Mazda CX-3 VS MG ZS
Mazda CX-3
Likes
- Value
- Space efficiency
- Dynamic performance
Dislikes
- Frustrating media interface
- Raspy engine noise
- Dated interior
MG ZS
Likes
- Efficient hybrid engine
- Exterior styling more unique
- Good value
Dislikes
- Some confusing switchgear
- Interior styling still a bit derivative
- No reach adjustment for steering column
Summary
Mazda CX-3
Hard to believe Mazda’s diminutive CX-3 has been with us for close to a decade (it arrived in early 2015). But with successive upgrades, including a major model refresh in 2019, it remains a popular choice with ‘light’ SUV buyers, dominating the segment so far in 2023.
So, how does this evergreen campaigner manage to keep quality competitors like the Kia Stonic, Toyota Yaris Cross and VW T-Cross firmly in its rearview mirror?
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We spent a week with the recently updated (yes, again) mid-spec G20 Evolve to see how it shapes up in the urban environment of 2023.
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.3L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
MG ZS
I’m going to admit something personal here - I was not a very good student. I didn’t really like school, I was only interested in cars and school didn’t have enough car-related lessons to keep me interested.
The team at MG, on the other hand, appear to be very good students. They learn fast and adapt quickly and, most importantly, test well.
Let me explain.
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- MG won't follow in Toyota's footsteps and go hybrid and electric only in Australia
When the brand re-entered the Australian market under Chinese ownership just over a decade ago (2013) its cars were, to be blunt, not very good. They were underpowered, had derivative designs and drove poorly.
Fast forward to 2024 and MG is among the most popular brands in Australia and the ZS is the country's best-selling small SUV. Its rapid change in fortunes is a direct result of its ability to learn quickly what the market expects and deliver a new model that meets those needs.
But perhaps MG’s greatest strength was to do that without charging a premium for rapidly developed new models. In fact, MG’s popularity is linked to its cut-price deals - it offers a reasonable package compared to its rivals for less money.Â
Now, having learnt that Australians know their products and like them, MG is applying new lessons to introduce the second-generation ZS, starting with an all-new hybrid model.
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L |
| Fuel Type | Petrol-electric Hybrid |
| Fuel Efficiency | 4.7L/100km |
| Seating | — |
Verdict
Mazda CX-37.4/10
It’s easy to see why the Mazda CX-3 remains such a favourite with small SUV buyers. The Evolve grade tested is dynamically capable, space efficient and well equipped for the money. That said, although I don’t like being ageist, as it starts to creep up on a decade on sale, the market leader is giving ground to the competition in key areas including design, fuel efficiency and refinement. It’s time for a new-generation model, but in the age of electrification, will there be one? In the meantime, this evergreen favourite remains a solid urban SUV option.
MG ZS7.1/10
So is the MG ZS Hybrid+ another test passed for the company and its fast-learning team? Or is it a rare failing grade?
While there is still clearly some work to be done in certain areas to compete on quality, design and dynamics, the overall package offered by the ZS Hybrid+ is a strong one. It offers a frugal engine, a spacious cabin, inoffensive design and plenty of equipment (including safety) for a very sharp price.
There’s no reason MG shouldn’t stay top of the class in the small SUV segment once the range is completed in 2025.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.
Design
Mazda CX-3
You’re not going to mistake the current CX-3 for anything other than a Mazda, which speaks to the consistency of the brand’s design approach.
Tightly wrapped and neatly detailed the CX-3's exterior has aged well, and thanks to cosmetic tweaks over time it’s still looking clean and contemporary.Â
The step up from 16-inch alloys on the lower Sport and Pure grades to 18-inch rims on this Evolve also lifts the look to a more mature, premium level. Â
The interior is a simple, fuss-free environment, but in a small-SUV world moving rapidly towards slick integrated screens for multimedia and instrumentation, the CX-3 is showing its age.
The 8.0-inch media display stands proud in the centre of the dash, almost like an afterthought, and the instrument cluster, while okay from an ergonomic point of view, is dated by an analogue tachometer in the centre and LCD-style read-outs either side.
And although it’s always a subjective call, I’m guessing the Evolve’s white and tan interior trim combination won’t be to everyone’s liking, from an aesthetic or practicality point-of-view.
That said, the interior surfaces across the dash, doors and centre console flow into one another nicely, and brushed metal look highlights around key controls and vents enhance the quality feel.
Speaking of which, physical dials and knobs for adjustment of the ventilation system and audio volume is welcome. Maybe old-school is the best school?
However… the multimedia screen can only be accessed by a rotary dial in the front centre console once the car is mobile (it works as a touchscreen when you’re stationary).
Keenly aware there are various opinions on this set-up when it comes to safety. Touchscreens, by definition, take your eyes off the road ahead, so on one hand it makes sense to transfer control to the rotary dial.
But when you’re using a sequential app like Spotify, it can take a hell of a lot of twirls of that controller to get to where you want to go.
Soon you’re grinding your teeth in frustration which upsets concentration and your eyes are well-and-truly off the road, anyway.Â
For what it’s worth, I’d prefer the relative ease of a quick press on the screen rather than having to go ‘around the horn’ to hit your favourite track or podcast.
MG ZS
One of the obvious criticisms you could level at the outgoing ZS was the design was derivative of rival models and lacked any unique ‘MG’ traits. That’s less of a problem for this new-generation ZS, at least on the outside, which features a new design, adopting MG’s new ‘family face’ as already seen on the new HS and MG3.
It’s still not the boldest SUV in the segment, but MG is clearly looking for broad appeal and doesn’t want anything polarising.
However, it still feels a bit derivative on the inside and despite upgraded technology (a pair of 12.3-inch digital screens for the instrument display and infotainment system) it lacks visual impact. There’s elements of other rivals that are noticeable, specifically the hexagonal theme around the air-vents, which remind me of the Mazda CX-5.Â
It’s a perfectly fine interior, there’s nothing ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ about it, but it does feel like MG likes to play it safe on design when it could have made some bolder choices.
Practicality
Mazda CX-3
At just under 4.3m long, less than 1.8m wide and a little over 1.5m tall the CX-3’s footprint is squarely city-sized, and no surprise it shares the Mazda2’s 2570mm wheelbase because it’s underpinned by the same platform as the small hatch.
But there’s more than enough breathing room up front and storage options are creative.
Rather than the ubiquitous single storage box between the front seats the CX-3 offers up an adjustable multi-compartment arrangement, with cupholders and bottle retainers ready to flick into position in multiple locations.Â
It’s still covered with a padded lid which doubles as an armrest, and there’s also a generous glove box and bins in the doors with space for large bottles, even an overhead drop-down glasses holder.
Move to the back and there’s a surprising amount of head, leg and shoulder room for an SUV of this size. Sure, it’s no limo, but sitting behind the driver’s seat set to my 183cm position, I was pretty comfortable.
Best for two full-size adults in the rear, although a third can squeeze in for short, relatively uncomfortable journeys. Three up to mid-teenage kids will be fine. Â
Rear storage includes bottle shaped cavities in the doors, a map pocket on the back of the front passenger seat only (a weird Mazda habit) and dual pop-out cupholders in the fold-down centre armrest.
No adjustable ventilation outlets in the rear, but in a car this compact, their absence isn’t as big an issue as it might be elsewhere.
For power and connectivity, there are two USB-A sockets in the front (one media, one power-only) as well an SD card slot, an ‘aux in’ jack and a 12V outlet. No power options in the rear, which won’t play well with the kids.
With the back seat upright, boot capacity is an okay 264 litres. Enough to accommodate either the largest 124L or the smaller 95L and 36L suitcases from out three-piece set. But not all of them together.
With a bit of not so gentle persuasion, the large CarsGuide pram just squeaked in, but lower the 60/40 split-folding rear backrest and available space expands to 1174L.
Tie-down anchors to help secure loose loads is a plus and a speed-limited space-saver spare sits under the boot floor.
And if you need to hook up a small boat or other lightweight trailer, the CX-3 Evolve is rated to 1200kg (braked) and 640kg (unbraked).
MG ZS
This is an all-new model, according to the company, sitting on a new, larger platform that adds 107mm to the length, 25mm to the wheelbase and also makes it 9mm wider. That makes for a more spacious cabin, with noticeably more room in the second row. It’s still a small SUV but it probably borders on mid-size in some regards, especially around knee room in the back.
There’s plenty of small item storage space too, with a small tray ahead of the gear selector, a pair of cup holders in the front, good size door pockets, the centre lidded box and a new small shelf on the dashboard, in front of the passenger.
In terms of boot space, MG has packaged the battery underneath the rear seats and opted for a tyre repair kit instead of a spare, so there is a sizeable boot with 443 litres of luggage room.
The twin 12.3-inch screens take care of most functions but MG was quick to point out they have retained several physical buttons for some functions; ‘home’, volume for the stereo, the windscreen demister and an on-off for the air-conditioning.
While physical buttons are a clear positive in terms of usability and safety, the decision to put the demister instead of say, air-con temp or fan speed doesn’t make a lot of sense (surely they’d be more useful every day?).
MG counters that the steering wheel buttons/toggles can be programmed for different functions, including air-con controls but that is an added layer of complexity to what should be a simple function.
More surprising and disappointing is the steering wheel has no reach adjustment, only height, which is almost unheard of these days in modern passenger cars. It smacks of saving money when developing what is claimed to be an ‘all-new’ model, and is an important element to skimp on as it directly impacts how comfortable you feel in the car.
Price and features
Mazda CX-3
At $31,050, before on-road costs, the G20 Evolve sits in the middle of a five-model CX-3 line-up, which starts with the $G20 Sport ($26,800) and finishes with the G20 Akari ($38,620).
It competes with nine other light SUVs, and to the end of November 2023 has more than doubled the sales volume of its nearest competitors.
Supply constraints may have played a part, but the CX-3 Evolve is way ahead of its direct rivals, the Hyundai Venue Elite ($28,750), Kia Stonic GT-Line ($30,790), Toyota Yaris Cross GXL Hybrid ($33,000) and VW T-Cross 85TFSI Life ($30,990).
Aside from the safety and performance tech we’ll get to shortly, standard equipment includes auto LED headlights and DRLs, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, cruise control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, an 8.0-inch multimedia screen, six-speaker audio with digital radio plus Android Auto (wired) and Apple CarPlay (wireless) connectivity, sat-nav, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Standard seat trim is white synthetic leather with tan synthetic suede inserts (also applied to the doors and dash).
That’s a pretty handy roll-call of included features in this part of the market, which meets or exceeds similarly priced competitors.
MG ZS
The ZS Hybrid+ is launching with two variants, Excite and Essence, priced from $33,990 and $36,990 respectively. Those prices are both manufacturer list price and drive-away at the time of launch.
In terms of price though, that’s a big step up for the brand and the model. The outgoing ZST Excite was priced from $29,490 and the Essence from $30,490, drive-away. For comparison, the Hyundai Kona hybrid range begins at $36,500 and stretches to $46,500, the Toyota Corolla Cross is priced from $36,480 to $50,030 and the Kia Niro hybrid models start at $45,000. So while the Hybrid+ is more expensive than before, it still represents good value in the small hybrid SUV market.
It’s also important to note at this point that there will be non-hybrid versions of the new ZS, which will almost certainly be cheaper and closer to the old model, but they won’t arrive until 2025.
As for what you get for the money, standard equipment on the Excite includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, two 12.3-inch digital screens for the instruments and multimedia, as well as navigation, a 360-degree camera and the MG Pilot active safety suite.
The Essence adds 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, PVC seats, six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Under the bonnet
Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine sending drive to the front wheels via a six-speed auto transmission.
The all-alloy unit features direct-injection and variable valve timing to produce 110kW at 6000rpm and 195Nm at 2800rpm.
MG ZS
The ZS Hybrid+ is powered by a 75kW/128Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100kW/250Nm electric motor, with MG claiming a combined output of 150kW/465Nm.
The electric motor draws power from a 1.83kWh NCM (nickel-cobalt-magnesium) battery and is paired to a three-speed hybrid automatic transmission.
Efficiency
Mazda CX-3
Mazda’s official fuel economy number for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 6.3L/100km, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder emitting 143g/km of CO2 in the process.
That’s an impressively small emissions figure for a 2.0L petrol engine, more in line with smaller-capacity engines.
Stop-start is standard and over a week of city, suburban, and some freeway running, we averaged 7.4L/100km (at the pump), while the car’s on-board computer indicated 7.1L/100km for the same period.
Minimum fuel requirement is 91 RON ‘standard’ unleaded (or E10) and you’ll need 48 litres of it to fill the tank.
Using the official number, that translates to a driving range of around 760km, which drops to roughly 650km using our real-world figure.
MG ZS
MG claims the system delivers an average fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km. While it’s a good return for an SUV of this size, it is higher than both of its key rivals, with the Corolla Cross offering a 4.3L/100km claim and the Kona Hybrid managing 3.9L/100km.
With its 41-litre fuel tank it has a theoretical driving range of more than 870km.
Driving
Mazda CX-3
The CX-3’s compact size makes it easy to steer through tight city and suburban streets.Â
It weighs in at just under 1.3 tonnes, which is marginally lighter than most of its key competitors, and acceleration is sprightly with the 0-100km/h covered in less than nine seconds.
Close to 200Nm of pulling power is plenty for a car in this class and unusually for a non-turbo engine, peak torque arrives at a relatively low 2800rpm, so there’s ample mid-range urge.
The downside is the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine makes its presence felt inside the cabin, with mechanical noise noticeable even at around-town speeds. Not a conversation stopper by any means, but it’s there.
No complaints with the six-speed auto transmission. It’s smooth and the ratios keep the car in its performance sweet spot nicely. It also shifts into sequential ‘Manual’ mode if your prefer or need to call the shots.
Electric ‘drive-by-wire’ throttle response is smooth, but flick the console-mounted rocker switch to ‘Sport’ and things become more urgent, with the transmission shifting down earlier and holding on to ratios longer.
The steering is evenly weighted for easy parking and road feel is good. Speaking of parking, a 10.6m turning circle is large-ish for such a diminutive SUV, but surprisingly, not out of line for the category.
Suspension is by struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear, and despite the CX-3’s relatively short wheelbase and the Evolve’s bigger 18-inch wheels, ride comfort over typically pock-marked urban roads is surprisingly good. The Toyo Proxes R52A (215/50) tyres are also quiet and reassuringly grippy.
Braking is by generous ventilated discs at the front and solid rotors at the rear, and they’re more than up to the task of calmly washing off speed in this city-sized SUV.Â
The front seats proved comfy and supportive on test, although you’ll have to step up to the next Touring grade to score electric adjustment for the drive or lumbar control of any description.
MG ZS
Nobody has ever bought a modern MG because of its dynamic handling or pampering ride. The ZS may have led the segment in price but it hasn’t ever had a class-leading driving experience. Nor was it bad, but clearly there was some work to do because MG says the suspension has been redesigned for improved ride comfort, handling and reduced noise.
It feels like an improvement based on our initial drive, with the ZS feeling more comfortable, riding with more composure than the old model. But the brand still has work to do in terms of ride and steering tuning, especially for Australia’s unique conditions, if it wants to compete with the best-in-class.
As for the powertrain, it does a very good job, it feels smooth and quiet and offers adequate performance for a small SUV. Its real-world fuel economy after a drive through urban, open road and some freeway ended at 4.9L/100km, which is a solid return. More urban driving, which would emphasise the role of the electric motor, would likely bring that figure down.
Safety
Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 had a maximum five-star ANCAP score from 2015 to 2022, but the independent safety body’s assessments have a seven-year shelf life and the compact SUV is currently ‘unrated’.
That said, active (crash-avoidance) tech is up to the mark with AEB (forward and revers with front pedestrian detection), blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera and smart city brake support (front and rear) included.
If a crash is unavoidable, there are six airbags onboard (dual front, dual front side and side curtain), the CX-3 showing its age somewhat with the absence of the now increasingly common front centre bag designed to minimise head injuries in a side impact.
There are three top tethers for baby capsules/child seats across the rear row with ISOFIX anchors on the two outer positions.
MG ZS
While MG’s efforts to keep its models affordable has created some safety headlines in the past (such as the MG5’s poor ANCAP score), the company has made a concerted effort to ensure the new ZS doesn’t suffer the same fate.
As mentioned earlier, the MG Pilot system is included as standard on both variants of the ZS Hybrid+. This brings a broad line-up of active safety features including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, speed assistance system, front collision warning, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
There’s also the 360-degree surround-view cameras so you can see what’s around when you’re parking or manoeuvring slowly.
The new ZS Hybrid+ hasn’t been crash tested yet and it’s impossible to speculate on its score with any certainty. The previous generation ZS received a four-star ANCAP rating but the recently launched HS managed five stars, so MG is capable of building models to get top marks.
Ownership
Mazda CX-3
Mazda covers the CX-3 with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is the current market standard. Roadside assist is included for the duration.Â
Recommended service interval is 12 months/15,000km, and the average annual cost for each workshop visit, for the first seven years, is $438.
An average under $450 is alright, but Toyota’s capped price figure of $195 per workshop visit for the first five years of C-HR ownership puts it in perspective. Mind you, Toyota’s charges step up considerably after that fifth year.
MG ZS
MG Australia offers what it calls a ‘Precise Price’ servicing plan, so you’ll know what you’re paying for the first five years. Service intervals are every 12 months/15,000km and vary from $144 for a minor visit up to $432 for your four year/60,000km check-up. The total cost is $1232 over the five year span.
Like all MG models the ZS Hybrid+ is covered by the brand’s 10-year/250,000km warranty.