MG ZST 2023 review: Essence

It may be more expensive than the ‘regular’ ZS, but the ZST is still a relatively affordable option in the grand scheme of things. We’re looking at the top-spec Essence grade for this review, which tops out at just $33,990 drive-away.

For comparison, the equivalent rivals include the lower-mid-spec Mazda CX-30 G20 Evolve ($32,290 before on-roads), the mid-grade Hyundai Kona Elite ($31,900 before on-roads), or the mid-grade Kia Seltos Sport ($30,290 before on-roads).

10.1-inch multimedia screen. (Image: Tom White)

Because you’re getting a bells-and-whistles model for the price of a mid-grade rival, the ZST scores things like synthetic leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, comprehensive safety suite and LED headlights, which some rivals miss out on at this money.

Other standard equipment impresses for this segment, with the ZST also including items like 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, extended soft trims and synthetic leather finishes compared to the regular ZS, keyless entry with push-start ignition, single-zone climate control, digital instrument cluster, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a 360-degree parking suite. Not bad at all.

Standard equipment impresses for this segment, including items like 17-inch alloy wheels. (Image: Tom White)

Importantly, and again, key to MG’s success, is the fact that more often than not, MG actually has stock ready to sell at dealers, which is a better proposition than the months-long waiting lists experienced by many rivals.

The ZST has an appealing shape, and its cabin space has been significantly re-worked from its ZS forbear to increase interior dimensions.

Up front initially feels pretty good with lots of width and headroom for my 182cm tall frame, but I was disappointed to see the ZST maintains the signature weirdly-tall seating position from other MG models, and the lack of telescopic adjust for the steering is a real bummer, especially since the stock position for the wheel is so close to the instrument cluster.

The cabin space has been significantly re-worked from its ZS forbear to increase interior dimensions. (Image: Tom White)

The ergonomics are good, as MG has thought to include a slew of shortcut toggles below the big multimedia screen so not absolutely everything is touch-based as it is in the larger HS.

There are decent bottle holders in the doors, two more in the centre console, a large bay area in front of the shift stalk for phones and wallets which houses dual USB ports and a 12v outlet, as well as a small storage box under the armrest.

A neat touch is the hidden USB port in the camera cluster behind the rear vision mirror for the easy fitment of a dash cam, but there’s no USB-C connectivity in the ZST.

Rear passengers score two USB ports, but no adjustable air vents, and there are two bottle holders in each of the rear doors with pockets on the backs of the front seats. (Image: Tom White)

The rear seats offer excellent space for this segment, offering more than enough head- and legroom for myself behind my own driving position. Width is also good here, and soft trims continue into the rear doors, but there’s no drop-down armrest in the centre position.

Rear passengers score two USB ports, but no adjustable air vents, and there are two bottle holders in each of the rear doors with pockets on the backs of the front seats.

Boot space is a decent 359 litres, bigger than the Mazda CX-30, but smaller than the Hyundai Kona and over 100 litres smaller than the impressive Kia Seltos.

This is perhaps my favourite part of the ZST, its new 1.3-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine and six-speed traditional torque-converter automatic transmission.

1.3-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine and six-speed traditional torque-converter automatic transmission. (Image: Tom White)

The engine produces a decent 115kW/230Nm, and the six-speed is a smooth off-the-shelf Aisin unit - far preferable to the clunky dual-clutch automatics which plague the brand’s ZS and HS ranges. The ZST is front-wheel drive only.

With a punchier engine comes a bump in fuel consumption, and the ZST consumes 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle. I can tell you from previous testing, sub-7.0L/100km can be achieved on the freeway, but in my primarily urban testing of the ZST for this review, my car returned a less impressive figure of 9.5L/100km.

With a punchier engine comes a bump in fuel consumption, and the ZST consumes 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle. (Image: Tom White)

The ZST also requires mid-shelf 95RON unleaded fuel for its 45-litre tank.

Following in the footsteps of challenger brands before it, MG offers an above-average warranty of seven years and unlimited kilometres. This matches rivals like Kia and fellow Chinese upstart, GWM Haval. It also includes roadside assist.

MG offers an above-average warranty of seven years and unlimited kilometres. (Image: Tom White)

The ZST requires servicing once a year or every 10,000km, costing between $253 and $461 for the life of the seven-year capped-price coverage. It averages out to a very reasonable annual cost of $309.14.