MG ZST VS Peugeot 2008
MG ZST
Likes
- Happy little price tag
- Good features list
- Nice kerb-side presence
Dislikes
- Tech needs improving
- Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
- Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings
Peugeot 2008
Likes
- Good looks
- Charming engine
- Affordable servicing
Dislikes
- Stiff suspension
- High price
- Driver display hard to see
Summary
MG ZST
The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.
The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.
The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.3L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.3L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Peugeot 2008
Looks are subjective but Peugeot’s updated 2008 small SUV is good looking from every angle.
The update brings a raft of design tweaks and some tech upgrades, but mechanically there isn’t anything new.
It’s not a cheap car and its diminutive size might scare off some buyers who can cross-shop cheaper and more value focused alternatives from mainstream Japanese and Korean brands.
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We are driving the range-topping 2008 GT variant to find out if it’s more than just a pretty face.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.2L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.5L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
MG ZST7/10
Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.
Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.
Peugeot 20087.2/10
The Peugeot 2008 is a handsome and accomplished little SUV that’s fun to drive and has a cabin that feels a little bit special.
In reality the 2008 is too expensive and isn’t as practical as most of the mainstream compact SUVs.
This is the car you buy with your heart, not with your head.
Design
MG ZST
Being the newer and shinier version of the ZS, the ZST presents as a nice little package with its full suite of LED exterior lights, shiny chrome accents and its well-shaped body.
The front is distinctively different from its design muse with a darkened grille, and redesigned fog lights that feature new air intake vents. Other highlights include the 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels with sporty red brake calipers lurking behind them.
The interior is pleasant with a massive sunroof creating a light-filled space and giving the illusion that the cabin is larger than it is.
The synthetic leather upholstery and trims seem robust and perfect for families, but also feel quite plasticky under hand. The red badge embossing on the headrests is lovely, though.
The dashboard is well-proportioned and headlined by an upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system and fully digital instrument cluster.
The gearshift feels a tad too skinny and tall for the general aesthetic but the circular air-vents add some cute personality.
Peugeot 2008
The Peugeot 2008 is a smooth operator with head-turning French flair, but the devil is in the detail.
It’s not just the 2008’s well proportioned dimensions or the healthy dollop of exterior black highlights that catch your eye, but Peugeot has added a range of design cues to symbolise the Lion on its badge.
The tail-lights have a 3D effect that make them look like cat’s claws and the daytime running lights on the front resemble a scratch mark. These pair perfectly with the lion head crest on the grille.
Look deeper and you notice the attention to detail.
The 2008's redesigned front grille's slates are colour matched to the car's body colour.
Dual exhaust pipes are finished in chrome, giving the impression of performance even if the car doesn’t deliver on it.
The GT variant gets a two-tone paint job with a black roof contrasting with the body's colour.
Inside there are plenty of high quality finishes. The centre console is festooned in gloss black and there is a lovely carbon-effect textured insert on the dash and doors.Â
Some hard plastics below eye-level and on touch points such as where your knee might rub are less impressive. The rear seat loses some of the lustre of the front pew with tough plastics covering the back of the front seats and most of the doors.
Practicality
MG ZST
Practicality is hurt by a lack of individual storage options and a back seat that has only two USB-A ports for its amenities.
The cabin space is spacious, though, and both rows have a decent amount of leg- and headroom despite the massive sunroof.
The steering wheel features height but not reach adjustment and to accommodate I have to sit much closer to the wheel than normal thanks to my poor little T-Rex arms.
Individual storage is the best up front with a small middle console and glove box, two cupholders and two drink bottle holders. The doors also feature large storage bins, which is great to keep the cockpit feeling neat.
The rear row gets two map pockets and a small storage bin in each door. There is also a (very) shallow storage nook at the back of the middle console… think a packet of gum or small wallet size.
My seven-year old isn't as comfortable in the rear because it lacks directional air vents, reading lights and a fold-down armrest. All items which will hinder an adult's comfort, too.
The boot space is a good size at 359L but you can bump it to 1187L with the rear seats folded, the backrest featuring a 60/40 split.
The height of the floor is adjustable and when set in the lowest position creates a deep well to tuck larger items, like luggage, into.
The hard cargo cover can be awkward to shift around or store but is otherwise out of the way when it counts.
Other amenities accentuate the premium-feeling the Essence is going for with the heated front seats and electric drivers seat offering well-padded comfort but on longer journeys, I miss having adjustable lumbar support.
The rear seats aren't as comfortable as the front only because the synthetic leather feels slippery, which is accentuated when you hit corners!
In terms of technology, you get two USB-A ports in each row but the front also gets a 12-volt port. You miss out on fast and wireless charging options.
The multimedia system looks great but can be sluggish to respond and the apps can be slow to load but I like the built-in satellite navigation.
The upgraded sound system has six speakers instead of four but the sound quality is a bit tinny with music and calls.
It was simple to connect to the wired Apple CarPlay. It also has Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and AM/FM radio.
Peugeot 2008
Step inside and there is no hiding the 2008’s diminutive proportions.
It’s 4300mm long, 1815mm wide and 1550mm high, which puts it closer in size to the mini Mazda CX-3 than the larger CX-30 it is more aligned with price-wise.
This all adds up to a snug fit in whichever row you sit.
There are a couple of cupholders in the centre console - a smaller one for a standard takeaway coffee and a larger one for drink bottles.
Slight storage bins in the door can hold a regular drink bottle but there isn’t much room for much else.
The wireless device charger is hidden away behind a compartment below the central screen that opens with a push and there are two USB-C ports up front and the rear seats score a USB-C and A connection.
Rear seat passengers do without a dedicated aircon vent, unfortunately.
There is an issue with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit steering wheel and digital driver display, too.
If you like to sit low the chances are the steering wheel will cut off your view of the bottom part of the display. If you prefer to have the seat jacked up, you’ll have better vision of the readouts.
There are piano key-like physical controls for simple climate functions such as the de-mister and auto climate settings. More complex functions are done via the 10-inch central multimedia screen.
The boot is a decent size at 434L and can easily handle a weekly grocery shop or a few overnight bags.
There is only a space saver spare wheel, but this car is aimed at city driving where it is easier to source a replacement tyre.
Price and features
MG ZST
There are four variants for the ZST and our test vehicle is the top-spec Essence model, priced at $33,990 drive-away.
Our example's 'Pebble Black' finish is an included colour but other paintwork options can cost an extra $700.
The price point positions it right in the middle of its rivals with the Omoda 5 costing $35,990 drive-away  and the Jolion sliding into the most affordable spot at $30,990 drive-away.
To highlight the value-for-money comparison, the Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD model costs $38,790 drive-away and then you start creeping up into the $40K bracket for similarly specified small SUVs.
The ZST Essence is the top-grade and it has a decent number of premium features for its price tag, like a panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats and an electric driver's seat, keyless entry, keyless start and a full suite of exterior LED lights.
Other standard features include wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system, digital instrument cluster, one-zone air-conditioning, built-in satellite navigation, 360-degree camera system and an upgraded sound system with six speakers.
Peugeot 2008
The 2008 range kicks off at $39,990, before on-road costs, for the base Allure grade and rises to $44,490 for the fully loaded GT variant.
That’s a lot of money for a small SUV, especially considering the Skoda Kamiq range starts at $32,990, you can get Nissan’s Qashqai from $33,890 and a Mazda CX-30 for $33,140.
There is a lot to like about the 2008’s standard equipment list, though.
Flash looking 17-inch alloy wheels are complemented by adaptive LED headlights that control individual LEDs to brighten the road without dazzling oncoming vehicles. The headlights will automatically switch on in low light situations and stay on for a short period of time after you exit the vehicle to make it easier to find your way to the door at night.
A 10-inch multimedia screen is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless device charger completes the cord-free ecosystem.
Peugeot’s 'i-Cockpit' brings a 10-inch driver display with 3D readouts paired with a small steering wheel.
GT buyers can expect eight colour ambient lighting, a six-speaker stereo, four USB charging ports, in-built sat nav and brushed aluminium foot pedals.
Well bolstered seats are heated up front and wrapped in synthetic suede and leather upholstery with contrast green stitching. The driver’s seat is power adjustable and has a massage function but the front seat passenger will need to move the seat themselves.
There are rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, power folding and heated side mirrors and a space saver spare wheel.
It’s a solid list of equipment but is missing some features you’ll find on similarly priced rivals such as a head-up display.
Under the bonnet
MG ZST
The Essence variant has a 1.3-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a maximum power output of 115kW and 230Nm of torque.
It's a front-wheel drive and features a six-speed auto transmission. Overall, it has enough power to keep up with traffic on the open road but you have to be firm with the accelerator to keep your speed consistent.
Peugeot 2008
Lurking beneath the bonnet is a little three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 96kW and 230Nm. That’s a decent amount of grunt from the little unit, but again you can get more oomph for less from mainstream rivals.
It is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
There is no hybrid help, either.
Efficiency
MG ZST
The official combined cycle fuel figure is 7.3L/100km and my real-world average came in at 7.7L. That is after a good mix of urban and open-road driving, so the usage is good.
Based on the combined fuel cycle and the relatively small 45L fuel tank, expect a driving range of around 616km.
Peugeot 2008
Stiff emissions regulations in Europe mean these little turbocharged petrol engines have a fair bit of self control on the drink.
Peugeot claims the 2008 uses 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle. We used slightly more than this but spent most of the time in the cut and thrust of city traffic where cars use more fuel.
You’ll need to budget for pricier premium unleaded petrol, too.
Driving
MG ZST
The ZST Essence has an okay amount of power relative to the car's small size.
It's an adequate cruiser when I ferry just my husband and son around, but feels a full load of luggage and people.
The steering is responsive and it's an easy car to manoeuvre in tight car parks or city streets, which is great. The visibility is pretty good despite the chunkier pillars and you feel confident when checking your blind-spots.
While the suspension is fairly forgiving and ride comfort is decent, you will still notice the bumps, especially when seated in the back.
The cabin suffers from some wind and road noise and at higher speeds we had to find we raise our voices a bit to be heard. Around town, you don't notice it.
This is just a personal preference but the brake and accelerator pedals are skinnier and more centrally positioned than I prefer. You get used to it, though.
The ZST is pretty easy to park and it's great that you have a 360-degree camera system but the image quality can be grainy. You get rear parking sensors, too, but miss out on ones at the front.
Peugeot 2008
On the road the 2008 is a bit temperamental.
Most European cars are fitted with stiffer suspension than the cosseting springs found in Japanese machines.
This means you’ll feel bumps and road imperfections through your seat more than other SUVs. It has particular problems ironing out consistent smaller bumps, which can unsettle it and lead the 2008 to skip across them.
The counterbalance to that is a more dynamic drive experience, with the 2008 exerting excellent body control through the bends as it is held in line by the stiffer set-up.
Pair this with sharp, direct and well-weighted steering and it's a fun little SUV to take on a twisting country back road.
Three cylinders might not sound like a lot, but in the real world this is all the 2008 needs.
Its 96kW and 230Nm won’t set the world on fire but the torque is accessed from just 1750rpm, which endows the 2008 with some punch off the mark and it feels zippy when navigating the daily commute.
Don’t confuse that for outright speed, though, the 2008 completes the benchmark 0-100km/h dash in 9.3 seconds.
The transmission is fine when you are accelerating or cruising at motorway speeds, where it uses its many ratios to keep the engine humming along in its sweet spot. There are paddle shifters if you want more control.
In stop-start traffic it isn’t as an accomplished performer. It can struggle to find the right ratio and this leads to a jerky movement reminiscent of dual-clutch autos.
The cabin is well insulated with the outside world kept mostly at bay, but you’ll hear the three cylinder’s charming little rumble when you put your foot down.
Parking is a cinch thanks to its petite proportions and the 2008 has no issues navigating tight city streets or underground car parks.
Safety
MG ZST
The ZST Essence has a good suite of safety features that now come standard like rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
Other standard features include tyre pressure monitoring, LED daytime running lights, forward collision warning, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, seatbelt reminders, a 360-degree camera system and rear parking sensors.
The ZST only features six airbags, while many of its rivals sport seven, including the newer front centre airbag. The ZST variant scored four- from a possible five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2017 testing.
It's important to note that the tested ZS model did not have AEB or lane support systems at the time of testing, these were introduced from the 2020 model year onwards and the ZST has both.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the rear outboard seats and three top tether anchor points but two child seats will fit best. There is enough room for front occupants when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.
Peugeot 2008
The 2008 has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, but that mark was given in 2020 and it might not get the same score if it was retested today.
It has six airbags, but misses out on a centre airbag that protects against head clashes in a side on collision.
It has a decent amount of safety equipment with auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Rear cross-traffic alert, which sounds an alarm if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse, is a notable absence.
Ownership
MG ZST
The ZST Essence comes with a seven-year/unlimited km warranty, which is on par with coverage offered by a growing number of its rivals.
There is a seven-year or up to 70,000km servicing program for a total cost of $2339 or an average of $334 per service, which is very competitive for the class.
Servicing intervals are at every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first, but could be annoying if you travel a lot.
Peugeot 2008
Peugeot covers the 2008 with a five year/unlimited km warranty, which is the standard coverage today.
The French brand offers a range of prepaid servicing packs that’ll save you a handy amount compared to pay-as-you-go maintenance.
A five-year plan is the best value, costing $1700 for five scheduled visits every 12 months or 15,000km. That’s $638 cheaper than the pay-as-you-go servicing.