What’s it like to use MG’s distinctive, spacious and affordable SUV in the real world? We gave it to the Judd family for a full week to find out

It takes time to discover all the great features of a new car. The MG ZS, for example, blends eye-catching design and city-friendly dimensions with a spacious, stylish and practical interior that is packed with lots tech. That’s a lot to take in.

Our Autocar road test team praised the MG ZS for its smooth and refined automatic gearbox and handling, while noting that the interior stood out in the compact SUV class. But what does a real family think? That’s why we gave an MG ZS to the Judd family for a full week, in order to find out.

As sport journalist dad Nick, fitness instructor mum Vicky, and their two boys Charlie and Rory discovered, it’s the perfect SUV for growing families with lots on their plate.

To find out more, head to mg.co.uk/mg-zs

It’s got the look

A distinctive design helps the MG ZS stand out from the crowd, and the Judds certainly loved stylish premium features like the LED headlights, chrome detailing and large alloys on the range-topping Exclusive trim. A choice of six bold colours includes the tri-coat Dynamic Red – a deep, rich shade with an extra wow factor.

Both Nick and Vicky used the MG ZS for work as well as family days out. Inside, there’s plenty of space in the rear for kids, grown-ups, friends and family, with easy-fit ISOFIX child seat connections for smaller passengers.

The MG ZS also boasts an incredibly spacious luggage area – which made it perfect for Vicky’s multi-faceted job as a fitness instructor and Nick’s passion for paddle-boarding, as well as all the usual trips to the park, family visits and taking the kids for a spot of Sunday lunch.

Plus, as you’d expect with a family car, there are a wealth of clever little cubby holes all around the car that the Judds found plenty of uses for.

Driven by technology

Up-front, the MG ZS comes with lots of clever tech that makes driving easier and safer. On the range-topping Exclusive trim an eight-inch colour touchscreen gives you access to a full sat-nav system as well as a reversing camera – perfect for helping the Judds navigate the country, as well as the hazards of town driving. 

Apple CarPlay™ and Bluetooth connectivity let the Judds connect their smartphones to use a wealth of apps, including hands-free calls and texts that let them stay on top of their day job and in touch with each other – ideal for juggling busy work and home lives. A DAB radio, allied to Apple CarPlay™ apps such as Spotify and TuneIn Radio, also offered plenty of choice for grown-up and kid-friendly entertainment.

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The MG ZS offers a choice of a 1.5-litre petrol with 106PS and a five-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 110PS and a six-speed automatic transmission. The chassis has also been re-engineered for British roads, making it more refined, agile and engaging. There are also three steering modes – unique to the UK market – on Excite and Exclusive models: Urban, Normal and Dynamic.

Combined with a seven-year warranty and low running costs, it all combines to make the MG ZS a great option for families looking for a spacious, practical, compact SUV. Just like the Judds. 

To find out more, head to mg.co.uk/mg-zs

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