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MG ZS Hatchback 1.8 16V (117 Hp) CVT
Overall Rating
MG ZS:
The MG ZS is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by the Chinese automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor under the British MG marque. Announced at the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show in China, the MG ZS is the second SUV to be produced under the MG marque after the MG GS. It is positioned below the larger HS, and above the smaller MG 3 hatchback. Since 2018, the ZS is available with a battery electric version called the ZS EV or in China, the EZS. In 2025, the hybrid version of the ZS was awarded Best Hybrid Car by British motoring magazine Carbuyer....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Hatchback Overview:
MG ZS (Hatchback). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1130 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.9 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The MG ZS itself was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. Its platform sibling, the Rover 45, received a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection in 2001, suggesting a similar, albeit dated, safety performance for the ZS.
1.8 16V (117 Hp) CVT Verdict:
Performance Verdict
While offering the same peak power as the manual 1.8, the CVT gearbox dulls acceleration and responsiveness, prioritizing smoothness over sportiness.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is noticeably worse than the manual 1.8, reflecting the inherent inefficiencies of early CVT transmissions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging and sporty handling characteristics
- • Distinctive and aggressive styling stands out
- • Strong performance from the V6 engine option
- • Good fuel economy from the diesel engines
- • Often represents good value on the used market
Cons:
- • K-series petrol engines prone to head gasket issues
- • Interior quality and design feel dated compared to rivals
- • Limited advanced safety features for its era
- • V6 engine can be thirsty, impacting running costs
- • Ride can be firm due to sporty suspension setup
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | MG |
| Model: | ZS |
| Generation: | Hatchback |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 16V (117 Hp) CVT |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 117 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 65.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 160 Nm @ 2750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 18K4F |
| Engine displacement: | 1795 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.7 kg/Hp, 103.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1130 |
| Max. weight: | 1640 |
| Max load: | 510 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 720 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4377 mm mm |
| Width: | 1696 mm mm |
| Height: | 1386 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2622 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1475 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1465 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 1 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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