MG as a brand has little presence in Australia but one of its models the ZS SUV in the higher Essence grade is one of the car industry’s best kept secrets. MG is perhaps best known as Britain’s sports car brand but in recent years owned by the giant Chinese SAIC Motor Group.
As I’ve said previously Chinese automotive product is getting better at a rapid rate – the LDV utes I drove this year were a big step up, so too the Haval H9 and now the MG ZS SUV – a small SUV that frankly is so well built and so well equipped at $25,490 drive-away its up there with many in its class. A lack of dealers has held the brand back but that’s now been helped by a new dealership on the Central Coast at Tuggerah. The MG ZS Essence is a good looking small SUV, the body, fit and finish and overall quality hard to fault plus it’s absolutely loaded with features. The extensive features and equipment is one way that MG has made this ZS Essence more attractive. It comes with a rear view camera, a panoramic glass sunroof, faux leather trim, rear parking sensors, emergency brake assist, plus many driving, comfort, audio and convenience features – even the power steering has three settings. It only has a four star crash safety rating but does have a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty. The 1-litre three- cylinder engine and six speed auto a high point. I’m David Berthon

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