MG ZS 2019 Automatic 1 litre Turbo Review & Road Test

The MG ZS Automatic retails for just under £18,000, and is powered by a three cylinder, turbo charged, one litre engine.
Developed by GM and SAIC, it returns around 35 mpg to the gallon, and has a punchy engine and a smooth gearbox with sport mode.
Yes, there are hard plastics, and it is not real leather, however it is very comfortable, quite roomy, and really engaging to drive, as it has selective steering modes.
Overall, it's great value, and very capable off-road, especially considering it's two wheel drive.
It is NCAP 3 namely due to no safety additions.
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[@jamiep61]

Another Great Video. Your presenting gets better each time you do a review

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you Jamie

[@AndrewKNI]

Great review guys. Nice looking car too.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you for the kind feedback

[@happychappy7115]

Nice review guys!

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you, have you seen the facelift model we reviewed?

[@clivegeary4587]

I do like your reviews.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you, that’s great to hear, lots coming Kodiaq vRS next week.

[@gerrynicol3951]

Ive just picked up my car last week cant fault it got everything tinted windows sunroof blind spot data nice to drive great price im delighted

[@PlanetautoUK]

That’s excellent news Gerry, thank you for updating us, enjoy your adventures

[@liverpoolstreetvideos2712]

Excellent review lads, your presenting style gets better and more relaxed with every video. The car looks terrific value although as with all the current MGs the lack of Android Auto in addition to Apple Car Play is puzzling. With regard to the 3 star NCAP rating, this is the same as for the Dacia Duster, both vehicles being marked down for lack of AEB and lane assist. (Just one minor correction in that the automatic is only available in the two higher trims, Excite and Exclusive and not in the base Explore trim; so no 15" steel wheels which look a bit silly anyway.)

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you, we mention the Auto is only available in the Two higher trims in the intro I think. This is very good, yes NCAP to be expected no driver assist bits, plus no external airbags or collision detection etc, yes Android is a strange one.

[@stanleyleopard6799]

@liquidbadger06 Agree entirely. (From someone who drives a car with safety features comprising of seat belts.)'

[@PlanetautoUK]

Everyone at Planet Auto have cars that have never even been given a rating. So many variables can effect a score. Our Series 2A Land Rover has seat belts!

[@stanleyleopard6799]

@@PlanetautoUK I guess your Golf GTi Mk 2 only has seat belts, like my 1989 XR2?

[@PlanetautoUK]

@@stanleyleopard6799 oh no we have ABS too

[@simont.the.medium]

Well I picked up my MG ZS exclusive and have to say I love it. A nice drive can’t fault it

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s what we’ve been saying all along, joking aside - great to hear that you like what it offers, MG are coming on in leaps and bounds, enjoy it and thank you for telling us.

[@jonstarbird8484]

does it have satnav?

[@PlanetautoUK]

This or the latest facelift?

[@jonstarbird8484]

@@PlanetautoUK 2021

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes the Exclusive comes with sat nav, thank you Simon

[@AuthorPramudithDRupasinghe]

`I m currently using a MG Zs, Essense 1,0L Turbo. I simply love it

[@PlanetautoUK]

They’re very good, thank you

[@briellecakenbake5126]

They are made in china right?

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes. Engineered for uk roads though

[@simont.the.medium]

I am picking up my zs in a week would u say this is a good drive

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes, it drives well and you can adjust the steering too, it feels planted and the steering is responsive, overall a good setup - there is lean, but it’s not excessive and adds to comfort.

[@tanmaxkmr]

Dual Clutch autos and a turbo charged engine and also a good steering sounds like a recipe for a driver's car

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s a great car and is good fun, thank you, who knows what the next con gigs will be definitely an ev.

[@naseerulkabir1504]

@@PlanetautoUK tuning it will get the car to hit its sweet spot

[@btothey7243]

At first before we bought, skepticism kicks inn, but once you drive one it does feel plasticky.... but for the accessories and features it comes with, ride is good with a bit of body roll, but doesnt matter. Even though its manufactured by Saic, Im just glad the MG brand is back. We got the 1.5L 4AT.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Hi, where are you? This is the first we’ve heard of the 1.5 with an auto box. Yes it’s great MG are back and SAIC are doing a great job.

[@btothey7243]

@@PlanetautoUK I'm from the Philippines. Oh by the way, ours comes with a panoramic Sunroof, back up camera and two tone interior.

[@PlanetautoUK]

That’s amazing - it staggers us how being in a different country can give you such varied engine configurations.

[@usseftarek45]

B Y i have the same on 1.5L white 4 speed auto. I live in egypt and it rivals the qashqai here and it has been on sale for a couple of months and it is shattering the sales chart with over 3000 units sold in 4 months.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you, the brand keeps improving each year, they really are impressive vehicles, what options do you have on yours please?

[@bisayangdakosasanantoniotx700]

sir can you also get a review on its mid end variant? like the MG ZS 1.5L AT STyle?

[@PlanetautoUK]

We have a review coming very soon on the electric version, the MG ZS EV, the other models aren’t available in the UK, apologies and thank you. *ben

[@TheMisterB2u]

MG goner follow Kia,so on the way up.Would definitely consider purchasing.when due to change cars.Best colour is red and the worst silver#(which doesn't do justice to looks) By the way dad,faux is pronounced foe and not fowl ! Overall not a bad review.,so keep up the good work.OSV and Autogefuhl You Tube reviews are the standards to aim at !

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes they’re certainly climbing, think it was appearing pronounced foel thanks to saying foe leather consecutively. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@paulgray1]

Great video. How good is the 1.0 going up hills? Can this tow a small trailer?

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s good, no shortage of power, it’ll tow upto 500kg according to MG.

[@alanrogers6885]

Will you be testing the manual 1.0L Turbo version thanks.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Hi, here is the review for the manual the only engine they do kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX-nY5Jmm6-phMU thank you

[@ausspcpc1768]

My next car

[@PlanetautoUK]

Nice, what colour are you going for?

[@paulbriankyle1639]

Our only doubt is the after sales service (most especially its parts) since it is made in china. Good video!

[@PlanetautoUK]

Hi Paul - bear in mind that MG is owned by SAIC, so parts are good quality, and don’t forget the 7 year warranty. Glad you liked the review :)

[@discopantsandhaircuts1135]

I have one, no manuals avail in Australia. I went from a fiat 500 to this car so it's been a bit of an adjustment!

[@PlanetautoUK]

No manuals, crazy - yes a bit different, both great vehicles mind, thank you discopants

[@65679420]

Thank you for review ,I’m so glad to see it we have same car in Egypt but with 1.5L automatic motor without Android auto is there any way to get it such as updates for the infotainment can yo you help , thanks

[@PlanetautoUK]

Not that we know of, is yours the facelift? Thank you

[@65679420]

@@PlanetautoUK thank you for reply my car is the same shape and face but with 1.5L motor model2021

[@PlanetautoUK]

Manual or automatic gearbox?

[@65679420]

@@PlanetautoUK automatic transmission normal ( not cvt -not dual clutch)

[@PlanetautoUK]

We don’t have that here, as far as we knew facelift models gave AA, mind you that may be only in UK and Europe.

[@mattsbeamer]

Another great video guys. I like look of this car. The fronts like a Mazda with a Mercedes still grill. I like the rear too. Interior looks nice too, I’m glad Mg are doing well, so they sell many in England these days? :)

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you, yes sales are increasing new dealerships opening up all the time. It’s an impressive vehicle.

[@mattsbeamer]

That’s awesome. I’m glad the badge has come back. I would love to see them bring back a little roadster. Any news on the horizon?

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s looking like the ZS ev, and some months ago we saw a super or sports car concept, exciting times.

[@mattsbeamer]

Planet Auto just had a look at it. The e motion? Looks lovely!!! I love the mg x motion too. Wow!!

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes there’s cool things in the pipeline, it’s great to see MG thriving.

[@chronicawareness9986]

can you guys give us the specs of the cars you review? like horse power, torque and all that

[@PlanetautoUK]

It should be in the driving bit, it’s mentioned as soon as the guys speak, bhp, ps, gearbox, aspiration and torque if we have it.

[@chronicawareness9986]

@@PlanetautoUK ahh i musta missed it, thanks

[@briansicat835]

great review,..which is better the 1.5 or 1L Turbo?

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s horses for courses, Brian - the 1.5L is punchy if you drive it hard, and the manual gearbox is good. However, If you are after an automatic, the 1L is refined and smooth. A big point here is the price - the 1.5L starts at £12,500 and 1L Auto starts at just under £18,000. That’s quite a difference. We do like both - what are your thoughts?

[@stanleyleopard6799]

@@PlanetautoUK I wonder what price the electric version will come in at later this year.

[@PlanetautoUK]

We haven’t the faintest idea, we’ll find more out in summer

[@mallyturner9352]

Electric version is rumoured at £20,000 but could change when released in 2020

[@PlanetautoUK]

21k with allowance and MG matched, out imminently - we’ve one on full review next week *ben

[@bill_poth]

Does this car have compatibility for Android Auto?

[@PlanetautoUK]

The latest one does, thank you

[@lyricsofficial6787]

I like to buy MS ZS 2019

[@karimawad4274]

Which is better mg zs or gelly emegrand x 7

[@PlanetautoUK]

Hmm we’ll the ZS is great especially the ev as for the Geely we’re yet to drive one.

[@SpeedbirdAircrew]

I test drove the 1.5 manual and you put your foot down and nothing happened ..... would you say this one is better ?

[@PlanetautoUK]

We found the 1.5 punchy if driven at high revs, it’s smoother and responsive, quicker best to try it, it performed well not a rocket by any means, surprisingly good seeing the size and it’s a 1 litre.

[@chrisbury4635]

Do you know exactly which GM engine and gearbox is used ?

[@PlanetautoUK]

We’ll have a look for you

[@chrisbury4635]

Splendid thanks very much mate 😎👍🏼

[@PlanetautoUK]

Corsa e 1l turbo GDi l3 engine , checking on box

[@PlanetautoUK]

6 Speed Auto that’s all that’s on the press sheet, we’ll keep looking

[@chrisbury4635]

Wonder if that’s the engine they’re now putting in the facelifted Astra because they aren’t using the PSA lump ? The box could be just a generic Aisin used perhaps ?

[@petew1432]

I know this is really simple, there’s no arm rest on the middle console where the storage is

[@PlanetautoUK]

That would be a great option or an armrest , thank you

[@charitharanasingha]

Can buy from outside and fit, It will be around 35$ :)

[@3aunty]

bought a aftermarket from china works a treat (ALI EXPRESS)

[@ibrahimesmael]

What are the horsepower and torque?

[@PlanetautoUK]

It's 111 bhp and 160 Nm torque, we think *ben

[@ibrahimesmael]

@@PlanetautoUK do you have other models of MG in the UK or this model only? MG has other models in china such as MG 6, and RX5

[@PlanetautoUK]

Ibrahim Saad we have the 3, ZS EV and HS releasing soon. *ben

[@MarcusTDM]

So it has a 1.0l but still only returns 35mpg. Might as well have a 2.0l in it then.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Then likely it misses the price point, it’s a rather good engine.

[@MarcusTDM]

Planet Auto it doesn’t sound like a very good engine if it drinks petrol like a 2.0l. You haven’t gained anything.

[@thoforn]

Hahaha..."UHHH'ÆÆÆÆ" make my day....

[@PlanetautoUK]

The MG made ours

[@yeshaladymint9209]

We are getting MG ZS STYLE PLUS....... :)

[@PlanetautoUK]

Oo! Sounds great, Yesha! We don’t have the Plus here, please tell us what extra features you have? Hope you are enjoying your MG ZS Plus 👍

[@michaelstevens3479]

One sentence each?is there a shortage of air,or are they ex news readers.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Not ex news readers no. Mind you we can see how you may think that. The air was extremely dense that day, saying that here’s Annabelle with the Whether or not?

[@keithheal9692]

looks like a nice car, needs a AWD model.

[@PlanetautoUK]

We think we’ve seen one in a global market somewhere, none in the UK though.

[@johngolland4982]

Is it gutless

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s not quick per say, but it pulls better than the 1.5 and is smooth, test one - on kick down it’s not bad. Thank you John

[@karimawad4274]

How much

[@PlanetautoUK]

Around £17,000 dependant on offers etc

[@karimawad4274]

@@PlanetautoUK Thanks

[@chronicawareness9986]

111 ps 160 nm or (108 hp / 118 pound foot torque

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you, il add it to the description.

[@chronicawareness9986]

@@PlanetautoUK no thank you =) great reviews / channel

[@PlanetautoUK]

Chronic Awareness thank you for the encouraging words, it’s great to hear such feedback

[@naseerulkabir1504]

Get it tuned as it will perform better as its quite a heavy car and needs more torque and bhp to match the weight

[@robcorrente6065]

Looks a lot like the old VW Polo dials .... and the steering wheel

[@PlanetautoUK]

SAIC do make a lot of parts

[@rcajavus8141]

its a ford under mazda designed body :)

[@PlanetautoUK]

Have you driven one? If so what did you think? *ben

[@stephenwilliams2364]

Got nothing to do with Ford. The mechanics are GM

[@leonwilliams3221]

I was so close to getting one but I decided against it... looks great on the outside, terrible inside and slow as hell.

[@PlanetautoUK]

We found it comfortable, well designed not real leather but for the price, makes perfect sense, we found the auto to be punchy enough, no rocket ship not surprising considering it’s a 1l.

[@simont.the.medium]

If you go the speed limits why do you need it faster

[@leonwilliams3221]

@@simont.the.medium do a lot of motorway miles... felt sluggish getting up to even 50mph

[@PlanetautoUK]

That’s interesting, we didn’t experience that in either on long hauls - the 1.5 has to be driven harder, however the turbo 3 cylinder performed well on Motorways.

[@thanakritwangsom2748]

In Thailand the ZS has a feature called I-smart that lets you controlled your car by your phone ex.like cooling down your car by using your phone But the engine is rubbish it has only 1 option and that is 1.5 liter 4 speed-automatic transmission that is slowwwwww

[@PlanetautoUK]

That’s crazy, have you tried the EV yet?

[@zimben8]

@@PlanetautoUK In Thailand we have no MG with Android Auto connection , despite that most people have Android based Smartphones . I just dont get it . The top model here goes for 18800 pounds and U get that shity 1.5 L with a "brand new" 4speed auto but much less safety tech. Smh . Thank U for your great work .

[@cashw55]

Is this Mazda copy legal?

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes most certainly, we do have to admit though that the new model does look more unique, thank you Adam

[@cashw55]

@@PlanetautoUK I feel it could end badly. Landwind was sued for doing the same thing.

[@PlanetautoUK]

This model has been out since 2017 and as you’ll see the latest models look rather different.

[@cashw55]

@@PlanetautoUK like VW. It's a shame because the Chinese already have a bad reputation and little is being done to avoid the stigma.

[@PlanetautoUK]

@@cashw55 very true, and the current pandemic doesn’t help, SAIC are a very good manufacturer and have been providing many VWG parts for years. If you get chance to look at the new one, do so or even the HS, for the money it’s pretty unbeatable and many driver have switched thanks to a 7 year warranty and electricification and hybrid techs.

[@oldschoollondoner4674]

Big jump from £12000 for the manual to £16000 for the auto box, thats put me off

[@PlanetautoUK]

It is, a totally different engine and drive train derived from GM though, best bet drive it. *ben

[@stephenwilliams2364]

Theres 3 different trim levels. so you are going from the basic Explore at 12K up to the top of the range Exclusive at 16K the model is the Excite which is considerably more up market than the Explor so its not just the auto that jumps the price up.

[@pawelkozianowski1943]

Everything is decent 🤣

[@PlanetautoUK]

It is, mind you the EV is a level above

[@ChrisNYC1225]

Boy's legs makes me cringe, I don't know why really.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Nettles make us cringe as well as steep precipices