2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ Essence Review | Long-Distance Test & Real-World Fuel Efficiency

Welcome back to Road Trip Reviews

This time I’m putting the 2025 ‪@MGMOTORAUSTRALIA‬ ZS Hybrid+ Essence to the test in Australia, and in particular I’ve driven it long-distance so you get a real-world look at how it performs beyond the city run.

In this in-depth review I cover:

Key Australian specs for the Hybrid+ Essence variant — what you’re getting in the package.

Long-distance driving impressions: comfort, ride, fuel economy, practicality, and how it handles when you stretch the legs out of town.

Tech, cabin space, boot space, and the kind of value you get in the compact hybrid SUV segment.

Who this car is for, and whether it stacks up against rivals for everyday and long-haul use.

Australian key specs at a glance for the Hybrid+ Essence:

Powertrain: 1.5L petrol engine + electric motor, combined output 158kW / 465Nm.

Fuel consumption (claimed): 4.7L/100 km (Hybrid+ version).

Boot capacity: 443L (seats up) expanding to 1,457L (seats folded) in the ZS package.

Approximate drive-away price (Australia) for Hybrid+ range: from around AUD $36,990 for the Essence.

Trim-specific extras for Essence: 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel etc.

What you’ll see in the video:

My long-distance fuel economy and range: how close real-world results come to the 4.7 L/100km claim.

Ride comfort and cabin quietness when cruising on highways and country roads.

Interior layout, practicality for luggage, family use, and how the boot space holds up.

Tech and convenience features: dual screens, connectivity, safety suite, comfort features.

How the hybrid system works in everyday and long-haul driving, strengths and quirks.

My verdict: who this car is ideal for, where it excels and where compromise may lie.

If you enjoy this review, please hit Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss upcoming reviews and road-trip tests from Road Trip Reviews.

Drop a comment below: have you driven a hybrid compact SUV and how does it feel on the open road?

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:35 Pricing
0:56 Seat Comfort
2:23 Interior & Tech Driving Impression
7:31 Long-Distance Driving Impression
12:00 Fuel Economy & Engine Specs
13:25 Exterior Tour
15:00 Cargo Space
16:55 Interior Walk-through
21:08 Rear Seat Space
22:33 Who It’s For & Final Verdict
26:26 Warranty and Suspension
27:47 Outro & What’s Next

Special thanks to ‪@tweedrealfood9631‬ for allowing us to come for a drive and visit your macadamia farm during our testing.

Please show your support to this 5th generation Aussie farming family owned business by checking out their range of delicious food seasonings and balsamic vinegars. www.tweedrealfood.com

#MGZS #MGZSHybrid #HybridSUV #MGMotorAustralia #CompactSUV #HybridReview #EVAustralia #RoadTripReviews #MGZSHybridEssence #HybridLongDistance