There was a time when the MG ZS was one of the default choices for those in the market for a crossover. It offered an affordable alternative to the more established Japanese and Korean brands, combining practicality, attractive styling, and generous equipment at a price that made it easy to recommend. More importantly, it became the model that helped establish MG as a serious player in the Philippine market.
Today, the segment is more competitive than ever, with almost every automaker offering an electrified crossover of their own. Enter the MG ZS Hybrid+, one of MG’s best-selling models, now equipped with a hybrid powertrain to make every trip easier on the wallet. After spending time behind the wheel, it became clear that the ZS Hybrid+ offers more than just impressive efficiency—it fits naturally into everyday driving.
A Nod To Its British Roots
One look at the ZS Hybrid+ and its European influence is immediately apparent. The proportions are clean, the lines are understated, and there’s a level of maturity to the styling without trying too hard. It’s the kind of understated presence that could easily sit alongside more expensive crossovers.
My test unit, finished in Emerald Green Metallic, carries a subtle nod to MG’s roots. The paint resembles the iconic British Racing Green—a color long associated with the brand’s motorsports heritage. It’s a tasteful detail that adds character while subtly acknowledging the brand’s British origins.
Comfort With Compromises
Step inside and the ZS Hybrid+ offers a cabin that’s easy to get familiar with. The layout is straightforward, visibility is good, and everything is within easy reach. Spend a little more time behind the wheel, however, and a few shortcomings begin to surface. The seats are perfectly fine for daily commutes, but drivers who regularly tackle long-distance trips may wish for a bit more lumbar support, while the occasional creak from the door trims reminds you that the cabin isn’t quite class-leading.
The dashboard adopts a largely screen-centric layout with only a handful of physical buttons for the climate and audio controls. The driver is greeted by a 7-inch instrument cluster alongside a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is clean, responsive, and intuitive, making it easy to get accustomed to without digging through endless menus.
Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either. They get rear AC vents and USB charging ports, while the seats offer ample cushioning and support to keep longer journeys comfortable. I did notice that outside air occasionally found its way into the cabin, while the air-conditioning could struggle during particularly hot afternoons. They’re minor quirks, but they do take away slightly from what is otherwise a pleasant cabin.
The Ace Up Its Sleeve
Fortunately, once you get moving, the ZS Hybrid+ begins to show where it truly shines—efficiency.
The biggest highlight is the hybrid system itself. What impressed me most wasn’t just the fuel economy, but how refined the entire system feels. Backed by a 1.83kWh battery pack—slightly larger than those found in some competitors—the transitions between the electric motor and gasoline engine are remarkably smooth, with the ZS Hybrid+ intelligently deciding when to run in EV or HEV modes without interrupting the driving experience.
To see how it would fare in the real world, I took the ZS Hybrid+ on a weekend drive to Tagaytay. Driving through a mix of city roads and highways at my usual pace, it returned an impressive 15.4 km/L without any conscious effort to maximize efficiency. There was always enough power on tap whenever I needed it. The hybrid system delivers its power instantly, making the ZS Hybrid+ feel eager off the line and surprisingly quick without breaking a sweat—all while keeping fuel consumption impressively low.
The only time the powertrain loses some of its refinement is on steeper inclines. The gasoline engine becomes noticeably louder as the three-speed hybrid transmission works to find the ideal ratio. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s something you’ll eventually get used to.
The Everyday Experience
Driving through town, the ZS Hybrid+ feels like it was tuned with comfort in mind. Its suspension does a good job soaking up potholes and road imperfections, making it an excellent daily driver. On the highway, however, the suspension leans toward the softer side, allowing a bit more body movement than I’d personally prefer. The 215/55 R18 Linglong tires are adequate for everyday use, but fitting a better set would likely allow the chassis to show more of its capability.
Safety comes courtesy of MG Pilot, which bundles a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Intelligent Cruise Control works well in maintaining the set speed and following the vehicle ahead, making long drives less tiring. I did notice, however, that the Lane Keeping Assist occasionally struggled when passing close to concrete barriers on expressways, though it performed well whenever lane markings were clearly visible.
Is It Worth Another Look?
By the end of my time with the ZS Hybrid+, its strengths had become easy to appreciate. It isn’t the fastest or the most luxurious crossover in its class, but the hybrid system genuinely makes everyday driving easier on the wallet. With fuel prices remaining unpredictable, it’s the kind of efficiency you’ll appreciate every single day.
In a market where nearly every manufacturer now offers an electrified crossover, does the MG ZS Hybrid+ still deserve your attention? I believe it does.
Like any car, the ZS Hybrid+ has its shortcomings. Cabin refinement could be better, the seats could use more support, and the air-conditioning could perform more effectively in our tropical climate. But these are relatively minor criticisms. Taken as a whole, it gets the fundamentals right. It looks good, it’s comfortable enough for the daily commute, the hybrid powertrain is impressively refined, and it delivers the kind of efficiency that makes ownership easier on the wallet.
The MG ZS Hybrid+ proves that efficiency doesn’t have to come at the expense of driving enjoyment. It’s quick enough to be entertaining, yet frugal enough that you’ll spend more time driving than stopping at the pump. In an increasingly crowded hybrid crossover segment, that’s what keeps the MG ZS Hybrid+ firmly worth considering.
What You Need To Know
Price: ₱1,248,888 Engine: 1.5L Hybrid+ (Gasoline + Electric Motor)
Combined Output: 197 PS / 465 Nm
Transmission: 3-Speed Hybrid
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Battery: 1.83kWh NCM
Fuel Tank: 41L
Wheels: 18-inch Alloy Wheels
Cargo Capacity: 443L (1,457L with rear seats folded)
Infotainment: 12.3-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Instrument Cluster: 7-inch Digital Display
Seats: 6-way Power Driver Seat with Lumbar Support
Panoramic Sunroof360-Degree CameraMG Pilot ADAS (Adaptive Cruise Control, AEB, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist & more)
6 AirbagsWarranty: 5 Years / 100,000 km Battery Warranty: 8 Years / 160,000 km
