not nice as a 5 seater.

The MG ZST quotes an honest 359 litres of cargo capability with the second row upright, increasing to 1187 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s a multi-tier boot ground 60/40 split-fold rear seats.

For reference, the impressively packaged Skoda Kamiq quotes a segment-busting 400 litres.

To see how the MG ZST stacks up agains the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s below the bonnet?

Greater grades of the ZST function a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

To see how the MG ZST stacks up agains the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

How does the MG ZST drive?

For me, gentle and small SUVs are sometimes fairly uninspiring vehicles to drive – the ZST retains that pattern going.

There’s not a whole lot of aptitude right here, simply A-to-B transport that’s decently comfy and refined for the phase, maybe amplified by the sharp pricing.

MG launched the bigger and extra highly effective 1.3T three-pot with the ZST, and in comparison with the 1.0T within the previous ZS it feels peppier and extra refined. With 115kW and 230Nm, it makes about the identical grunt as a Nissan Qashqai.

It pairs effectively with an once more respectable six-speed computerized that simply will get the job achieved. No it isn’t a efficiency benchmark for the phase nor will it set your pulses racing, nevertheless it does every part acceptably.

For me it’s a disgrace there’s no idle stop-start tech to assist minimize the engine out on the lights, which can see your indicated consumption determine climb rapidly in metropolis driving. We might have completed the week with 8.0L/100km after loads of freeway driving, however in site visitors you would possibly see it climb to over 10L/100km.

Efficiency isn’t fairly as punchy as its outputs recommend, nevertheless it’s fairly torquey down low and will get alone at respectable tempo. There’s that good throaty three-cylinder thrum below acceleration as effectively.

All the driving force controls are fairly softly tuned, prompting you to take a extra measured method than be compelled to push it. This can be a city-focused small SUV in spite of everything, and it does a reasonably good job of hitting that transient.

The steering is gentle however has a directness and linearity to its response, whereas the gentle trip insulates the cabin from the lumps and bumps of metropolis life however it will possibly really feel a contact wallowy at instances whenever you go over giant undulations or excessive velocity corners.

Wind and highway noise insulation is suitable however not standout, with a little bit of ambient wind noise significantly at freeway speeds, whereas tyre roar can add to this when rolling over coarser black high – although that’s not out of the peculiar for the phase.

The MG Pilot help suite has been a key promoting level for the Chinese language model, as not solely was it a serious step ahead over the outgoing ZS nevertheless it’s additionally decked out from the bottom stage.

Customary adaptive cruise management combines with an lively lane centring operate for semi-autonomous driving on the freeway, and the site visitors jam help function will even do the heavy lifting in site visitors jams. It does so with a stage of polish that you just may not anticipate of such an attainable automobile.

Maybe irritating is the lane centring capabilities propensity to remain on after you’ve switched the cruise management off, that means you must press the lane help button to deactivate once more. Much more annoying is the MG’s fixed audible BONGs when the “lane hold help give up” – principally for those who point out and alter lanes, it’ll chime at you.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are likewise helpful to have, bolstering the 360-degree digicam which additionally affords a 3D view and initiatives a cute (admittedly low-res) ZST onto the infotainment show to point out the surrounds of the car. It additionally exhibits indicators and may activate when coming into video sections, and jogs my memory of previous automobile video games on my Ps 2.

What do you get?

4 grades of ZST can be found, sitting above the only ZS variant and beneath the pair of ZS EV fashions.

ZST Core normal tools:

• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – wired
• 4-speaker sound system
• 1 x 12V charger
• 2 x entrance USB ports
• 2 x second-row USB ports
• Cloth upholstery
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless entry and push-button begin
• Rear parking sensors
• Automated LED headlights
• LED tail lights
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Satin chrome accents

ZST Vibe provides:

• Rain-sensing wipers
• 6-speaker sound system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Entrance fog lights
• 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels
• Leatherette upholstery

ZST Excite provides:

• 1.3L turbo engine
• Purple brake calipers
• Gloss again accents
  • Fog lights
  • Door mirrors
  • Facet sill extensions
  • Rear diffuser trim

ZST Essence provides:

• Distinctive two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Digital instrument cluster
• Embossed MG emblem on headrests
• Heated entrance seats
• 6-way energy driver’s seat

Is the MG ZST secure?

ANCAP has but to crash take a look at the ZST, nevertheless the associated ZS has been crash-tested and acquired a four-star ranking again in 2017 – which can expire in December 2024.

It’s value mentioning the ZS EV, which options the identical suite of lively security know-how because the ZST, scored a five-star ranking when it was examined in 2019.

Customary security tools on all ZST fashions contains:

• 6 airbags
• Adaptive cruise management
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Lane hold help
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Encompass-view digicam

How a lot does the MG ZST value to run?

The MG ZST is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with seven years of roadside help.

CarExpert’s Tackle the MG ZST

Sharp appears to be like, sturdy worth and a spacious inside make it straightforward to see why the ZST kinds a part of Australia’s top-selling vary within the small SUV phase.

You may have the Essence with ‘The Lot’ for a similar cash you spend on base-model rivals, and MG’s seven-year guarantee and servicing schedule are likewise straightforward promoting factors for the price range acutely aware.

Is it our high choose? No. However that doesn’t make it a very dangerous automobile both. Contemplating automobiles from the dimensions phase beneath value comparable cash with shorter function lists and fewer highly effective engines, it makes a powerful case for itself – a top-spec Hyundai Venue, for instance, is across the similar value on the highway.

Sure there are quirks to the infotainment software program in addition to the help methods, however in comparison with the GWM Haval Jolion which in some methods can really feel very international in its person expertise, the MG is simply fundamental somewhat than complicated.

There’s little surprise you see so many ZSTs on the roads, and the actual fact it appears to be like slightly Mazda-ish can’t damage both proper? However I feel there’s higher worth available additional down the vary.

At $26,990 drive-away ($25,490 as marketed on the time of writing), the bottom ZST Core options the MG Pilot suite, LED headlights and the identical 10.1-inch touchscreen because the Essence for nearly $10,000 much less. Sure we haven’t frolicked with the bottom 1.5-litre atmo 4 and CVT mixture, however it will possibly’t be a lot worse than equally priced automobiles.

The ZST Vibe with the identical engine however fascinating additions like additional audio system, auto wipers and leather-look trim is just $2000 extra, and will effectively be the candy spot of the vary.

On the Essence’s value level, I personally can be inclined to spend a pair grand extra and get right into a base Mazda CX-30, or spend much less and get a Skoda Kamiq Run-Out – each arguably extra fashionable and well-rounded alternate options.

However, I see the enchantment for this totally loaded grade for the worth level. I’ll have an interest to see what the next-generation mannequin appears to be like like when it lands within the second half of the 12 months.

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