This SUV is HUGELY POPULAR -- but should it be?? MG ZST 2024 review

[@bobmcdougall8981]

I have had my zs for a month. I am 6’4” and there is plenty of room inside for me. I had a look at the zst and thought there was too much “ junk” and they were too complicated. Do you really need electric seats, heated seats, keyless start and a lot of the other crap? At my age, 70, I don’t want all the gadgets. The power is fine, handling and comfort great and overall its a great little car. I fiddled with the sound system equaliser and I am very happy with the music. I paid $23k and for this car with a seven year warranty I think that is an absolute bargain.

[@therightcar]

Good on you, Bob. Glad you're happy.

[@tammyforward4865]

I’ve had my ZST Essence for 5 months and can not love it more. I read all the reviews, watched the videos, did the test drive, and for me, it’s just perfect.

[@tammyforward4865]

You can turn off the surround view for when you’re just indicating to turn, etc. still comes on automatically for reversing. And you can select to use it when needed with the 360° button near the gear shift.

[@therightcar]

So glad it’s The Right Car for you! Can you disable it entirely so it stays off, even after you turn the car off?

[@alexi21san]

I got this zst essence and really enjoy the car .It’s got enough power and is very comfortable for me at 6,3 and 110kg .The adaptive cruise control is amazing and the car doesn’t make unnecessary beeping alert sounds like many other cars .

[@therightcar]

Cheers for sharing your thoughts mate. Glad you're enjoying it!

[@gS-kt2ff]

Very well structured review. And special thanks for mentioning the alternatives. No other video did that. Really useful for buyers who are researching which car to buy in this segment.

[@Mtownsend80]

I own a Zst excite and I love it. This price vs features is great. ... after 5000klm the engine is alot zippier. Have had no issues at all.

[@robrob4753]

How many KMs with a full tank do you get? It's the 1.3 turbo you own.. correct!?

[@jashon00]

I have seen Haval Jolion and Cherry Omada's review in this channel. I am glad you're going to review MG Zst now. Super excited😁😁😁😁

[@1MrBryn]

I just spent a week in a rental base model ZS while in Tassie. I'm 6'3 and had no issues getting a comfy driving position, despite the lack of reach adjustment on the wheel. My only complaint with the car is it was pretty slow, but I guess the higher spec turbo versions would solve that. It was a very pleasant travel companion tbh, especially on the tight, narrow Tassie roads.

[@alexi21san]

I’m also 6,3 and use the zst as a daily driver .Im very comfortable in it considering the size of the car .Very happy with the car .The zst is way quicker than the zs

[@therightcar]

Glad you found it good enough, mate.

[@garthk506]

I recently did the great eastern drive in Tassie and every 2nd vehicle on the road there was either a MG3 or ZS. It will like they were all flocking to the same loaction.

[@kirksmith4026]

Ive had my ZST Excite for a month now, fantastic little car for running the kids around in . Great on fuel and heaps of extras at that price point

[@michaelhenderson4073]

Just ordered one, the Essence version. Reviewed all the tests, yours is one of the best. Looking forward to driving it soon.

[@therightcar]

Thank you! Hope it meets your needs.

[@michaelhenderson4073]

Yes - the needs that are not satisfied by my Audi TT or Ferrari 456. And my MG3 was not big enough! Cheers, M.@@therightcar

[@davidtaylor3]

My parents just ordered the same model on the weekend and took advantage of the $1500 factory discount that you may have got too. I went with them on the test drive and I was totally blown away by how good it was for the price. They’ll be picking it up in a week or two and are looking forward to their first brand new car in about 50 years! They’ve always bought used, but the price and inclusions of this model are so good that they didn’t need to.

[@michaelhenderson4073]

Drove it home from the dealer this very afternoon. Drives even better than I forecast after a test run a couple of weeks ago. I did have a Volvo XC60 a while ago, but had to sell it to raise some money for another car (!). My first impression from this afternoon's drive is that the MG Essence is pretty much as good. I just hope MG get on with getting a good NCAP rating, which I'm pretty sure it's up to.@@davidtaylor3

[@sarahjane1792]

I'm about to buy the essence model!! Loving all the comments, helps one make their mind up

[@mortythepug]

I recently bought the MG ZST excite. Totally happy with it. Best car I've ever driven. Even though it takes 95 fuel, it's very economical. I drove 115kms the other day, and it averaged 5.8l per 100kms. Love it. 7 year warranty is the icing on the cake. The cup holder pulls out for larger cups.

[@therightcar]

Glad you’re loving it!

[@nicktarboxphotography1045]

I just took delivery of a 2023 Exclusive 1.0 Turbo ZS UK model, absolutely amazing, more rapid than my Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec that I traded in so, so pleased, would highly recommend, cameras are really great too, love it 😁

[@therightcar]

Glad you’re loving it!

[@lewiskearney3797]

You can turn off the 360 camera when turning at low speeds in the settings > bring the camera up like you did and click the top right settings symbol 👍

[@sarahjane1792]

Great tip!

[@MikeJones-mz5ig]

My vag ownership experience was tyres scrubbing out at 15 thou, and dashboard out Aircon compressor replace costing nine grand. Thankfully still under the miniscule warranty. So I wouldn't go the t Cross. Service and reliability is an MG attribute and why it's successful.

[@buncha5651]

What is a vag?😊

[@MikeJones-mz5ig]

@@buncha5651 Volkswagen auto group.

[@campbellreither550]

​@@buncha5651lol!!!!!

[@romemancer7905]

I have an MG...I will never buy a new Ford no matter how good they are...When you rip off a young person of 21 years old with financing a car and get charged nearly double the cars market value with interest they never forget it !!! I am now 60 and still remember the Ford dealer who ripped me off...

[@therightcar]

Wow. Way to hold a grudge!

[@nzelm0]

I hope you are more financially aware now. I wonder if you ever bought a house......

[@robrob4753]

So true bother...and financing is still ripping people off to this day.

[@pragmatist165]

A good review .. wonder if they are going to make the driver seat electric???

[@DMT267]

T Cross all day every day. Hired one for 2 weeks march this year. Such a great car to drive. It'll change your mind about 3 cylinder engines. The interior leaves the others for dead.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the feedback, and glad you reckon it's a winner!

[@INTELLIGENCE_Revolution]

I’m thinking I’ll get a T cross

[@kramar15]

I purchased a MG ZST Vibe 2 years ago and have always used U98 and I have found that I get a better fuel consumption and the motor is more zippy. I did consider the Turbo but for $2000 plus extra I did not think It was worth it as after all the speed limit is 50 or 60 KM per hour anyway. I am very happy with my MG Vibe.

[@greenchutneyman]

I bought this car for my wife and the annoyances I found were... You can't turn of the radio. The sunroof is paper thin and basically just a fabric so come summer it gets super hot. The seats being cheap leather also get very hot. The bottle holders and weird in shape and most bottles rattle.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@whatthe6532]

I’d be surprised if they are cheap leather. Actually they are horrible vinyl from the 70’s

[@bobmcdougall8981]

I have a zs and I can turn off the radio. I have no trouble with hot seats and I don’t have a problem with rattling bottles.

[@whatthe6532]

@@bobmcdougall8981 You are very easy going. Has its benefits in life.

[@toncilozic8902]

You have a mute button on the steering wheel 😊

[@MuammadAshim]

we need a particular review on cheapest version please

[@twisted_panties]

The best alternatives section of your vids is a winner.

[@therightcar]

Thanks so much. I saw that many others didn’t present alternatives unless it was a direct comparison. But this channel is all about helping people make the right decision!

[@michaelhenderson4073]

Had our Essence for six months now. Faultless everyday car. And it sits beside my Audi TT and a classic Ferrari.

[@therightcar]

That's awesome. I love the TT.

[@malcolmscott4150]

I’d go for Essence however also would consider the Puma which is a bit smaller admittedly- ZST sells well here as great value and warranty 👍

[@buncha5651]

MG are making great car's for the price. I wouldn't hesitate buying the turbo with a real auto transmission. 😊

[@briangriffiths1285]

Interesting! The MG brand has overtaken many in the UK including Volvo. The electric variant started the MG revolution in UK. Their EVs come second only to Tesla now!

[@therightcar]

It is a huge success story. Volume of production and excellent supply in Australia has meant big wins for the brand. They were also very clever in their approach to get into the old Holden dealerships in the bush, where a gap was left to be filled.

[@dylank6650]

My partner and I are buying our first car MG ZST vibe. I tested drive the essences as well but honestly, I don't think it's worth extra few $1000s Im not a fan of fully digital dashboards and i can live without heated seats, sunroof, and a turbo. Being 6ft4 front and back seats are pretty comfortable.

[@bobmcdougall8981]

Dylan, I am 6’4” and have had my zs for five weeks. I found the driver seat uncomfortable and was getting lower back and neck pain. I got a lumbar support cushion and life is good.

[@NadiaDosenkoWest]

Very diplomatic. Reaching between the lines. Thankyou.

[@ahh1180]

Thoroughly enjoy your reviews thank you 😊

[@therightcar]

You're super welcome!

[@robertceroli3512]

One of the main factors its the biggest seller is Toyota , Mitsubishi in inability to supply SUV's in a timely manner .Toyota yaris x and corolla x currently 1 year if not longer wait .Mitsi ASX about 6 months if they were able to supply cars on demand i doubt it would be the biggest seller

[@stendecstretcher5678]

Spot on .

[@iggy5347]

Haval and mg is a giant car company

[@saboo1967]

You can turn the camera setting off for when sitting at lights.

[@therightcar]

Yeah but it comes back on all the time, right?

[@saboo1967]

Nah, it’s stayed off. It’s in the settings, you can reactivate it. 👍

[@MohsenHaji_Au]

Great review mate

[@therightcar]

Thanks!

[@Jacob-5412]

Great video, cheers mate!

[@therightcar]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@krystleoliveire8186]

I have the mgzst 1.3 trophy/essence version. Im from Trinidad. My one complaint that is apparently happening with sone of these zs versions is the faulty automatic light and rain sensor. Dealership did work arounds but never lasted long. Trying to get them to order a new one. I dont know why the MG headquarters arent putting out something official because they are aware of it and for this reason, dealerships are hesitating to order new sensors when the car is under warranty because they have to cover the cost. My car is 5 months old.

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

I know someone who has had one for over 2 years & the doors don't even close properly anymore . Biggest pos I have ever come across. 😮 cars should last longer than that

[@therightcar]

I hope they took it back for a warranty claim!

[@TheHayabusa09]

New updated model is now out in the UK...And improved center screen graphics and more sinister front end.

[@therightcar]

You sure you’re not confusing it with HS?

[@greenchutneyman]

I drive a MG ZST paid 33k for the top spec. It's crap. For many reasons. I just booked a rav4 awd cruiser hybrid. Current wait time is 2 years but I bet it will come down. Probably closer to 12 to 18 months. The mg zst uses premium petrol, you can't turn off or on the air con when your on a voice call, the sun roof has the most paper thin roof cover. So the car is on fire on a average sun day in Australia. The fake leather sux and gets super hot after a few minutes in the sun, you literally need to open the doors and let the car cool down. The touch screen has an almost 2 second delay between touches, it's frustratingly slow. So anyone saying buy a chinese car. Think twice. Think 3 times. Yes it's cheaper but so many things will piss you off about the car.

[@GlowingTube]

Too many quirks and misses, needs 95 RON, lacks steering adjustment, 4 star safety, no rear armrest, boot is a bit small, not that cheap, looks like the brakes are like cardboard too. Pass

[@perpetualgrin5804]

Take it for a test drive and report back ?

[@GlowingTube]

@@perpetualgrin5804 I won’t bother it fails a number of my criteria, not interested. Cool if others like it.

[@perpetualgrin5804]

@@GlowingTube OK , I would have gotten 5% on a sale. Lol.

[@dlpereira]

I found the car to be noisy when I was a passenger

[@GlowingTube]

@@perpetualgrin5804 😂

[@JL-hf6mr]

Really enjoy your reviews. I’ve watched so many now! I’m considering an MG ZST but I’d love to know what you would recommend as an alternative for a budget of under $30k. I do like the Kia Seltos and the Mitsubishi ASX for better reliability Which would you choose? Thanks

[@therightcar]

Thanks! Glad you’re finding my reviews helpful. If $30k is the max budget, and you are prioritising reliability above all else, the ASX probably stands out most.

[@donnaagar5491]

I just purchased the MG ZST vibe after checking out the others, its value for money, they have 7yr warranty, 5yrs road side assis and their servicing will cost $250 - $300 which is pretty good, i got mine from MG Peninsular bankstown nsw and when i was there 15 cars were sold, when i went again to collect it they sold another 25, they have a lot of white ones, i got mine for $26,490 drive away

[@itsbigal92]

It's almost as if a halfway decent product at a sharp price will sell better to a lot of people over a truly great product at a higher price point.

[@therightcar]

Ha!

[@rode73]

In the car specs it says the max boot capacity is actually 448 litres with the tray in the lower position.

[@lewiskearney3797]

As someone also 182cm, dont tell anyone but we're actually 5'11.5 🤫

[@therightcar]

I’m 182.9cm but round down for the love

[@pragmatist165]

I didn’t quite understand your comments about the cam interfering with Android Auto . Does the cam stay on after you have concluded the parking reverse you did. In my car if i reverse the car the cam overrides everything (not sure if phone still rings) , and when I move forward immediately after that, the camp continues to stay on but for five seconds only and Maps reappears .. so it’s perfectly fine. You seem to be saying more than that … ie that the cam pops up or stays on for invalid or unnecessary reasons.. can you please fully unpack this because I won’t buy a car where the cam comes on like that and stays on , or pops up Thanks Matt

[@therightcar]

Hi mate. The camera turned off when I completed the park, but when you indicate out of a park or even just at low speeds when you’re indicating it will pop up again, and if you’re driving with your map app running and you’re not sure what the next move is, it can be difficult to know what’s next. Thoroughly recommend you go for a test drive, using a smartphone connected Sat Nav app, and make sure you don’t know the way to where you’re going, and make sure it includes traffic lights. That’ll help you figure out if you can live with it.

[@iEnofadov]

I guess it does what it needs to do and serves a purpose for those in the market for a cheaper compact SUV, but I'd still go for the Ford Puma, VW T-Cross or even the Mahindra XUV700!

[@therightcar]

Fair enough!

[@robertmorris6529]

Seems like 1.0 litre to 1.5 litre 3 cyl turbo matched to CVT or Dual Clutch is new ECO package requirement ,

[@rubyred8845]

The orange colour is the best feature 😆

[@therightcar]

Hey, some people buy cars just for their colour…!

[@mindfreeze0838]

In terms of a reccomendation I would reccomend the Jolion(I was going to reccomend the Suzuki Scross but then I checked the prices and saw that they were only offering the expensive 4wd versions, which is silly, Ive seen them do something similar in other markets, before they got rid of the model entirely). For the price this MG is offered for you can get one of the mid spec models or even the Ultra. The jolion has less eccentricities than this(cept for no reach adjustment) and its a little more practical than this. Its just a shame that Suzuki has lost thier minds and removed the 2wd version of the S Cross which is a more practical family car than both of those cars.

[@jughead18sp]

i am considering a jolion too

[@mindfreeze0838]

@@jughead18sp yeah at this price point a Jolion is your best bet. Just be sure the boot can fit your needs and you test drive it.

[@rachaelb5465]

​​@@mindfreeze0838I thought about the jolion but no reach means it's a no for me unfortunately as I have a bad shoulder, guess I'll need to look at the t-cross

[@mindfreeze0838]

@@rachaelb5465 yeah that is a letdown in this model and I dont know why they did that.

[@abhiabhilash2917]

Hi mate, can u suggest to me which small suv is better 37000 Aud thanks

[@robertmorris6529]

Is it a proper Torque Converter Automatic or Dual Clutch/CVT type automatic

[@therightcar]

It's a torque converter auto in the turbo models. CVT in the non turbo.

[@user-pd1ww3nk1g]

what's the fuel range in these variants for city and highways driving if anyone owns one?.

[@muhammadalisharif7824]

Hi Matt, Love your car reviews a lot. I have a limited budget of $27K (Max). Can you please help me deciding from the below, which one should I pick? Kia Picanto 2024 GT-Line Auto (24,025 DA) MG ZS Excite (23,990 DA) MG ZST Core (26,990 DA) Any other vehicle you recommend under 27K ? Thanks a lot.

[@therightcar]

Hi mate, Thanks for that. If it was my money I’d be getting the Picanto out of those three - provided you can live with less interior space. Otherwise, check out a Suzuki Swift, ideally the turbo.

[@muhammadalisharif7824]

Thanks for the quick response ❤

[@saikrishnashivakoti8538]

When phone connected to Bluetooth and you are in a call the home screen doesn’t work Is there any way to fix it The Home Screen display the call itself and can’t access to any other options

[@therightcar]

Good question. I’d be asking the dealership / service team to fix it. Could just be a software flash required.

[@numberwoman4893]

One thing you forgot to mention is that it is one of the few small SUVs that have a sunglasses holder. This is an important feature for me. You also didn't mention if it has flip down grab handles above the doors. These things are important to women, and far too many of you reviewers only think like a man!

[@jughead18sp]

would you rather buy this than a Haval Jolion?

[@therightcar]

You bet your life I would.

[@dsodso1664]

Dont understand how alot of these front wheel drives have a transmission tunnel raised bit in rear seating area, shouldnt it be flat?

[@therightcar]

It should, yes. But most are built on legacy platforms with floor pan designs that run across multiple vehicles and generations!

[@Fisher1903]

a B6 passat would feel futuristic compared to a lancer.

[@badabing8152]

Was seriously considering this vehicle as I need to upgrade, however I will regularly be driving 150km trips to/from work and will be on roads with 110km hour (no traffic - so able to hit top speeds regularly) I'm worried with this fact, this might not be a suitable car for me?

[@therightcar]

Sounds like what I used to do every day on my commute. And while this wouldn’t be my own first choice to do that sort of daily drive in, I think you’ll be perfectly fine with it.

[@nripendrabasnet9930]

What would be your first choice in this or similar budget?

[@kevinchng2491]

Hey Matt, are you going to review the Suzuki Vitara range? And the suzuki swift range?

[@therightcar]

Hi mate. I don't know if I will get a chance to do either of those... but I think you'll find some big news for both is expected in 2024?

[@rachaelb5465]

Can you please compare mg zst vs Kia seltos please

[@therightcar]

Sure. Here it is: the MG is cheaper and not as good to drive. The Kia costs a lot more and only feels like it’s worth it higher in the model range.

[@jositt65]

we have a 2023 vibe yes no air cond the back seat but honesty best little suv to own everything is made in china no matter what u buy I see that many on the road today they have great camera on the whole car for safety, heated seats nice but u paying $35k for us best car to buy best warranty best car break down cheap on fuel im a v8 man myself but this the wife car and I say mg done it again I dont like 3 cyclinder as a car should be a 4cyclinder turbo cost money if have issues petrol the way to golfer the price these selling for u cnanot beat as most these days suv in australia over $40k

[@abhiabhilash2917]

Hi mate, can u suggest to me to buy a small suv car AUD 36000 waiting for your reply thanks.

[@INTELLIGENCE_Revolution]

I think people are buying them because they are mostly what’s in stock!

[@therightcar]

Probably!

[@electricdiesel1993]

I rather hop in a 2001 MG ZS turbo-diesel hatchback than to hop into an MG ZS fwd sport utility vehicle

[@TJBellamy99]

Mazda cx-30 all day!

[@therightcar]

I’m driving one soon. It’s been YEARS!

[@shadowmysticranger]

Pay 2000 aud more u get xuv 7oo 7 seater which has more features than this and better in any aspect ...

[@therightcar]

If you want seven seats, or need an SUV that large, then sure...

[@iggy5347]

But not a fuel economy

[@buncha5651]

Hate those gigantic sun roofs. 😊

[@therightcar]

They're great if you like them, but bad if you don't!

[@RichardPrunty-m3c]

Stiedemann Court

[@c3vzn]

This sort of Mazda-ish design language seems to appeal widely to Australians. More so than other markets.

[@MarshallTheodore-o6i]

Mariam Shore

[@tonybennett638]

Mate as good or better review on cars .. thanks

[@therightcar]

You’re welcome.

[@lukuscannon9697]

It's cheap and it's nasty but that is just my opinion

[@therightcar]

I’ve literally had cheaper and nastier….!

[@mvnorsel6354]

It looks like miss mash of various other car manufactures or a uniquely Chinese design.

[@mrz1281]

isnt every car every made going to be a mash of other cars? theres just so many designs you can do without some portion looking similar to something else. not an easy job.

[@avarosegardener8942]

Skoda kamik??

[@therightcar]

🙌

[@garystone5746]

Test drove it slower than my Grandaugter in her peddle car needs a turbo.

[@MuammadAshim]

Hyndai is 27000$

[@MuammadAshim]

Wv is 30 K

[@kifitnessnow]

boot is 466 litres

[@therightcar]

Nah it's not.

[@kifitnessnow]

@@therightcar that's the official figure. Have you measured it? Actually the boot capacity is identical with HS

[@toncilozic8902]

448l with spare tire.It' pretty good for small car.

[@Coastmac2001]

I'm surprised that there is anything too much to actually recommend it. I've driven a couple of various MG models recently & found little to really recommend it . Terrible thirst , harsh ride, doors that gave a tinny clank sound when closing, glitchy infotainment , neither were great . MG really appear to need to make a bigger effort

[@therightcar]

I was more impressed with this than I expected, but context is key.

[@DaniilBalkans-jh2rw]

So everything is bad, just not tooo bad😂?.

[@therightcar]

Hahahaha I mean, it isn’t a shitbox.

[@deebee3901]

Honda HRV

[@therightcar]

Good thing, but pricey.

[@markwilliams-ny6tr]

Honda sales have fallen off a cliff, will be lucky to survive in Aus, new fixed price sales model has been a disaster plus Hondas are way overpriced.

[@ramonmartin4908]

After watching this review, it's a NO from me..

[@therightcar]

Fair enough.

[@allahsnackbar2757]

So disappointing I'd rather ride in a smelly Uber.

[@stephanusjohannes422]

I have had ZST for bit over a year. goes well but has lots of gliltches, and has a very cheap paint job that chips very easily...

[@therightcar]

Oh really? That’s a shame.

[@Aone9e]

what mileage are you running on now?

[@stephanusjohannes422]

28k kms