Remember the MG ZS? If your memory conjures images of a perfectly adequate, budget-friendly crossover from a few years back, it’s time for a serious reset. MG Motor Philippines has just pulled the wraps off the all-new, ground-up redesign of the ZS, and it’s safe to say they’ve made the improvements that matter. Launched nationwide on July 3rd, 2025, the new ZS lineup isn't just aiming to compete; it's aiming to impress, especially with its tech-packed flagship, the ZS Hybrid+ I recently spent some quality time with.

MG bills this as their best-selling model made "even better," and stepping up to the new ZS, you immediately see why. Gone is the slightly generic stance of old. The 2025 model features fresh "Connected Hunter Eyes" LED headlamps, a bolder grille, and sharp, sculpted lines flowing down its sides. It’s grown up a bit too: stretching to 4,430mm long, 1,818mm wide, and standing 1,635mm tall on a longer 2,610mm wheelbase. Inside, rear passengers gain tangible benefits: more headroom, elbow room, and legroom, making family trips or ferrying friends significantly more comfortable. Visibility is improved as well with reduced blind spots, which is a huge help when it comes to city driving.

Across the board, all four variants come equipped with reassuring features like disc brakes on all four wheels and a standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Safety isn't an afterthought here.

MG segments the new ZS into four variants, catering to different priorities and budgets.

MG ZS Hybrid+ (₱1,248,888 intro / ₱1,328,888) is the star of the show and the variant I tested. This is MG's most advanced offering, combining a 1.5L gas engine with a 1.83kWh battery and a potent 100kW electric motor for a combined 197 PS. It also features a version of the MG PILOT driver assist suite with Adaptive Cruise control, AEB, and Lane Keep assist, a massive 12.3” touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, 6-way electric driver's seat, leather, auto climate, and 18” alloys.

MG ZS Sport (₱1,148,888 intro / ₱1,198,888) is the turbocharged 1.5L variant that pushes 170 PS and 275 Nm, paired with a performance-tuned CVT. It shares the Hybrid+'s premium interior tech minus the hybrid system and some driver aids.

MG ZS Luxury (₱1,048,888 intro / ₱1,088,888) strikes a balance between features and value. The MG ZS Luxury is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5L and a fuel-efficient CVT. Features include a 10.25” touchscreen, 7” digital cluster, leather, power driver seat, rear AC vents, and LED lights, presenting a very well-rounded package.

MG ZS Comfort (₱908,888 intro / ₱948,888) is the accessible entry point. The MG ZS Comfort variant shares the Luxury's 1.5L NA engine and CVT. It comes well-equipped for the price with a 10.25” screen (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), 16” alloys, cruise control, reverse camera, TPMS, and split-folding rear seats.

(The introductory prices are only valid until August 31, 2025)

Let's talk about driving the ZS Hybrid+. Having experienced previous generations, I approached this with cautious optimism. The old ZS was great value for money for its time, but otherwise just...fine. Functional and affordable, it’s no surprise I quickly saw a lot of them on the street when they were first launched. This new one, however, genuinely surprises.

First impressions count, and stepping inside reveals improvements all around compared to its predecessor. The cabin feels modern and well-put-together. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen is a major win. It’s responsive, crisp, and offers tons of real estate. Physical shortcut buttons below the screen are welcome, especially for controlling audio volume, though climate controls still mostly live in the touchscreen. Materials feel durable and a significant step up from the budget-bin plastics of yore; it no longer feels like you're making a compromise just for the price tag. Rear legroom is genuinely good for the class, and the 443-liter trunk (expanding to 1,457 liters) is practical. The seats are decent, though the rear bench is a bit flat for my taste.

The hybrid powertrain and its 197 PS combined output translates to perfectly adequate, smooth acceleration for daily driving. Where it shines is in its electric capabilities. The 1.83kWh battery might sound modest on paper, but it allows for genuine electric driving at speeds up to 87 km/h, making it excellent for stop-start traffic or gentle suburban cruising. The unique three-speed hybrid transmission isn’t as seamless as some continuously variable setups under hard acceleration. Plant your foot, and the gasoline engine can get noticeably vocal as it works with the transmission to deliver power. It settles down quickly once you ease off, but don't expect the near-silent, ultra-refined experience of a premium hybrid. It’s functional, sometimes audible, but effective.

Around town, the ZS Hybrid+ is in its element. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and rough surfaces commendably. It’s clearly set up for relaxed, family-friendly motoring. Push it enthusiastically on a winding road, and you'll feel some body lean and the handling loses its composure, but the ZS never presents itself as a hot hatch in disguise, so this is a bit of a moot point. For its intended purpose, it’s composed, predictable, and easy to drive. Crucially, the payoff for that hybrid system is real: over a mix of city slog and highway cruising, I consistently saw figures around 15-16 km/L, which is nearly double what its ICE competitors offer. That's a tangible fuel savings, reinforcing the ZS Hybrid+'s value proposition.

MG has genuinely stepped up its game. The previous ZS was a value proposition. This new generation is a competitive proposition that happens to offer excellent value.

The design is sharper and more modern inside and out. The space is genuinely improved and practical. The tech, especially in the Hybrid+, is genuinely impressive for the segment and price point (MG PILOT is a huge plus). And crucially, it drives comfortably and efficiently, which is exactly what most buyers in this segment prioritize. Yes, the powertrain can get a bit vocal when pushed hard, and the handling won't set your pulse racing, but these are minor trade-offs in the grand scheme.

The MG ZS Hybrid+ confirms a trend we're seeing: affordable hybrids are getting seriously good. It throws down a gauntlet in the fiercely competitive compact crossover segment. You might initially be drawn in by that aggressive introductory price (under ₱1.25M for this much hybrid tech is compelling), but you'll stay because it’s a surprisingly competent, well-equipped, and economical package that no longer feels like a budget compromise. It’s a sign of MG's growing confidence and capability – and a very appealing option for Filipino drivers looking to step into hybrid SUV ownership.