MG ZS T – What you need to know

First launched locally in November 2017 and then expanded in mid-2019 and joined by the all-electric EV version in late 2020, the MG ZS small SUV range was topped around the same time by the MG ZST family – essentially a facelifted, upgraded and better equipped version of the original MG ZS.

Similar improvements will soon flow through to the updated 2022 MG ZS EV, which has been delayed by the global supply chain crisis and will be expanded to two more expensive variants, but will remain Australia’s cheapest EV at $46,990 drive-away.

Prices are also up across the all-automatic MG ZS range, which now opens at $22,990 drive-away for the sole remaining ZS variant – the 1.5-litre Excite – that nevertheless still undercuts its key rivals including the top-selling Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 (excluding smaller ‘light’ SUVs like the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross, Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue).

The MG ZST range comprises four trim levels starting with the Core and followed by the Vibe, Excite and finally the top-spec Essence. There are two engines and transmissions offered, but all variants are front-wheel drive.

Pricing for the 2022 MG ZST line-up runs from $25,990 to $33,990 drive-away and not only includes plenty of standard kit, but – as with all MG Australia models – a generous seven-year, unlimited-km warranty and roadside assist.

Kicking off the MG ZST fleet is the entry-level Core at under $26K drive-away, for which you get the following equipment as standard:

Six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and cornering brake control (EBC) all come standard across the 2022 MG ZST range.

All variants also benefit from the ‘MG Pilot’ suite of driver-assist functions, which in this case include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure and forward collision warnings, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control with speed assistance system, auto high-beam headlights, a 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors.

Other safety gear includes hazard warning lights that activate under hard braking, auto on/off LED headlights and speed-sensitive power steering (with adjustable power steering modes).

But the elephant in the room here is the sub-standard four-star ANCAP safety rating awarded to the entire MG ZS range in December 2017. And even if the substantially improved ZST achieved the same five-star ANCAP rating as the ZS EV did in November 2019, it remains to be seen whether it would be a five-star car judged against the latest ANCAP latest testing regime introduced in 2020.

But the elephant in the room here is the sub-standard four-star ANCAP safety rating awarded to the entire MG ZS range in December 2017. And even if the substantially improved ZST achieved the same five-star ANCAP rating as the ZS EV did in November 2019, it remains to be seen whether it would be a five-star car judged against the latest ANCAP latest testing regime introduced in 2020.

All 2022 MG ZST (and ZS) variants come with a 10.1-inch colour touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus Bluetooth music and phone streaming.

Every model has steering wheel audio controls buttons, a 12-volt power outlet, two USB ports in the rear and two USBs up front – including one in the mirror that’s handy for a dash-cam.

But if you want sat-nav you’ll need to pay an extra $2000 to step up to the Vibe variant ($27,990 drive-away), which also offers an extra two speakers over the base Core variant’s four-speaker set-up.

While the 2022 MG ZST Core makes do with fabric seat trim, the Vibe, Excite and Essence get pews covered in synthetic leather, although all ZSTs have manual seat adjustability.

A front centre armrest with storage and a flat-folding, 60/40-split rear seat is standard across the range, are bottle holders in the front doors, two cup-holders up front, map pockets on the rear of the front seats and a cargo cover to hinder prying eyes.

Every MG ZST has central locking, power windows and mirrors (with heating), push-button start/stop, remote un/locking and air-conditioning with pollen filter.

Satin chrome garnishes appear around the door handles and vents, with synthetic leather on the door trims, gear shifter and steering wheel jazzing up the cabin.

In addition to the height-adjustable LED headlights, all models come with LED headlights and tail-light, plus rear fog lights.

Front fog lights and rain-sensing auto wipers are standard only from Vibe level.

And if you want a digital instrument cluster rather than traditional dials and needles, head to the top-spec Essence flagship ($33,990 drive-away), which also adds a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a sunroof and MG logos embossed on the front head restraints.

Badging aside, distinguishing between 2022 MG ZST variants is tricky as all of them come with a high-gloss ‘exclusive’ finish on the grille, door mirrors, diffuser, fog light surrounds and side sill extensions.

A body-coloured tailgate spoiler and door handles complement the satin silver roof rails and chromed window surrounds.

Every variant rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Vibe, Excite and Essence having a two-tone look and the Excite adding red brake callipers

There are bigger differences under the bonnet. Both the 2022 MG ZST Core and Vibe come with a four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 84kW of power at 6000rpm and 150Nm of torque 4500rpm, matched as standard to an eight-speed CVT.

The pricier Excite and Essence, meantime, are powered by a newer turbocharged three-cylinder 1.3-litre petrol engine offering a meatier 115kW at 5600rpm and 230Nm over 1800-4400rpm, mated as standard to a six-speed conventional automatic.

Both engines drive the front wheels only and run on standard 91 RON unleaded fuel.

Placing it firmly in the small SUV segment, the 2022 MG ZST measures a compact and manoeuvrable 4323mm long, 1809mm wide (including mirrors) and 1653mm high (including roof rails).

Boot space (to window line) is a relatively commodious 359 litres with the rear seats in place, extending to a sizeable 1187 litres behind the front seats.

There are none to speak of here, but premium blue, red or silver paint – which accounts for three of the five available exterior paint colours, meaning only white and black are standard – will cost you a further $700.

All 2022 MG ZST vehicles come with a generous seven-year, unlimited-km warranty including roadside assist but relatively short service intervals of 10,000km or 12 months (which ever comes first).

For 1.5-litre models the cost for each service is an affordable $250, while for the higher-tech 1.3 turbo engine the cost is $253.

The 2022 MG ZST is far superior to the cheaper and older entry-level MG ZS and there’s no doubt about the attractiveness of MG’s long warranty, sharp drive-away pricing and extensive standard equipment list, even if that’s not reflected by the ZST’s sub-par independent safety rating.

And the value/features standout is the Excite. It gets most of the standard kit of the Essence including the more powerful engine and transmission combo, and really only misses out on a sunroof, powered driver’s seat and front seat heating.

However, if budget is your primary consideration, put your name on the sub-$28K Vibe.

How much does the 2022 MG ZST cost?
Core (a) – $25,990
Vibe (a) – $27,990
Excite (a) – $30,990
Essence (a) – $33,990

*All prices are drive-away (including on-road costs)