MG ZS Overview: Specs, Generations and Best Versions
MG ZS generations explained: a 5-door SUV built since 2017 with 106–196 hp, covering petrol, hybrid and electric versions and which ones to pick.
The MG ZS is a 5-door SUV produced from 2017 to the present, with outputs ranging from 106 to 196 hp across petrol, hybrid and electric versions. All variants are front-wheel drive, which keeps the lineup straightforward. For anyone comparing mg zs specs, it suits buyers who want a compact, simple family SUV with a choice between conventional and electric power.
MG ZS generations
1 generation (2017–2021)
The first generation was built from 2017 to 2021 as a 5-door SUV with three modifications, all front-wheel drive, spanning 106 to 143 hp with both manual and automatic gearboxes. The range included the 1.5 MT with a 1498 cc engine, 106 hp and 6.8 l/100 km, the mass-market 1.0T GDI with a 999 cc turbo engine, 110 hp and 6.2 l/100 km, and the electric MG ZS EV with 143 hp and 0–100 km/h in 8.2 seconds — the quickest of the three.
1 generation, restyling 1 (2021–2024)
The restyled first generation ran from 2021 to 2024 with two modifications, both electric, automatic and front-wheel drive, covering 156 to 177 hp. The MG ZS EV 50 delivers 177 hp and the EV 70 delivers 156 hp; both accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.
2 generation (2024–present)
The second generation launched in 2024 and offers three modifications, all automatic and front-wheel drive, from 116 to 196 hp. The lineup mixes powertrains: the electric AT version has 156 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, the 1.5 AT hybrid produces 196 hp (1498 cc, 8.7 seconds to 100 km/h), and the petrol 1.5 AT offers 116 hp from a 1495 cc engine.
Which MG ZS to buy
- 1.5 AT (196 hp) (2 generation): the most powerful MG ZS ever, a 1498 cc hybrid with 196 hp and 0–100 km/h in 8.7 seconds.
- EV 50 (1 generation, restyling 1): the mass-market electric version with 177 hp and 8.6 seconds to 100 km/h.
- 1.0T GDI (1 generation): the mass-market petrol choice with a frugal 6.2 l/100 km from its 999 cc turbo engine.
- 1.5 MT (1 generation): the only manual in the range, with a 1498 cc engine, 106 hp and 6.8 l/100 km.
On the used market, the 2017–2021 first generation is the most plentiful simply because it was on sale the longest, and its lineup is easy to navigate: three modifications, all front-wheel drive. The 2021–2024 restyling narrows the choice to two electric versions, so mg zs reliability discussions for that period come down to a single powertrain type.
Which MG ZS to avoid
The EV 70 (1 generation, restyling 1) is dominated within its own lineup: it produces 156 hp against the EV 50's 177 hp while posting the identical 8.6-second sprint to 100 km/h, so on the numbers alone the EV 50 gives more power for the same acceleration.