2025 MG ZS Essence: When you’re shopping for a compact SUV that won’t break the bank but still delivers modern features, the 2025 MG ZS Essence deserves serious consideration. This completely redesigned small SUV represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, offering a compelling blend of technology, space, and value that’s hard to ignore in today’s market.
More SUV for Your Money
The MG ZS Essence starts at $29,990 drive away for the petrol version, positioning it as one of the most affordable compact SUVs available. But don’t let that budget-friendly price fool you into thinking you’re getting a stripped-down vehicle. The Essence grade comes loaded with features that would typically cost thousands more in competitor vehicles, including a surround-view camera system, dual 12.3-inch displays, and LED lighting throughout.
What makes this pricing even more attractive is the variety of powertrain options available. If you want more punch, the Essence Turbo adds a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 125kW for just $31,990 drive away – that’s a 54% power increase for only $2,000 more. For those interested in fuel efficiency, the Hybrid+ Essence offers excellent economy, though at a higher price point around $37,000-40,000.
Interior That Punches Above Its Weight
Step inside the ZS Essence and you’ll immediately notice the effort MG has put into creating a more premium cabin experience. The interior features cream faux-leather upholstery that gives the cabin an upmarket feel, especially with the optional white interior treatment that makes the space feel bright and welcoming.
The technological centerpiece consists of twin 12.3-inch screens – one serving as your digital instrument cluster and the other handling infotainment duties. The infotainment system includes built-in navigation, which is refreshing when many brands are pushing smartphone-only solutions. You’ll also get wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, and a six-speaker audio system that delivers decent sound quality for the price point.
The Essence grade adds several comfort features including heated front seats, an electric panoramic sunroof, and power adjustment for the driver’s seat. These touches help differentiate it from the entry-level model and contribute to that premium feel MG is aiming for.
Real-World Driving Experience
The driving experience varies significantly depending on which Essence variant you choose. The standard petrol Essence uses a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine producing 81kW and 140Nm, which feels adequate for city driving but can struggle when you need quick highway merging or hill climbing with passengers and luggage.
The Essence Turbo represents a much better value proposition from a performance standpoint, delivering nearly double the torque and significantly more responsive acceleration. However, it does require premium fuel and tends to be thirstier than expected, with real-world consumption around 8.0L/100km.
The ride quality is generally comfortable, though you might notice some road noise on coarse surfaces and a bit of firmness from the suspension, particularly with the 18-inch wheels on higher trim levels. The steering feels appropriately weighted for urban driving without being too light or heavy.
Practical Family Transport
Boot space is generous at 443 liters, expanding to 1,457 liters with the rear seats folded – more than competitors like the Hyundai Kona. The rear seats offer decent space for adults, though taller passengers might find headroom a bit tight.
Storage throughout the cabin is well thought out, with a lidded center console box, door bins that accommodate decent-sized bottles, generous glove box space, and a wireless charging pad for compatible devices. The practical touches extend to rear air vents, though there’s no dual-zone climate control in the standard Essence.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety equipment is comprehensive, with six airbags including dual front, side, and curtain airbags covering both rows. The Essence includes a surround-view camera system, which is impressive to find in a vehicle at this price point – some luxury SUVs costing twice as much don’t offer this feature.
Driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Some systems like the lane centering function can feel overly intrusive, but fortunately, you can adjust or disable these features to suit your preferences.
Perhaps the biggest confidence booster is MG’s industry-leading 10-year, 250,000-kilometer warranty, which provides exceptional coverage compared to most competitors. Unlike some long warranties that require dealer-only servicing, MG allows you to service the vehicle anywhere, which adds convenience and potentially reduces costs.
Who Should Consider the ZS Essence?
The ZS Essence makes the most sense for buyers upgrading from an older small car or those wanting SUV practicality without premium pricing. If you’re stepping up from a dated small vehicle, the ZS will feel like a significant upgrade in terms of space, technology, and refinement.
Families on a budget will appreciate the generous interior space, large boot, and comprehensive safety equipment. The technology package also means you won’t feel left behind compared to more expensive alternatives. Young professionals or first-time SUV buyers will find the combination of style, features, and warranty coverage appealing.
However, if driving engagement and refinement are priorities, alternatives like the Toyota Corolla Cross or Skoda Kamiq might better suit your needs, despite their higher prices. The MG prioritizes value and practicality over ultimate driving dynamics.
2025 MG ZS Essence
The 2025 MG ZS Essence represents excellent value in today’s compact SUV market. For those seeking a practical workhorse with modern technology, competitive pricing, and strong warranty coverage, it fits the bill perfectly. The significantly improved interior, comprehensive equipment list, and multiple powertrain options give buyers flexibility to find their sweet spot.
The Essence Turbo variant particularly stands out as the “just right” option that balances performance, features, and price for typical small SUV buyers. While it may not win awards for driving excitement or premium materials, it delivers where it counts most for family buyers: space, reliability, value, and peace of mind.
If you’re shopping in the under-$35,000 compact SUV segment, the MG ZS Essence deserves a test drive. Its combination of generous equipment, practical design, and industry-leading warranty makes it a compelling choice that’s likely to satisfy buyers looking for maximum value rather than ultimate prestige.