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MG ZS Hatchback 2.0 TDi (113 Hp)
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 260 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1230 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 193 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.
2.0 TDi (113 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers robust torque delivery and respectable acceleration, making it a strong performer for both city and motorway driving.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel efficiency for its class, providing low running costs and a good range, especially on longer journeys.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Hatchback: 2001 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | MG |
| Model: | ZS |
| Generation: | Hatchback |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 TDi (113 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 113 Hp @ 4200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 56.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 260 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L / 20T2N [Same engine] More details about the engine L / 20T2N |
| Engine displacement: | 1994 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 193 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.9 kg/Hp, 91.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.7 kg/Nm, 211.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1230 |
| Max. weight: | 1720 |
| Max load: | 490 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 720 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4377 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1696 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1386 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2622 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/50 R16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
If you could change one thing about the MG ZS, what would it be?