MG ZS Vs Honda HR-V Comparison

MG ZS
VS

Honda HR-V

This is the Honda HR-V Vs MG ZS comparison for 2018. MG is a brand reborn under Chinese ownership. MG stands for Morris Garage which was owner’s name at the time and mainly made the iconic MGB sports cars of the 1950s and 60s. The company of course no longer exists and now simply a brand owned by a Chinese company and makes them there.  The GM ZS is a small SUV targeted at the Honda HRV, CX-3,  Mazda CX-3,  Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona and Suzuki Vitara.

Honda HR-V Vs MG ZS c exterior comparison: The HR-V is an older design in 2018 but it’s still mostly unique in terms of looks resembling a high rise hatchback. It’s hard to believe that there’s a Honda Jazz platform underneath it. There is nothing wrong with the look just a little on the conservative side. The GM ZS is a new design that is a mix of other designs most notable the shadow of a older generation Mazda CX-5 just a little smaller. It’s looks are too derivative to be anything but an even older model and design despite being new. Thankfully the ZS doesn’t really have any truly awkward lines like most copies do.

Honda HR-V Vs MG ZS interior comparison: The interior of the Honda HR-V is nice mix of retro or tradition Honda panel design with a retro horizontal vents and modern touch controls. The materials are good quality and also look good even the hard plastic ones but not exactly upmarket. The interior of the MG ZS is nice too with a design that reminds us of any number of cars from the 2000’s. It’s doesn’t feel cheap or high end it’s just what you’d expect in a car at this price. Note the not quite aligned plastics on some models we looked at. Overall the ZS has a good interior but the HR-V is a small step up.

Honda HR-V Vs MG ZS engine and technology comparison: Being entry level SUVs they both don’t have the best systems available in particular in the engine department. The Honda a decent engine but is clearly a rev hungry but lumped with a power sapping CVT although it now has a number of fixed ratios to feel like a regular automatic transmission. The MG ZS on the other hand has a decent turbo petrol or sub-par petrol that are clearly tuned for in gear than a 0-100kph performer. Neither are fast SUVs but decent performance for city focused driving. The HR-V has auto brakes as standard and the fatal flaws in the MG ZS is that does not have auto brakes and it requires the more expensive 95 Octane unleaded. While the HRV has a smaller display it has GPS navigation is standard and even electric seats.

The conclusion and winner of the Honda HR-V Vs MG ZS is the Honda HR-V. Primary safety is a problem in the MG ZS. it doesn’t even meet the 5 star ANCAP rating indicating design short falls. The MG ZS has a entry level price around the $20,000 and for that you do get a decent small SUV but it does have flaws that it’s competitors do not have. That said the top range it a mere $24,000 which is arguably the best model grade to get with a ton of superficial additions like a glass roof but still missing primary safety and auto brakes. Furthermore the Chinese strategy of reducing prices significantly and changing equipment levels without warning means literally means buyer beware! The Honda HR-V is a good package overall hence the small SUV to buy that said the top range HR-V is expensive. Buy the MG Z if you don’t mind the risk and like the price because it is ‘cheaper’.

Honda HR-V MG ZS
Engines
4 Cylinder petrol (R18F)
1.8 Litre (1799cc) 91 Octane
DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 105Kw @ 6500 RPM
Claimed 172Nm @ 4300 RPM
3 Cylinder Petrol (95 Octane)
1.0 Litre (999cc)
Turbo DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 82Kw @ 5200 RPM
Claimed 160Nm @ 1800 RPM
4 Cylinder Petrol (91 Octane)
1.5 Litre (1499cc)
DOHC VVT DI EFI
Claimed 84Kw @ 6000 RPM
Claimed 150Nm @ 4500 RPM
Weight
From Approx Kerb weight 1317 Kg
Towing capacity up to 800kg
Kerb weight FROM 1255Kg
Towing capacity up to 500 kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 50 litres
IL4 1.8 Petrol 6.9 litres per 100km
Up to 48 litres
IL3 1.0  Turbo Petrol 6.7 litres per 100km
IL4 1.5 litre Petrol 7.1 litres per 100km
Other specifications
CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1605/1772
Overall length/wheelbase 4294/2610
4WD system: None
ANCAP Safety: 4/5
4 or 6 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1644/1809
Overall length/wheelbase 4314/2585
4WD system: 2WD
ANCAP Safety: 4/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xx mm
Water Fording depth xx mm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xx mm
Water Fording depth xx mm Max
Performance
Pricing
2017 $24,990 – 33,340 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
2018 $20,990 – 23,990 AUD