MG ZS (ZS3A) and HS (AS3A)

MG's ZS and HS budget crossovers have entered their latest generation. These new-generation MG crossovers are worth noting for their budget-conscious pricing, spacious interiors, impressive dynamics, and advanced technology.

2025 MG ZS

2025 MG HS

The all-new MG ZS starts at 21,995 Pounds plus additional costs while the all-new MG HS starts at 24,995 Pounds plus additional costs. Although they're sized differently with the HS slightly bigger than the ZS, these crossovers finally eschewed the Mazda-esque styling in favor of a cleaner styling lifted from today's MG3. Welcome to the new look of MG.

2025 MG ZS interior

2025 MG HS interior

Digging on the new interiors, the all-new ZS features a 12.3-inch color touchscreen as standard on the SE model while the Trophy variant features Black Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and rear privacy glass. The boot space goes from 443 to 1457 liters.

The all-new HS, meanwhile, features two 12.3-inch HD screens, dual-zone auto airconditioning, heated front seats, and Black Leather Style Upholstery with Tan Leather Style Upholstery. Because of the increased dimensions compared to the previous model, the boot space goes from 507 to 1484 liters.

When discussing performance, the all-new ZS features the same hybrid powertrain as the current MG3. It includes a 102PS 1.5L petrol engine combined with a 100kW electric motor, resulting in a total power output of 196PS and 465Nm of torque. This setup is paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under nine seconds, with a top speed of 104 mph.

On the other hand, the all-new HS offers more options. It provides a choice between a 170PS 1.5L Turbo GDi engine, which can be mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Alternatively, there is a high-performance 272PS 1.5T GDI plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in under seven seconds and reach a maximum speed of 105 mph. Combined fuel economy is 0.5km/100km based on WLTP standards.

Both of these crossovers come with MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assistance System, which provides a variety of driver aids. In addition, they have a 360-degree parking camera and MG I-Smart live services for added peace and security.

MG's ZS and HS budget crossovers have entered their latest generation. These new-generation MG crossovers are worth noting for their budget-conscious pricing, spacious interiors, impressive dynamics, and advanced technology. Which one will you go for?

Photo: MG Motor UK

MG ZS vs. Citroen C3 Aircross

In the planet of the crossovers, there are some crossovers think they look tough on the outside but in reality, they really are soft on the inside, meaning it's easy to be labeled as weaklings because they don't possess some true capabilities a tough SUV possess but for some, they didn't matter anyway because while the so-called fake-UVs are not so tough as they look, they are made for one major purpose; to get the job done with no questions asked. Such example is MG's latest offering, the ZS SUV, as well as Citroen's C3 Aircross.

2018 MG ZS

2018 MG ZS interior

First, let's talk about the MG ZS, the latest offering from the Chinese-controlled British car company, and judging by the name, the ZS took its name from a relative from the posh but forgettable Rover 75, which is the saloon of choice for the Bethnal Green mob you ran into. While this name is nothing new, this SUV has a clear impression of thinking that they copied the styling of noteworthy crossovers such as the Mazda CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson. That's the Chinese way, all right, and judging from its looks, the interior wasn't bad either for a five-seater, although the dashboard is as cheap as those outdated gadgets you bought at the thrift store. Although the interior feels a bit outdated by crossover standards, it feels not too bad to get into and you get the sense that you had a dream that you and your friends are driving to a nearby shopping mall in the streets of Muntinlupa City. Not as pretty as it hoped for but it ticks all the right stuff to satisfy your chic craving.

Driving aside, the ZS is powered by a choice of two petrol engines, a 1.5L DOHC and a 1.0L GDi which produces a city-friendly 111PS of power output and 160Nm. The 1.5L model is mated with a 5-speed MT while the 1.0L GDi is mated with a 6-speed AT but either way, you can consider these choices to be a bit decent but average for you especially when the suspension setup is as old-fashioned as a Nokia 3310 phone you got since you were at the fourth grade.

Of course, the ZS is considered to be a value for money because of its 12,495 GBP (844,000 Php) price tag, but despite its affordability, the ZS lacks something a compact crossover should have, even for the fact that it only works on urban roads rather than taking it on road trips on faraway destinations. So, if you need more for a city-worked crossover, consider the Citroen C3 Aircross for a change.

2018 Citroen C3 Aircross

2018 Citroen C3 Aircross interior

The C3 Aircross is the replacement for the funky but somewhat lagging C3 Picasso and starting at 15,950 Euros (960,000 Php), it considers to be a fair value for money which isn't bad for a fake-UV, especially when it uses the same bits and bobs as seen in today's Citroen C3. I mean yes, this is like a C3 but with some added ground clearance to make it look tough but to be honest, despite the high-riding looks, it still behaves like a compact car and it ticks all the right buttons that the MG ZS can't. Then, the interior is as modern as a Kindle Fire. Not as good as it hoped for but it's spacious enough for your thrift store junk, decently comfortable, chic, and simple. That's the Citroen way and you know it.

The most powerful version has a 1.2L petrol engine producing 130PS of power and 230Nm of torque, capable of reaching 0-100kph in 9.3 seconds and onwards to 200kph. Not only it is faster than the ZS but also, it's surprisingly nippy and lively to handle by city car standards. Of course, if you prefer fuel efficiency, you should go for the one with the 100PS BlueHDi engine that has CO2 emissions of 96g/km, which sounds fine but sadly, it won't last long for French roads because it's diesel.

Not only it drives pretty well like a city car, but it's also advanced as a city car as well because of the safety features implemented to give the C3 Aircross peace of mind for the occupants at all sides.

So, how do I sum this up? Well, the MG ZS is one of the cheapest crossovers money can buy but with all that "made in China" stuff, drivers are having that Divisoria feeling when they drive one but for the C3 Aircross, that is like driving in the streets of BGC without all the drama. Despite all the differences, they made proof that despite not being as tough as SUVs should be, they are made for one major purpose; to get the job done with no questions asked.

Photo: MG, PSA