The Honest Car Review | MG ZS 2019 - why does this even exist?

[@lilmsnizzle1692]

I don’t know what you’re waffling on about here - you loved this MG when we had it!! 🤔

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Well this is new for me. 😂

[@tony5101]

Haha pwned!

[@ericgeorge5483]

Ha ha, admit it. lol.

[@rupafern]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 admit it

[@bonzobanana1]

I think people need to realise there is a market for a simple car, naturally aspirated without an automatic gearbox because cars are expensive to run and maintain and if you are a low mileage user who perhaps cycles as well as drives you just want a basic exceptionally cheap car, not just to buy but to maintain to and the lower mpg is a complete non-issue if you are a low mileage driver. Nowadays with German cars you either lease or sell before the warranty ends or you could face huge bills. The MG ZS is incredibly simple by modern standards and designed for long term reliability. The engine is chain driven and the there is a strong chance that it will go on for a very long time with basic servicing plus you get the 7 year warranty for peace of mind. It isn't best in class for driving experience or fuel economy but it might mean you have more money to spend on other luxuries including holidays etc. You need to realise car journalists might drive a car for a day and base their opinion on that but in the real world people have to pay for their cars and always juggling their budget. Let's say a journalist recommends a car twice the cost of this one and the viewer follows that recommendation, that person may go heavily into debt and be faced with huge costs 3 years down the line after a major mechanical failure, all because a journalist felt it steered a bit better or was slightly quicker to accelerate or maybe it had softer plastic on the door panels. It's not a bad idea to give yourself a bit of financial headroom with a MG ZS. Obviously there are other budget choices to consider but it does seem worthy of shortlisting if having a car with bragging rights isn't your top priority.

[@Addixxtion]

I think you should be on the honest John team. Like you say most of these journalists have the car for 24/48hrs and have to pack in a "full" review as quickly as possible. We need more long-term reviews, I'm not talking years as that would be silly, but at least a week or two to get a better overall picture of all the cars quirks. Also, the budgeting thing isn't top priority of journalists either, which is a very good point you made. Not just the initial cost of the car, the maintenance and MPG etc.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Both valued opinions, thanks. Worth saying that I do have 99% of the cars I review for a week though, including this one. 😀

[@glennclark762]

Well I have had one of these for the last 8 months, part exchanged a Skoda yeti with the usual EGR issues. Not missed a beat, 50ish mile to the gallon on my last 700 mile round trip. 8 years warranty, 0% finance and at least 12k cheaper than replacing with todays yeti equivalent. It's not mega powerful but being most of the time your stuck in a traffic jam it don't matter. It's good value for money.

[@olivermansfield8341]

My dad just bought one, and I nearly lost a nut (being a car guy) but when I drove it and sat in it, and put it on paper, it was probably the best car he could get, it has a 7yr 100k warrenty, it's pretty basic which means there's less to go wrong, and it's not bad to drive. He also got it on a low interest pcp, that worked out almost the same as buying the car outright, which he didn't find with other cars, that had 8-9% interest. Overall its a great car imo.

[@michelehall2982]

My MG was great till we hit a Kangaroo. The air bags didn't deploy although the light did come on the dash. Apparently the loom snapped. This accident happened early October 2019. It is now February 2020 and we still do not have our car back. Just letting you know that parts are not readily available in Australia. And depending how they are ordered can take a month to get here. We have had to have 2 parts from overseas. A lot of this is because the person fixing the car opted the cheapest way to get the parts to Australia. Hoping to get car back at the end of the month. Fingers crossed.

[@cosmoray9750]

The price tag says it all. Consider the price for this ZS what do you expect. You get what you pay for. The middle trim has most features. It gets you from A to B. MG is building cars for today's world and small suv is where it is at. Obviously this is built for budget minded buyers. If you want a small suv with all the plush features and pay a hefty sums then go with the bmw x3 or x2.

[@red_ashcroft]

You won't need a 5.6liter turbo engine that runs 800km/hr if there's heavy traffic everywhere.

[@CDOro]

correct!

[@andrewallan5442]

No one buys these cars to enjoy. Frankly, the warranty , apple car play , cheap price, the fashionable shape (cross over) and boot space make this ideal for the none car enthusiastic car buyer. Like my Mrs who’s only input into her potential next car is ‘a tall one’, I’ll likely have to talk her out of this and In to a the chr toyota

[@Clappers89]

Toyota CHR is a cracking car, had one as a hire car 1.8 Hybrid was great.

[@happysnapper6132]

Its worth looking at the TC for the warranty,things that will go wrong ie suspension/wheel bearings etc are only covered for 36 months and others a lot less mg.co.uk/owners/warranty/#vip-mg-zs-7-years-factory-warranty

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Totally get that Andrew - it is a lot of space for the money, I suppose. Still think the Arona is the best of these things...though I've not driven T-Cross yet. :-D

[@Ceri233]

Warranty only covers the body for 7 years, practically everything else up to 36 months, with the majority being less than that.

[@davel9359]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 But the Arona is more expensive and I reckon these are purchased on cost. If you're mainly driving around suburbia, it's probably good enough.

[@BMX1985]

These are actually pretty good moters for the money . GM running gear tried and tested and everything you could possibly need in a cheap family car plus 7 year comprehensive warranty yes that means absolutely everything is covered and that cover remains unchanged over the 7 years unlike Kia who promise 7 years warranty but they dont tell you it depresiates dependent on mileage and age over the term. My sister as just bought one with all the bells for £17.000 and she loves it if she had gone for a Nissan with the same spec that would of set her back £28500 for a smaller boot and crap warranty package . You do the math.

[@marw8383]

I think you forgot the 's' off 'math'? :)

[@BMX1985]

@@marw8383 . American pronunciation sorry:)

[@BMX1985]

@Mr_Psyco . Agree totally and out of all it's competitors it as a way better warranty than the more expensive brands which is piece of mind.

[@Mrbrainiac]

Well , the MG ZS is more economic and cheaper (in my country) compared to the duster , that's why it exists... Although I'm sceptical about the quality of this car , and you won't know for sure until you use the car for several years

[@BMX1985]

Well your ok cus the comprehensive warranty lasts 7 years

[@joaquinmisajr.1215]

I just love how the brand improves... more so in the hands of CIAC

[@keithheal9692]

this guy is a number one prat, a good car for the price.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Who's number two prat, out of interest? I might get in touch...

[@JoePeddie]

I own an Exclusive, it exists for people like me on a budget that get a lot of new car for not so much money. Its a compromise. It looks good, a lot of kit and practical Only thing missing is tinted windows, something i got done and it makes a big difference to the look of the car

[@ericgeorge5483]

I don't care what anyone else says, I rather like the look of the ZS!

[@richardfittonperkins1926]

Odd this review should come out today - I’ve got one of these and it’s at the dealership today for a software update & I’ve got an AirCross loaner. I like the ZS, mainly for the quality, space, relaxed gearing and economy. I regularly get 55mpg out of my 1.5 - it’ll sit at 35mph in fifth all day and pull just fine. I am loving the AirCross’ ride, though. I wonder whether they’ll let me keep it..?

[@martynmorris8160]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the interior plastics especially for the cost of the car. Have you actually looked at the materials in some of the other cars in your list?! Juke, no soft touch dashboard at all, Kona, no soft touch, hard plastic everywhere. You berate the car for not offering a diesel yet diesel sales are massively down and have fallen our of favour. Instead MG are looking to the future with alternative energy cars. The ZS EV in fact in showrooms September. Three star NCAP, KIA Stonic anyone? Why should any car exist? It exists because it's selling more as a single model worldwide than MG Rover were selling with all models combined back in the 2000's!

[@philipscott1128]

I've sat in a Kona and I could not believe how plasticy the interior was. It was awful, like sitting in a van.

[@safwansaid5139]

went to a nissan show room, went inside the juke, its atrocious, especially the back seat space and leg room was non existent, this is coming from an average asian teenager, i couldnt even stretch my leg to adjust, and the car exterior is overly designed. went to a suzuki show room as well, went inside the swift, decent front seat and cockpit feeling, but terrible backseat experience, went to a local mitsubishi showroom (also happeneds to have an MG car due to the parent company owns multiple car dealership) went inside the ZS feeling impressed because the price was unbelievable low as heck compare to the average market, the only complaint was the to open the trunk from the outside, you have to flip the bulky huge MG badge which feels cheap and flimsy it could honestly break, went inside the MG G3 next feeling even more impressed with the level of details, regardles if it feels plasticky, the car have more leg room better interior and already have modern cockpit features (touch display lcd etc) compare to the suzuki swift and at an even MORE cheaper price about 2-3k lower. MG is just killing it, the only thing that i am afraid of its reliability. because there are few parts with really apparent with its plastic.

[@reyalmanski]

I agree

[@davel9359]

A better interior than our Tucson that cost considerably more and is full of hard plastics.

[@GrrMeister]

00:48 *I think the majority of WW2 Spitfire Pilots owned an MG, at least they all seem to have done so watching movies !* Wikipedia Quote "MG is a British automotive marque and the M.G. Car Company Limited was the British sports car manufacturer that made the marque famous. The marque has been owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor Corporation Limited since 2005" Hence Made in China.

[@MrRawUK]

An ex-girlfriend of mine bought one of these about 8 months ago or so. Cheap as chips finance and 7-year warranty. She has 3 kids and a dog. Used as a family car and she's more than happy. Bought brand new too. Not my cup of tea personally.

[@madarasoun3018]

Do you guys think this car is reliable for long term use? Say 5 years?

[@rupafern]

There is a massive reason why you would buy it over the others cause its cool, looks the best, good quality, and might not be cheaper than a duster but the dacia duster is just a cheap tin can with old renalt parts.

[@bordersw1239]

It exists because they’ve just released an electric version, comparable range to a 40kwh Nissan Leaf, with a better warranty, oh and it’s £8000 less.

[@evilmario6061]

From what I've seen, crossovers are mostly bought by those over 35. I'll be sitting this craze out and sticking with my 2001 Saxo. Call me a stickler for tradition, but my next car will be a hatchback or an estate. The alleged practicality that SUVs and crossovers in particular offer does nothing to make up for the reduced fuel economy, reduced fun and increased prices. Great video, as always. Keep them coming, I expect this channel to go places.

[@chakawhyte5753]

Richard D I would agree with you to a point, but I have seen many under 35s 'driving' these things. Crossovers are the plain white toast of automotive world.

[@zealman79]

Dick D there won't be any estates/hatchbacks by the time you purchase your next car in 2045. I'm sure the market will miss your miserly purchasing habits...

[@mrquordlepleen]

Forget everything about the 'old' MG's, they were sub standard from the early 70's onwards anyway and were generally derided by non nostalgic 'neutrals' at the time. Today they're now a relatively cheap, Chinese brand with a long warranty. Chinese? Not really a problem. The iphone is considered by many to be the premium smart phone, no problems there. The Electric version of the MG will most likely shape up that sector. "Crap Chinese car.." Isn't the word 'review' missing at the end of that statement?

[@theantilifeequation8150]

I think the big question is if somebody were looking for a cheap as chips SUV what would you go for, the MG ZS, or the Dacia Duster?.

[@anthonywhitehouse2295]

I drive a zs and its OK to be fair.you have to make the 1.0 litre engine work hard to get any sport out of it but it does sound good. However if you have the rear window open and drive its a pain with the wind noise booming into the cabin. Would I buy another yes & no with the introduction of the new Hector coming I'll wait and see. Marks out of 10 / 8

[@joemccullagh2827]

I have one of these 1.0 turbo auto version for over six months now and it hasn't missed a beat.Had a yeti before that it was heap of trouble. Your review is not entirely accurate or true.After all where do you think all your technology comes from Currys.

[@t2stu]

I want some pie now. What do you suggest?

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Oooh mince.

[@rafflesnh]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 Shepherds or cottage?

[@m3dicool]

In Indonesia become Wuling Almaz, and it is equipped with large screen, voice command and 7 seater too

[@treacletart4365]

So it’s slow, hardly any toys, very dated and boring. Sounds as if MG has gone backwards since MG Rover days. The real MG ZS was fun, well engineered car.

[@frozenice61]

what are you on about,its 12,500 and the gov will give you 2,000 scrap value on any car with an mot 0 percent finance 7 year warranty ,low emissions and its a new car that most drivers will never have

[@EricTheBlue61]

You've made me seek out the ITN news theme music from the 60s just so I could listen to the end of it.

[@mjames2117]

I guess they provide a straw to inflate the airbags in case of an accident?

[@KREEPYKRAWLLY]

Was this filmed way before it was edited? Thanks for the info.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Yeah, basically. Well spotted. :-D

[@stephandolby]

I guess I understand why there's a 1.0 turbo, but given that, if you can put up with the manual gearbox and the reduced refinement, and aren't that interested in motorway driving, the 1.5 NA could be faster and better on fuel. I'm actually quite shocked that the turbo is that lethargic - perhaps it's due to a chronic lack of torque when compared to, say, VW's 115PS equivalent TSI which has 201NM - 25% more. I wouldn't buy it anyway, not until they refined it a bit and added reasonable, nay, *expected* safety features. It's no safer or modern than something from a decade back, and that's criminal even at this price point. The Duster is just better, and though I can imagine the wait for one to be pretty lengthy, you just know it'll be easier to live with once you get one. MG hasn't even got price on its side, though if you want something rare... actually, no, don't. Not even for the 7-year warranty. The upcoming electric ZS may be the only variant to consider - more power, much safer and a reportedly okay range, due September.

[@Ceri233]

What didn't help the 1.5 is that they "de-tuned" the engine for the UK market to comply with emmisions. Other countries got a 120+bhp engine. The NCAP rating was also knocked down by the lack of "nanny" features like Auto/City braking. And as for the 7 year warranty....not really worth it either...only covers the bodywork, almost everything else is only covered for 36 months.

[@Grant0610]

Apparently, the EV version is rather good and pretty cheap! You going to drive it?

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Aye, I'm proper intrigued by it, genuinely. I'll get one in soon. :-D

[@Hayden3860]

I love how entertaining your videos are Mark. As a general rule, I don’t bother watching cross over reviews as they are soooooo repetitive but yours are always a good laugh. Keep up the great work HJ

[@JeeGee114]

Still got that documentary on VHS.

[@thearousedeunuch]

Is there a way for you to upload it to KZbin? I only found 15 minute clips that I assume aren't the whole documentary.

[@pierrot148]

What's going on with the car industry.. If you told me 10 years ago BMW would make a FWD 1-series, MG would make ugly cheap dacia duster rivals, alfa romeo would make fat SUVs,..

[@thearousedeunuch]

"The future is now, old man." (This is a meme, not a hate comment).

[@Oli_Hudson]

"Basic Bitch" sums up this car nicely!

[@Zerofightervi]

It looks so under-wheeled. This car is bought by the kind of person who wants to by British but has no idea that MG is Chinese owned.

[@benhenry1571]

Zerofightervi - *buy

[@Zerofightervi]

@@benhenry1571??

[@alexlo7708]

It's design headquarter is in UK. Design by the Brit.

[@garymason7]

"A basic... bitch!" "Ooooh!" HAHAHA!

[@timhancock6626]

Forget the badge. Why not just say it's a small cheap Chinese made SUV that does what it says on the tin, and if you are expecting more, then spend more on something else. For many people it might be just the job If they can't face the somewhat agricultural, but worthy Dacia Duster. ...which oddly enough rides quite well even if it steers like a boat.

[@nlvq]

Except the top model is around the basic model of everything else. It exists because of that and it's 7 year warranty. Honest john!?

[@JohnMcMahon.]

This car reminds me of Britain as a whole. Sad really... Love this channel though.

[@bobthebarsteward]

As an ex MG owner, I had to watch it, it was the car crash effect, you just have to look but you don't want to. And as I work in a car factory not a million miles from where the presenter comes from, I get the humour :)

[@michalklucz6907]

And another great review. It's a shame, as I service my Saab in Saab/Subaru/GM service and ZS looks good.. but I never had the courage to seat inside. now I now that I only saved some time.

[@petergahan9076]

Sounds like a review of a Jspanese car in 60s.

[@Hoodedclaw10]

oh a ZS with no 2.5 V6 option or outlandish body kit. Nope not for me......

[@garyrodriguez9408]

Enjoyed the video

[@38MBH]

Another great review and glad to see the hair has calmed down a little. . .just a little mind =)

[@rupafern]

Who needs a diesel when you get good economy and performance from this

[@MrTrull1]

Carwow 'geek mode' .... oh dear....Mark, you've got 'em rattled. 😉

[@swordscot]

Boring . A presenter who’s more interested in himself than the car he’s reviewing.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

That's not true at all. I was fascinated by this Hyundai and said so in the review.

[@MrConor159]

140 grams of co2!. Mg is screwed for 2020

[@advancelast1740]

It wasn’t BMW it was the UNIONS😥

[@bodyrocker8885]

Honest John, you’re witty, original and pretty cute.... call me.... lol all jokes aside, great review, thumbs and sub, you’re rockin it!

[@quackers.]

When MG steal the front bumper and grille from the Tarraco

[@philipscott1128]

Did the Tarraco not only come out very recently? The ZS has been out for a while now

[@antwonefernandez7554]

Enjoyed this. Have zero interest in the car but annoyed the history and finding out about the product with a few laughs. Cheers.

[@oldgitsknowstuff]

It's a Ford, it's a Mazda, it's a Vauxhall, it's just like every other car, nothing special, they all look the same ! It doesn't look like an MG. Its crap !

[@MrVoayer]

Brutally honest ! About a car brutally missing in execution !

[@funksocks]

Nicely done, again. I wonder why people buy these, they aren't cheap and they aren't good. Maybe the finance deal is superb?

[@SDav21]

I just love this guys style. He always looks so good. 😍

[@robcorrente6065]

At Least it has grab handles ... none in the Arona or T-cross

[@rafflesnh]

What's wrong with the steering wheel? ;-) I need grab handles to haul my ass out of my BMW 3 series, but shirley you shouldn't need that with a X-over?

[@Oli_Hudson]

@@rafflesnh Don't bring Shirley into this!

[@mattjoy2274]

I knew you wouldn't let us down on the Bray factor.

[@edgarfmabreu]

awesome video as allways ;)

[@russellgilchrist3951]

Good first section about the old model, but the rest was talking about a crap car, and you forgot to finish talking about the hairy pie

[@saghirahmed5802]

informative and entertaining, good job.

[@dj331]

Vauxhall mokka is probably one of the most depressing cars around.

[@grahamjones2759]

Vauxhall. They all are.

[@NigelRudyard]

I wish we still made our own crappy cars. Actually, no, no I don't. I can avoid buying this and not feel guilty about it. I love your lost metaphors, Mark. Talk about the Life of Pie.

[@funkymonkey1198]

Skip 2 minutes to miss the waffle in that mackem accent

[@tony5101]

Mackem?

[@MrConor159]

Agh not another crossover!!!!!!!

[@michaelsimpkins5178]

Arona has poor quality

[@kropek2008]

You talk funny and sound hilarious! Awesome!

[@MattuskoZ]

The car is obvs absolute rubbish but as someone pointed it out here, there is a market for it. Chinese know what they are doing. Plus there are a lot of people driving cars on the road without even knowing its colour, so this is a perfect car for no car people. A great and entertaining review again 👌. Feed on hate f**k the rest. It seems to work for US president.. Sadly in this case

[@gregbernini3244]

Brilllll

[@xeniosaias]

the chinese improved a lot the past 10 years but still I wouldnt buy! I dont believe its bad but it should be in dacia price!

[@stantheman9976]

I don't like him.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Shame. He thinks you The Man. 😫

[@MrHairyTeabag]

Two words: E V

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

That's two letters, Mr.

[@MrHairyTeabag]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 actually the universal symbol for energy and a Roman numeral. Go back to school ;-) And for goodness sake stop getting the council to do your hair for free. Try a hat :-)

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Aah, sorry. ‘Universal symbol for energy’ and ‘Roman numeral for number 5’ are actually my two favourite words, so I really should have spotted that. What an idiot.

[@MrHairyTeabag]

Harsh. But fair.

[@a1775]

awful review

[@grahamjones2759]

Slow and throaty. Mmmmmmm.

[@philtimson5449]

Worse than an MG Rover 😲

[@themightydash1714]

MG SUVs exist for the same reason every other SUV exists. Because people are stupid.

[@HULK-HOGAN1]

MG, Havel, Kia, Hyundai.... all garbage

[@jacobprice9446]

The Chinese have ruined MG

[@dotamaze]

This car actually sucks. It has less power and price wise not much cheaper than Honda or Toyota offers.