The MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence is the flagship model of the initial new-generation ZS line-up, priced from $36,990 drive-away to position it above the Excite. The ZS is already the best-selling small SUV in Australia and MG hopes that this new hybrid option will expand its appeal.
On top of the standard equipment in the Excite (LED headlights, two 12.3-inch digital screens for the instruments and infotainment, as well as navigation, a 360-degree camera and the MG Pilot active safety suite) the Essence adds 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, PVC seats, six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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The ZS Hybrid+ is powered by a 75kW/128Nm 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with a 100kW/250Nm electric motor, which combine to produce 150kW/465Nm. Despite those healthy power and torque figures, MG claims the ZS Hybrid+ Essence uses just 4.7L/100km.
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Stephen Ottley
Contributing Journalist
Steve has been obsessed with all things automotive for as long as he can remember. Literally, his earliest memory is of a car. Having amassed an enviable Hot Wheels and Matchbox collection as a kid he moved into the world of real cars with an Alfa Romeo Alfasud. Despite that questionable history he carved a successful career for himself, firstly covering motorsport for Auto Action magazine before eventually moving into the automotive publishing world with CarsGuide in 2008. Since then he’s worked for every major outlet, having work published in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Drive.com.au, Street Machine, V8X and F1 Racing. These days he still loves cars as much as he did as a kid and has an Alfa Romeo Alfasud in the garage (but not the same one as before… that’s a long story).
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