MG ZS VS Honda HR-V
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
Honda HR-V
Likes
- Seriously good-looking inside and out
- Affordable price tag for grade level
- Easy to drive in the city
Dislikes
- Missing features you'd expect for top model
- Safety could and should be better
- Engine gets whiny on open roads
Summary
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.
Read more about
- Next-gen cut-price hybrid SUV here very soon: Here's when you can get into the new Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross rivalling 2025 MG ZS small SUV and what to expect from its overhauled range
- Bargain electric car to return? 2025 MG ZS EV replacement price confirmed in China in a boost for new BYD Atto 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric rival: Report
- 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 | — |
Honda HR-V
Like many car brands, Honda is storming the hybrid field. The new HR-V brings with it a hybrid powertrain and external facelift but is it enough to keep it competitive in the small SUV segment?
As with any cosmetic surgery you may wonder whether the facelift has been successful.
No tricks – I’ll tell you straight up the new external design might be what you’re looking for if you’re on the hunt for a small SUV that doesn’t look like it moonlights as an Uber for Mr Big Ears (a Noddy reference for any youngsters out there).
Read more about
- Eye-popping new Japanese sports car spotted: Upcoming Honda Prelude sports car will look like its sleek concept as hybrid Hyundai i30 sedan N rival spotted testing in Germany: Report
- Honda CR-V 2025 review: e:HEV RS long-term | Part 1
- Popular family cars hit with four star safety rating: 2025 Honda CR-V and Honda ZR-V called out by ANCAP in a blow for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Corolla Cross Hybrid rivals
We're testing out the top hybrid model, the L, to see what else this urban dweller gets right and what it sometimes gets wrong.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 4.3L/100km |
| Seating | 4 seats |
Verdict
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.
Honda HR-V7.8/10
The Honda HR-V e:HEV L offers a respectable driving experience in the city but compared to its rivals, it’s features list and safety don’t always stack up. It sort of straddles the fence between basic and lux at times, which is an odd place for a top-model to be but its sharper styling will win hearts and the cabin is still practical.
Design
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.
Honda HR-V
The small SUV segment can often be littered with odd-looking cars that highlight pillowy or severely angular body-shapes (lookin' at you C-HR) but the HR-V offers something stylish and modern instead.
The 2025 HR-V has a sharper design that accentuates the coupe styling, slim LED headlights and crisp-looking grille. A feature highlight is the eye-catching full-length tail-light treatment which makes the design pop at the back.Â
The interior is gorgeous with a streamlined dashboard that features just the right number of buttons and dials for those who want more tactility in a world where screens rule.
While the technology screens are on the smaller end, they look great against the synthetic leather trims and soft touchpoints that are liberally splashed throughout the cabin.
The cockpit is driver-orientated with everything within reach and easy to use while on the go. The steering wheel looks sporty and feels wonderful.
Everything looks well-built and feels solid; it's a cabin you’ll be pleased to spend time in.
Practicality
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.
Honda HR-V
For a small SUV, the cabin is large. Both seating rows feature excellent access with the 195mm ground clearance not eliciting one grunt from my occupants (even the oldies).
Head- and legroom is decent in both rows but taller passengers might brush the ceiling on bumps when seated in the back.
The only area that lacks this feeling of space is the boot, as it only has 304L of capacity available when all seats are in use and that's on the tiny side compared to its rivals. The Kia Niro has 425L which rivals some sedans!
Seat comfort is best in the front where thick padding and a longer cushion offer more comfort on a longer journey, despite lacking lumbar support.
The rear seats are harder and shorter and you should expect some big stretches from adults after a road trip. However, the directional air vents and other amenities keep it from feeling too basic on comfort.
There are lots of storage options with a glove box that's large enough to fit a manual with room to spare, a small middle console, two large 'stacked' shelves in front of the gearshift, four cupholders, four drink-bottle holders and two map pockets that also feature a device holder large enough to fit my iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The HR-V has 'Magic' seats in the rear which means the base can fold up or the backs can be folded flat. It’s a cool feature that opens up extra storage options.
The technology is simple to use and responsive. The touchscreen multimedia system has built-in satellite navigation, the Honda Connect app, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The CarPlay is easy to set up and maintains a steady connection.
Charging options are good with a single USB-A and three USB-C ports, as well as, a 12-volt socket but you miss out on a wireless charging pad despite the L being the top grade.
Price and features
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.
Honda HR-V
There are three HR-V variants available, starting with the petrol base-model Vi X, moving to the mid-spec e:HEV X and on to the top-grade e:HEV L; which is the model on test here.
The L is priced from $42,900, drive-away (2000, NSW postcode), which positions it as the most affordable compared to its similarly graded rivals. The Kia Niro HEV GT-Line is $55,487, drive-away, and the Toyota C-HR Koba is $55,180, drive-away.
Despite having a much higher price tag, the rivals sport a few extra features including electric front seats, ventilated front seats, larger media screens, wireless Android Auto, a wireless charging pad and upgraded sound systems... just to name a few.
Oh, and the HR-V is only a four-seater, so the rivals also boast a fifth seating position.
That being said, the L isn't a total lump in the features department and the standard equipment is still pretty good (just not full-bodied like it's rivals).
The L comes with synthetic leather and cloth mixed upholstery and trims, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Technology includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, six-speaker sound, the 'Honda Connect' app, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, one USB-A port, three USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket and Bluetooth connectivity as well as AM/FM and digital radio.
Practicality feels well-rounded with keyless entry and start, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, dual-zone climate control and a powered tailgate.
Under the bonnet
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.
Honda HR-V
The L is a hybrid which combines a 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and together they produce up to 96kW of power and 253Nm of torque.
Which is plenty to make the L feel like a zippy city car but on the open road, the engine has a tendency to over-rev and can get whiny going up a hill, which may be a by-product of the continuously variable auto transmission.
Efficiency
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.
Honda HR-V
The HR-V L has a low combined (urban/extra-urban) fuel cycle figure of just 4.3L/100km which is not far off the 4.0L/100km claims of its rivals. Combined with the 40L fuel tank, you have a theoretical driving range of up to 930km, which is pretty darn good!
After doing a lot of urban driving, with a couple of longer trips thrown in, my real-world usage came out at 5.1L, which is isn't too far off the claimed figure, is still a good result overall and computes to a range in excess of 780km.
Driving
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.
Honda HR-V
The HR-V L is an SUV perfectly suited to city life. Its power delivery is responsive around town, allowing for quick bursts when needed and the well of power feels deep until you get onto the open road. And as mentioned, that’s when it’s let down a bit.
The HR-V has a tendency towards mild understeer in quicker sweeping bends but is otherwise surefooted on the road. The suspension is firm, and you’ll notice the bumps here and there, but ride comfort still manages to be okay most of the time. Also road noise isn’t too high around town.
The visibility is great until you’re trying to look out of the back window and have a passenger to your left or a car seat installed. A digital rearview mirror would have been quite welcome in these scenarios.Â
Like most small SUVs the HR-V is easy to park and it’s small enough to be your best friend in a tiny car park. However, the reversing camera doesn’t reflect the grade level as the quality of the feed isn’t the best.
Safety
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.
Honda HR-V
The HR-V has a four- out of a possible five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2022. It only features six airbags and its individual assessment scores aren’t as high as its rivals.
In fact, both the rivals I’ve mentioned performed much better and have additional safety features to boot, including safe exit assist, 360-degree view camera systems and rear occupant alert. Which the HR-V misses out on.
The top model HR-V benefits the most in safety compared to the lower grades and includes blind-spot monitoring, front fog lights, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aid and departure warning, traffic sign recognition, intelligent seatbelt warning, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera as well as front and rear parking sensors.
Some notes, though. The lane departure and keeping aids seem to 'activate' whenever they feel like it. I had them come on more on unmarked roads than marked.
The adaptive cruise control can be too sensitive at times and having the car slam on brakes when you're passing a parked car on the highway going 100km/h is a scary experience to say the least.
The HR-V has AEB with car, pedestrian, and cyclist detection which is operational from 5.0 to 100km/h (170km/h for car).
Being a four-seater, you only get two ISOFIX child seat mounts and two top-tether anchor points and while it is easy to fit a child seat in, the top of it wipes out your rearview vision.
The safety is pretty disappointing as it lets down an otherwise solid SUV.
Ownership
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.
Honda HR-V
Honda offers the HR-V with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and an eight-year battery warranty which is on the lower end considering it's rivals can get up to seven-years unlimited km warranty now.
The five years capped-priced servicing program offers excellent value, however, as services are a flat $199, which is great for the class.
Servicing intervals are at every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first and that should be fine for the average city dweller. But it could get annoying if you put higher than average kays on your car every year.