Is the New MG ZST worth the Money?

People bitch all the time about cars costing too much, so MG stepped in to answer that question.

The Chinese giant, SAIC, bought the ailing MG car company, and all the history therein. Instead of producing the pretty little convertibles we know and love, MG now has a range of SUV-style vehicles for the budget conscious.

The previous model ZS models continue in the range, at a reduced price, with ZST sliding in over the top. ZST has two variants, EXCITE and ESSCENCE.

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ABOVE: MG ZST SUV

Is MG ZST Cutting Edge on the Looks Front?

No, it just isn’t. But what it is, is familiar, like a comfy pair of slippers on a cold night.

There is nothing sharp or jarring. Edges are smooth and flowing, with a big bold grille flanked by a couple of fancy automatic headlights. They’ll even turn the high beams on for you.

As if all that wasn’t fancy enough, the door handles have built-in lock buttons. Extra gravy comes in the form of a rather good glass roof.

The front panel slides over the rear panel. An internal shade is operated independently, so you can have fresh air and sunshine while keeping the shade deployed for those of a delicate disposition. The dial opens the roof in stages, which is quite a clever idea.

Is MG ZST Comfortable?

Oh my wordy-lordy yes.

I got pretty cosy on the launch drive in and around Sydney. We even took a turn across the curvy Sea Cliff Bridge. You know the one. It is in every single Australian tourist brochure, alongside the Opera House.

The drive was around 4 hours, and if you’re still comfy after that, it’s a good day.

Seats for 5 have good support, but picky old David says the rear seats need more thigh support. Maybe it would help if he had smaller thighs?

There are 5 USB ports sprinkled throughout.

Headroom is good, but would be better without the glass roof. I’ve been through many storms with mother nature chucking hail stones the size of oranges at me. I could lose the sunroof happily.

Vision is excellent, with a high seating position, and cameras and sensors for reversing. In fact, ESSCENCE has a 360 camera with selectable view positions.

I would happily take MG ZST on one of my roadtrips.

Is MG ZST Technology up to Snuff?

ESSCENCE gets MG’s fancy digital screen for driver data. Sadly, you don’t get a choice of how the data is displayed, and the revs are shown in X1,000’s. So 1,800 RPM is 1.8 rpm. It’s daft. Why not just say 1,800rom?

“MG Pilot” is a collection of the usual driver aids we have come to expect. Many of these are required for a 5-star rating. ZST has not yet been rated, but the ZS models have 4 stars.

Active steering keeps you centred in the lane, but I’m not a fan, no matter what the brand is. I keep it off. Active Cruise is a different matter. You get used to the car doing the hard work for you as it keeps a careful eye on the cars ahead.

AEB tosses out the anchors in emergencies, with a standard range of airbags for when things really go tits-up.

You get a space-saver spare in the boot, but there looks as though there is room for a full-sized one.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and are displayed on a 10.1” tablet screen.

What’s MG ZST like to drive?

ZST has a 1.3L, Euro5, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine, with a modest 115kw/230Nm of power. It drives the front wheels through a 6-speed AISIN automatic. I doubt you’ll ever get to use the top speed of 185kph, but there if you’re feeling a bit wild on a private road of course).

Handling is more than adequate, with decent ride on most surfaces. It has 17” alloys with 215/55 R17 Michelin tyres for good measure. Steering is super-light, and I like it. The days of demanding road feel have gone, and good riddance too.

ZST is pleasing to drive. The throaty little engine does its thing, and while ZST is not the sports car of MGs gone-by, it fills a space where most people will eb able to enjoy themselves, worry free.

Conclusion:

I’ll put my hand up now, I was surprised. I didn’t expect the competent handler that I got. I didn’t expect ZST to be bad, its just that I didn’t expect it to be good. EURO5 is not the latest in emissions standards, but it will do.

It is a good effort and 32 grand is a decent price for a car this size. We can’t comment yet on longevity and reliability, for obvious reasons.

Specs:

Price: $31,490

Engine: 1.3L turbo EURO5

Power: 115kw/230Nm

Econ: 7.1L/100k

Trans: 6 speed AISIN automatic

ZST specifications:

MG ZST Excite – available from $28,490 MSRP. Standard features include:

1.3L Turbo engine
6-speed Automatic transmission
Black high-gloss grille
Black high-gloss mirror covers
Black high-gloss bumper inserts (Front & Rear)
Black high-gloss side sill inserts
17” Two-tone machined alloy wheels
Red brake callipers
Rain sensing wipers
Fog lamps
LED headlights and taillights
Leatherette centre armrest
Full grain leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching
Synthetic leather interior trim with contrast stitching
MG Pilot
360-degree camera
Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
In-built Navigation
6 speaker sound system
Keyless entry and push button start

MG ZST Essence– in addition to the standard features of the Excite, the Essence tops out the range and is $31,490 MSRP. Its additional features include:

▪ Class leading panoramic stargazer sunroof

▪ Full digital instrument cluster

▪ Red embossed “MG” logo on front headrests

▪ Front seat heating

▪ 6-way electric driver’s seat

▪ Alternate design pattern 17” Two-tone machined alloy wheels

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