Car Buyer's Guide

MG ZS 1.5 Turbo vs Hybrid+

MG ZS 1.5 Turbo

MG ZS 1.5 Turbo

MG ZS Hybrid+

MG ZS Hybrid+

Verdict

The RM10,000 step from the 1.5 Turbo to the Hybrid+ buys a 215 PS/465 Nm hybrid system, an 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time and rated consumption of 4.7 L/100 km against 6.9 L/100 km. That is meaningful for frequent urban use, where the Hybrid+ can also drive electrically up to 80 km/h. The Turbo remains the more practical long-trip choice on paper with its 55-litre tank and space-saver spare, versus 41 litres and a repair kit.

1.5 Turbo

Pick the 1.5 Turbo if a larger 55-litre fuel tank and a space-saver spare matter more than hybrid economy.

Hybrid+

Pick the Hybrid+ if you will use its 4.7 L/100 km rating, 215 PS/465 Nm combined output and electric-only driving capability regularly.

Key differences

  • Price: RM103,900 vs RM109,900
  • Powertrain output: 168 hp and 275 Nm vs 215 PS and 465 Nm combined system output
  • Rated fuel economy: 6.9 L/100 km vs 4.7 L/100 km
  • CO2 emissions: 161 g/km vs 110 g/km
  • Fuel tank: 55 litres vs 41 litres
  • Kerb weight: 1,390 kg vs 1,420 kg

1.5 Turbo

  • 55-litre fuel tank, 14 litres larger
  • Space-saver spare tyre
  • 30 kg lighter
  • Rated consumption is 6.9 L/100 km versus 4.7 L/100 km
  • 161 g/km CO2 versus 110 g/km
  • No electric-only driving or energy-regeneration settings

Hybrid+

  • 215 PS and 465 Nm combined system output
  • 4.7 L/100 km rated fuel economy
  • Electric-only driving up to 80 km/h and three regeneration levels
  • 41-litre fuel tank versus 55 litres
  • Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare
  • 30 kg heavier
Price & overview
PriceRM103,900✓RM109,900
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentB-SegmentB-Segment
AssemblyCKDCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM120RM120
Monthly instalment (est.)RM1,060/mo✓RM1,120/mo
Insurance / year (est.)RM2,981✓RM3,137
Fuel / year (est.)RM2,746RM1,871✓
Energy cost / 100 km (est.)RM13.73RM9.35✓
5-year running costs (est.)RM29,236RM25,638✓
Powertrain
Engine Tech1.5-litre Turbocharged Four-cylinder1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle Naturally-aspirated Four-cylinder with hybrid assistance; combined system output 215 PS (158 kW) and 465 Nm
Capacity1,496 cc1,498 cc
Horsepower168 hp✓101 hp
Torque275 Nm✓128 Nm
Cylinder ArrangementInline 4Inline 4
FuelPetrolPetrol Hybrid/REV
Motor Horsepower—134 hp
Motor Torque—250 Nm
Battery Capacity—1.83 kWh
Drivetrain
TransmissionCVT AutomaticeCVT Automatic
Transmission NameCVT with 8 Virtual Ratios3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT)
Gears—3
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h—8.7 seconds
Rated Economy6.9 L/100 km4.7 L/100 km✓
Co2161 g/km110 g/km✓
Dimensions
Length4,430 mm4,430 mm
Width1,818 mm1,818 mm
Height1,635 mm1,635 mm
Wheelbase2,610 mm2,610 mm
Weight1,390 kg1,420 kg
Fuel Tank55 litres41 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space443 litres443 litres
Front Tyre215/50R18215/50R18
Rear Tyre215/50R18215/50R18
Spare TyreSpace SaverTyre Repair Kit
Chassis
AssemblyMalaysia (CKD)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionTorsion BeamTorsion Beam
Front Wheels18" Alloys18" Alloys
Rear Wheels18" Alloys18" Alloys
SteeringElectric Power SteeringElectric Power Steering
Crash Safety Ratings
ANCAP5 stars5 stars
Safety
Airbags7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag)7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Center Airbag)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Child Safety LockManual for Rear DoorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point, Front and Rear Outer with Pretensioners and Load Limiters5 Three-point, Front and Rear Outer with Pretensioners and Load Limiters
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable on Outer Two Rear Seats, 3 Top TethersAvailable on Outer Two Rear Seats, 3 Top Tethers
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning✓✓
Safety NotesMG Pilot ADAS 2.5: Speed Limit Recognition with Overspeed and Limit-change Warnings, Front Collision Alert, Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Intelligent Headlamp Control, Direct TPMS, Auto Hold, Hill Descent ControlMG Pilot ADAS 2.5: Speed Limit Recognition with Overspeed and Limit-change Warnings, Front Collision Alert, Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Intelligent Headlamp Control, Direct TPMS, Auto Hold, Hill Descent Control, Pedestrian Alert System
Lighting
HeadlampsLED, Auto with Intelligent Headlamp Control (Auto High Beam) and Follow Me HomeLED, Auto with Intelligent Headlamp Control (Auto High Beam) and Follow Me Home
TaillampsLEDLED
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front Seats6-way Powered Driver's Seat with Manual Lumbar, 6-way Powered Passenger Seat, Ventilated, Perforated Leatherette6-way Powered Driver's Seat with Manual Lumbar, 6-way Powered Passenger Seat, Ventilated, Perforated Leatherette
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding, Adjustable Headrests60:40 Split-folding, Adjustable Headrests
Front Air-conAutomatic Climate ControlAutomatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear AC VentsRear AC Vents
SunroofElectric Panoramic SunroofElectric Panoramic Sunroof
Power Sockets1 Front 12V, 4 USB (2 Front, 1 Rear-view Mirror, 1 Rear)1 Front 12V, 4 USB (2 Front, 1 Rear-view Mirror, 1 Rear)
Interior LightingLED Front Reading Lights, Illuminated Vanity Mirrors, Boot LightLED Front Reading Lights, Illuminated Vanity Mirrors, Boot Light
Audio12.3" Touchscreen, 6 Speakers, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, FM/AM Radio12.3" Touchscreen, 6 Speakers, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, FM/AM Radio
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, One-touch Up/Down Driver, One-touch Down PassengersFour Windows, One-touch Up/Down Driver, One-touch Down Passengers
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless Operation, Auto Door LockKeyless Operation, Auto Door Lock
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control (Intelligent Cruise Assist)Adaptive Cruise Control (Intelligent Cruise Assist)
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Boot OperationManual TailgateManual Tailgate
Parking Sensor RearYesYes
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree HD CameraYes, with 360-degree HD Camera
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓✓
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Convenience NotesMG iSMART connected-car app, 3 drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport), electronic gear lever, heated and auto-folding door mirrors, 12V socket, rear parcel trayMG iSMART connected-car app, 3 drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport), electronic gear lever, heated and auto-folding door mirrors, 12V socket, rear parcel tray, 3 energy regeneration levels, electric-only driving up to 80 km/h
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer7 years7 years
Warranty Notes5 years free maintenance (early-bird offer)8-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty; 5 years free maintenance (early-bird offer)

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.

Our reviews & guides

1.5 Turbo vs Hybrid+ FAQ

Is the MG ZS or MG ZS better?

The MG ZS Hybrid+ is the better pick for regular urban driving, thanks to its 4.7 L/100 km rating, 215 PS/465 Nm combined output and electric-only capability. Choose the 1.5 Turbo for its larger 55-litre tank and space-saver spare.

What is the price difference?

The MG ZS 1.5 Turbo costs RM103,900, while the MG ZS Hybrid+ costs RM109,900. The difference is RM10,000.

Does the Hybrid+ have a longer electric driving range?

The Hybrid+ can drive in electric-only mode up to 80 km/h, but no electric-only distance range is stated. Its 1.83 kWh battery is charged by the hybrid system rather than plugged in.

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