- The 2026 MG ZS range has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating across all variants.
- Prices start at $27,990 plus on-road costs, with turbo and Hybrid+ versions available.
- MG quotes fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km for Turbo models and 4.7L/100km for Hybrid+.
MG’s updated ZS compact SUV has secured a five-star ANCAP safety rating, adding another headline to the brand's recently launched 2026 range.
The rating applies to all variants sold locally, including the Vibe Turbo, Essence Turbo, Excite Hybrid+ and Essence Hybrid+, giving MG’s budget-friendly small SUV a significant safety endorsement.
Safety tick across the entire range
MG Motor New Zealand says the five-star result reinforces the brand’s push to deliver strong safety credentials without pushing pricing beyond reach.
“When we launched the new MG ZS, we said we wanted to end the compromise - that driving a compact SUV doesn’t need to be at the expense of power, performance or safety,” said MG Motor New Zealand country business manager Dean Sheed.
“This is further evidence we’re remaining true to this philosophy and, with the MG ZS, you can have everything and more that you would expect to find in a much larger and significantly more expensive vehicle.”
Standard across the range is MG’s Pilot Safety Suite, alongside features such as LED daytime running lights, push-button start, alloy wheels and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The SUV also includes MG iSmart connected services and up to 1500L of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded.
Turbo or hybrid power
The 2026 ZS lineup offers both petrol and hybrid powertrains.
Petrol models use a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that MG says delivers a 54% increase in power compared with the previous version. Hybrid+ variants join the range as a more fuel-efficient alternative.
According to MG, Turbo versions return 6.9L/100km, while the Hybrid+ models drop to 4.7L/100km, giving buyers two distinct approaches to balancing performance and economy.
Value remains a key selling point
Price remains one of the ZS’s biggest drawcards. The updated SUV starts from $27,990 plus on-road costs, placing it firmly among the most affordable compact SUVs on the market.
“The five-star ANCAP rating underscores MG’s continued commitment to safety, innovation and value for Kiwi motorists and their families, without compromising on features, technology or all-round performance,” Sheed said.
MG’s small SUV is also backed by the brand’s 10-year warranty, provided servicing is completed through MG’s authorised dealership network.
With strong safety credentials now confirmed, the ZS continues to build its case as one of the most value-focused entries in the compact SUV segment.
