You're looking at the most expensive version of one of Australia's cheapest new models.

It is, of course, the 2026 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+, which is one of two hybrid variants of MG's smallest SUV currently on sale. Its relatively steep price is somewhat indicative of recent trends for the ZS.

The introduction of the current-generation ZS in late 2024 brought price increases across the board, pushing the model slightly out of its previous bargain-basement market position. That was offset by the addition of the incredibly cheap non-turbo Vibe, and ZS sales remain strong.

In the first six months of 2026, MG delivered nearly 9000 examples of the ZS locally, down slightly from the 10,100-odd it sold in the same period last year, though it remains among Australia's most popular small SUVs. However, those sales aren't broken down by variant, so its sales figures could be skewed by its cheaper trim levels.

The flagship variant on test here is supposedly the best the ZS can be, but is it the best demonstration of its economy-car values?

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How much does the MG ZS cost?

The Essence Hybrid+ is the most expensive MG ZS currently available, priced at $34,490 drive-away.

Model	Drive-away price
2026 MG ZS Vibe	$22,990
2026 MG ZS Excite Turbo	$25,990
2026 MG ZS Essence Turbo	$28,990
2026 MG ZS Excite Hybrid+	$29,990
2026 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+	$34,490

The most direct rival to the MG ZS Hybrid+ is the Tiggo 4 Hybrid from fellow Chinese brand Chery. In top-spec Ultimate trim, that small SUV costs $34,990 drive-away.

Other competitors include the Toyota Yaris Cross, priced between $31,790 and $39,930 plus on-roads, and the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, priced between $36,950 and $48,950 plus ORCs.

There are current deals in place, with MG offering $1000 cashback and Chery offering $2000 cashback. Both are applicable until the end of August 2026.

To see how the MG ZS stacks up against the competition, use our comparison tool

What is the MG ZS like on the inside?

Given the price, the MG ZS looks and feels rather nice inside. It isn't luxurious, but it isn't bargain-basement, either.

It appears there has been some effort to make the cabin of this budget SUV a more enjoyable place to be, and it's had a good effect. There are plenty of soft-touch surfaces to offset the swathes of hard plastic, the main shapes are interesting enough, and the key touchpoints all feel decent in quality.

A real highlight is the steering wheel. It errs on the larger side for a vehicle of the ZS's stature, though its flattened top and bottom make it feel vaguely sporty. It's also nicely proportioned, and the perforated leather wrap adds a bit of flair.

You'll find more leather on the large, T-bar-style gear selector, and while the seats look like they're finished in much the same material, MG unashamedly lists 'PVC' as the upholstery in higher-spec ZS trims. Not that that's an issue, though.

Now, this is a top-spec model grade, so the inclusion of such niceties is pretty much non-negotiable. But we do appreciate that it doesn't feel like every other Chinese SUV inside.

There are flaws, though. For one, we could hear a cacophony of relays ticking within the dashboard, and the steering wheel couldn't be pulled out far enough to create my ideal driving position. Those are irksome issues, but I had a far bigger issue with the seats.

The driver's seat head restraint seems positioned too far forward, which had me craning my neck to keep it from constantly bumping the back of my head. I adjusted for this by reclining further than usual, but that didn't do anything for the seat's firm cushioning or the fact it feels weirdly small.

It's simply made for a body type I don't have. That's a shame, too, because the cabin is otherwise a pleasant place to spend time.

The MG's in-car tech supports this. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is by no means flashy, but it's easy enough to navigate and understand, and there's plenty of functionality in the native apps, including a well-sorted satellite navigation system.

Finally, MG has fitted wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its small SUV. Its wired-only connectivity was previously always a sticking point, so this is a welcome change. The climate system is, unfortunately, still entirely digital, save for just three basic buttons beneath the screen.

ZS grades from the Excite Turbo and above get a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. We can see there's been some attempt at graphical identity here, but it does look a little tacky. At least the large text and numbers are clearly legible.

Storage-wise, the ZS is also fairly basic. There are two cupholders on the centre console – with a movable divider between them – along with a couple of trays, bottle holders in the doors, a passenger-side glovebox, and a small central box.

Your only charging options are a pair of USB ports or a 12V outlet ahead of the gear selector; there's no wireless phone charger here. We'll also point out the annoying amount of glossy black plastic, which is a bad choice for high-touch areas like the centre console.

The second row, meanwhile, is workable, but will be cramped for fully grown adults. This is to be expected of a small SUV, but it doesn't mean it's not generous with headroom or legroom.

Aside from the decent but sometimes slippery upholstery and firm-ish bench seat, there are also very few amenities. MG has still been kind enough to fit two rear-facing air vents and a USB-A port, but there's no fold-down armrest, which means no beverage holders beyond the door cards.

There is 443 litres of space in the boot, which is enough to comfortably pack weekly groceries or a handful of small suitcases. It's among the largest boots in the small SUV class, comparable to that of the Volkswagen T-Roc, and the top-spec ZS Essence also comes with a power tailgate.

Unfortunately, however, all hybrid variants come with only a tyre repair kit, not a space-saver spare wheel, let alone a full-size spare.

Dimensions	MG ZS
Length	4430mm
Width	1818mm
Height	1635mm
Wheelbase	2610mm
Cargo capacity	443L (rear seats up)1457L (rear seats folded)

To see how the MG ZS stacks up against the competition, use our comparison tool

What's under the bonnet?

Powering the MG ZS Hybrid+ is a 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a single electric motor. Combined system outputs are quoted at 158kW of power and 465Nm of torque.

Specifications	MG ZS Hybrid+
Engine	1.5L non-turbo 4cyl
Engine outputs	75kW128Nm
Peak electric...

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