MG is on the cost in Australia.
In 2020, the yr the ZST debuted in Australia, MG delivered 15,253 vehicles. As of the top of September 2023, MG delivered near 43,000 and is firmly ensconced within the prime 10 on the gross sales charts.
The ZST has been a key a part of that rise; mixed with its cheaper ZS cousin, it has accounted for greater than half of these gross sales to date this yr.
Lots has modified because the ZST launched domestically. It’s now going through competitors from the Chery Omoda 5 and GWM Haval Jolion within the price range finish of the SUV world, whereas rivals from extra established Korean and Japanese manufacturers are hanging round at the same value level with much less gear.
Does the ZST nonetheless have one thing to supply, or has the world moved on?
How does the MG ZST fare vs its rivals?
View an in depth breakdown of the MG ZST towards equally sized automobiles.
MG
ZST
How a lot does the MG ZST value?
The 2024 MG ZST Essence on take a look at right here is priced consistent with top-end variations of smaller SUVs just like the Hyundai Venue ($28,750) and Kia Stonic ($30,790), or entry-level variations of larger vehicles just like the Hyundai Kona ($32,000) and Kia Seltos ($29,500).
It additionally takes on the GWM Haval Jolion Extremely ($33,990 drive-away), which can also be made in China, and can also be loaded with normal gear just like the MG ZST.
MG ZST pricing:
2024 MG ZST Core: $26,9902024 MG ZST Vibe: $28,9902024 MG ZST Excite $31,990 2024 MG ZST Essence: $33,990
All costs are drive-away.
What’s the MG ZST like on the within?
Age hasn’t wearied the inside of the ZST, even shut to a few years after its launch it seems to be and feels higher than it actually has any proper to given the value.
The stitched MG crests within the headrests within the Essence, properly sculpted steering wheel, pink distinction stitching and soft-touch dashboard are all premium touches that actually set it aside from the demure base Koreans it fights primarily based on value.
With that stated, there are some value concessions right here. The steering wheel doesn’t regulate for attain and the leatherette seat trim is sweaty on scorching days, particularly whenever you hop in after being parked within the solar which floods in too readily by way of the skinny sunroof cowl.
The driving place is stable, providing a commanding view of the highway forward. Tall drivers would possibly wrestle barely for under-thigh assist, however the seats are effectively bolstered and supply loads of backrest adjustment. They’re additionally heated, which is a win on chilly winter mornings.
MG infotainment know-how is enhancing quick, as evidenced by the MG 4 electrical hatchback. The older ZST has a system that’s full featured and useful, with out being a standout. The central touchscreen is massive, shiny and is simple sufficient to navigate with the assistance of shortcut buttons under the show.
Apple CarPlay seems to be good on the large display screen and is snappy whenever you swipe from page-to-page.
The digital instrument binnacle is unique to the ZST Essence and presents simply the correct quantity of knowledge. It’s sharp to take a look at and does job elevating the cabin above what’s provided elsewhere within the class – though built-in maps would add a contact of Volkswagen-style class to the system.
Storage is sweet across the cabin, from the house beneath the dashboard to the cupholders, door pockets, under-arm bin, and glovebox. You get two USB-A ports up entrance however sadly no wi-fi telephone charging.
Rear seat house is great relative to similarly-priced alternate options, with house for adults behind regular-sized adults within the outboard seats. Headroom is sweet regardless of the sunroof and there’s loads of legroom – though the dearth of air vents is a missed alternative.
There’s a trio of prime tether factors and two ISOFIX factors again there, together with two USB-A factors.
Boot house is spectacular. You get a claimed 395 litres of baggage house with the rear seats in place, increasing to 1187L with them folded flat. It’s a broad, deep house with room for golf golf equipment, and the inclusion of an area saver spare is helpful should you’re venturing out of city.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Energy within the dearer ZST Essence on take a look at right here comes from a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine making 115kW of energy and 230Nm of torque, which is distributed to the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed torque converter automated.
Claimed gas economic system is 7.1 litres per 100km on the mixed cycle. We noticed 7.8L/100km on every week skewed to metropolis driving.
The gas tank holds 45 litres and also you’ll must stump for 95 RON premium unleaded.
How does the MG ZST drive?
The extra highly effective MG ZST is a punchy little factor to drive within the metropolis, with a definite three-cylinder growl whenever you put your foot down.
There’s a brief pause off the road, forcing you to attend a beat whenever you first speed up away from the visitors lights, however as soon as it’s up and working there’s sufficient go right here to squeeze you again in your seat.
The engine is comparatively easy and quiet whenever you aren’t in a rush, with no awkward or unseemly vibrations sneaking into the cabin and it’s mated to a six-speed auto that shuffles unobtrusively by way of the gears. It’s very typical, which can make anybody hopping out of an previous automobile really feel snug.
Imaginative and prescient out is great in each route, and smaller drivers will get pleasure from what’s fairly a commanding driving place. Mixed with gentle steering, the all-round imaginative and prescient makes the ZST really feel at house within the confines of town.
It’s a disgrace the rear-view digicam is a bit foggy as a result of it’s the one a part of the bundle that saps your confidence.
The way in which it rides on huge wheels is spectacular. With an extended wheelbase than a few of its rivals, it feels good and relaxed at freeway speeds. It even does job filtering out potholes and pace bumps on pimply metropolis streets.
In truth it feels extra grown up than a few of its small SUV rivals. There’s not an excessive amount of highway noise at 100km/h from the tyres, neither is there a lot wind rustle from the mirrors.
Though the Michelin tyres are high quality rubber, this isn’t a sports activities automobile, neither is it among the many sportier SUVs on supply round this value. Then once more, that’s probably not the purpose of this car.
The weakest a part of the ZST is its driver help know-how. The adaptive cruise management is easy and good sufficient, however the lane-keep help spends an excessive amount of time beeping and bonging at you.
It can be too eager to take the reins should you drift barely in the direction of the white strains, even in its least aggressive mode.
What do you get?
ZST Core highlights:
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment displayWired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto4-speaker audio systemBluetooth1 x 12V charger2 x USB ports in first row2 x USB ports in second rowFabric seats17-inch alloy wheelsKeyless entry and push button startRear parking sensors360-degree camerasAutomatic headlightsAdaptive cruise control60/40 cut up folding rear seats
ZST Vibe provides:
Rain-sensing wipers6-speaker sound systemSatellite navigationFront fog lights17-inch two-tone alloy wheelsLeatherette upholstery
ZST Excite provides:
1.3T engineRed brake calipersGloss black exterior highlightsBlack door mirrors with built-in flip signalsBlack aspect sill extensions and rear diffuserHigh-gloss black grille
MG ZST Essence provides:
Panoramic sunroofModel-specific 17-inch alloy wheelsDigital instrument clusterEmbossed MG brand on headrestsHeated entrance seats6-way energy driver’s seat
Is the MG ZST protected?
ANCAP has but to crash take a look at the ZST, however the same ZS has been crash examined and obtained a four-star score again in 2017.
It’s value mentioning the ZS EV, which additionally options the identical energetic security suite know-how because the ZST scored a five-star score primarily based on when it was examined in 2019.
Customary security gear on all ZST fashions consists of:
Adaptive cruise controlAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Blind-spot monitoringForward collision warningLane hold assistLane departure warningRear cross-traffic alertSurround-view cameras
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.
Servicing is required each 12 months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. 5 years of servicing within the 1.5-litre prices $1505, whereas the 1.3-litre prices $1566.
CarExpert’s Tackle the MG ZST
The ZST nonetheless has a lot to supply in Australia.
It’s barely dearer than at launch, however nonetheless represents wonderful worth alongside its Korean and Japanese rivals.
With a snug journey, respectable punch from the petrol engine, and a full suite of driver assists, it desires for little or no.
Even with that stated, the Essence on take a look at right here isn’t essentially the neatest choose within the vary. If it’s worth you’re after, the Excite packs a well-stocked gear record and the identical 1.3-litre turbocharged engine because the Essence.
The Excite is $2000 cheaper than the Essence drive-away; which buys you lots of premium unleaded.
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