MG’s second-gen 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ lands in Australia with a clear brief: keep the ZS’s value vibe, add proper hybrid grunt, and tidy up the cabin tech so it feels current on a school run or a Gold Coast dash. Under the bonnet is MG’s full-hybrid “Hybrid+” setup with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and a three-speed hybrid transmission. MG claims 158 kW combined, 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, and 4.7 L/100 km on the combined cycle, which puts it right in the sweet spot for shoppers wanting punch without premium-badge pricing. Dimensions are 4,430 mm long, 1,818 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall, with a 2,610 mm wheelbase, so it sits at the roomy end of small SUVs. Boot space is 443 L, expanding to 1,457 L.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Big shove for the class, particularly from low speeds; claimed 158 kW/465 Nm is stout on paper.
- Genuine city fuel savings thanks to the Hybrid+ system, with an official 4.7 L/100 km.
- Cabin tech is finally modern, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, digital cluster and iSMART app connectivity.
Cons
- Not a five-star ANCAP car; hybrid variants wear a 2024-datestamped four-star rating.
- Early cars drew criticism for a power drop with a depleted hybrid battery; MG issued software updates.
- Ride and refinement are improved but still not class-leading according to road tests.
How Much Does It Cost?
At launch, the 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ price Australia started at $33,990 drive-away for the Excite and $36,990 drive-away for the Essence. MG has run promotional drive-away pricing, so check current offers, but those figures are the right ballpark for 2025 shoppers.
Features and Benefits
Even the Excite brings solid 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ features: 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, proximity entry, 12.3-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sat-nav, 360-degree camera and MG Pilot safety. Step up to Essence for 18-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel and some nicer cabin touches. The 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ interior gets a proper digital instrument display and iSMART connectivity so you can check vehicle status or pre-cool the cabin from your phone.
Safety
ZS Hybrid+ wears a four-star ANCAP rating with a 2024 datestamp. Adult Occupant Protection 75%, Child Occupant 84%, Vulnerable Road User 73%, Safety Assist 79%. Standard kit includes AEB for cars, pedestrians and cyclists, junction assist, lane-keep and speed assist. A centre airbag is not fitted and AEB back-over is not available, which helps explain the four rather than five. If your shortlist demands five stars, you will want to weigh that against the value on offer here.
Running Costs
Servicing is every 12 months or 15,000 km with MG’s Precise Price Servicing. The first five visits are listed at $144, $304, $208, $432, $144 for a total of $1,232 in five years, which is keen for the class. Warranty is up to 10 years or 250,000 km when you service with MG, offering rare long-term cover in this price bracket. Claimed fuel use of 4.7 L/100 km and a 41-litre tank gives a theoretical range around 870 km if you drive gently.
Comparison To Its Competitors
Price is the ZS Hybrid+ ace. Toyota Corolla Cross range starts at $36,480 before on-roads, while Hyundai Kona Hybrid lists from around $36,500 before on-roads depending on trim. The Haval Jolion Hybrid plays the value card too, often listing in the high-$30,000s drive-away. Against those, the MG’s drive-away pricing undercuts or matches while delivering big-car screens and generous equipment. Where rivals pull away is polish: Kona Hybrid is more refined and frugal, Corolla Cross has benchmark Toyota hybrid smoothness and resale, and Jolion feels larger inside. The MG fights back with warranty length, cabin space, and equipment density.
2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ Review: Pricing, Efficiency, Driving and Safety in Australia
Conclusion
If you want hybrid efficiency, generous kit and a family-friendly cabin without stepping into mid-$40,000s money, the 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ is compelling. It is not the dynamic benchmark and the four-star ANCAP score will turn some away, but MG counters with space, tech and long warranty coverage. For budget-minded buyers who value features and practicality, this is a smart, low-stress daily.
Rating: 7.9/10
Strong value, big warranty and easy packaging lift it, while the four-star safety rating and average refinement keep it shy of the class leaders. As a total ownership proposition, especially at the advertised drive-away pricing, it makes very good sense.
