
Service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000km, which reflects the anticipated use of the ZS as an urban commuter. Helping potential owners make the leap into the Chinese-built vehicles are the likes of a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and relatively cheap servicing costs (ranging from $1,407 for five years with the ZS to $1566 on the ZST Essence). The ZS scored a four-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2017 ZST variants haven’t been officially tested. Notable inclusions include a bigger infotainment screen (10.1 inches against 8.0-inches), and a more extensive list of safety assist software, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist. It is matched to a six-speed automatic and fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 litres/100km, though it is recommended to run on the more expensive 95 RON petrol. The higher-spec Excite and Essence variants adopt a 1.3-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 115kW/230Nm. The ZST Core and Vibe versions rely on the same 1.5-litre engine, this time paired with a continuously variable transmission, which trims fuel use to 6.9 litres/100km. While fundamentally the same vehicles, the ZST range pack a heap more creature comforts and safety gear into the vehicle compared to the entry level ZS Prices for a ZST-badged version start at $25,990 on the road and climb to $33.490. The ZS uses an 84kW/150Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission for a claimed combined fuel use of 7.1 litres every 100km. With a starting price of just $22,490 driveaway, it’s no coincidence the ZS/ZST range are the most popular cars in the small SUV segment. The MG-badged compact SUV is the cheapest way to secure a new small SUV. Best performance small SUV: Hyundai Kona N.


This is where buyers are typically finding their first fresh-off-the-showroom-floor vehicle. The segment trails only utes and medium SUVs in popularity, making it a key battleground for car makers. There are more than 30 players in the compact SUV market vying for the attention of new car buyers. RACV casts an eye over the pick of the hugely popular small SUV fleet looking for the best buys for a variety of owners, from the MG ZS to the Volvo XC40.
