Introduction: The Reality Behind the MG ZST Essence in 2025

Even though small SUVs are becoming more expensive, the MG ZST Essence has quietly evolved into one of the most discussed cars in Australia. It looks good, doesn’t cost too much and has features that are just as good as those of Japanese and Korean brands that cost thousands of dollars more. But purchasers should realise that there are both pros and cons to this product, even though it appears good and seems to be a decent value.

The mg zst essence is one of MG’s best-selling models in Australia because it has a good pricing, a modern design and good equipment. But even though it sells well, this car isn’t flawless in every way. Let’s look at the nine facts that explain why vehicle fans in 2025 have mixed feelings about this small SUV.

1. MG ZST Essence Price and Value for Money

The price of the mg zst essence is one of the main things that makes it stand out. At $33,990 to drive away, it has a lot more amenities than many other cars in the same class. A base model Hyundai Kona or Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, costs thousands more but doesn’t come with as many features.

Even better, buyers can still find 2023 vehicles on the MG Australia website for about $30,490 drive-away and the specifications are practically the same. That price range makes the mg zst essentially one of the best-value compact SUVs on the market for a lot of families and first-time customers.

The Core is the first model in the list, costing $26,990. The Vibe is next, costing $28,990 and the Excite is last, costing $31,990. The Essence is the best of the bunch, showing you the full gamut of MG’s small SUV prowess.

MG has sold more than 29,000 units in Australia in 2023, which is about 20% of the compact SUV market. This is because the car is cheap and has a lot of features. This makes the mg zst essence a strong competitor to well-known vehicles like the Kona, CX 30 and Mitsubishi ASX.

2. MG ZST Essence Interior and Design Feel

When you step inside the mg zst essence, the first thing you notice is how high-end it feels for the price. The inside is modern, tidy, and easy to use. The black leatherette seats have red stitching that gives the car a dynamic look.

Some reviewers say that the steering wheel is comfy and has perforated leather and big, easy-to-reach buttons that remind them of how Volkswagen designs things. The inside of the mg zst essence isn’t very fancy, but it strikes a good mix between being simple and having a young appeal that works for its target group.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen is bright and easy to operate, although MG’s software interface seems simplistic and a little old compared to companies like Hyundai. It works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the built-in navigation system seems like it came from a previous model.

The mg zst essence has a lot of room within, which is another nice surprise. The seats in the front are comfortable and put you in a solid driving posture. The seats in the back have more legroom than you may think. The headroom is still good even with the panoramic sunroof.

But not everything is perfect. The plastic trim looks and feels a little slick and fake, while some of the carbon-effect embellishments don’t appear to add anything. Not having automatic climate control also seems like a missed chance in this price range. Still, the mg zst essence interior gives you more comfort and spaciousness for your money than most of its competitors.

3. MG ZST Essence Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the mg zst essence runs a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 115 kW of power and 230 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, it provides a balance of efficiency and responsiveness.

It may not be a sports SUV, but for city driving, it’s lively enough. The small turbo engine offers good low-end torque, which makes daily commuting smooth and confident. Compared to the older 1.0-liter version, the mg zst essence engine feels stronger and more refined.

During testing, fuel economy averaged around 8.0L per 100 km, slightly higher than MG’s official claim of 7.3L. That said, it’s reasonable for a turbocharged petrol engine in this class. However, it lacks idle stop-start technology, which could have helped reduce fuel consumption in city traffic.

The mg zst essence isn’t built to be thrilling, but it’s practical. It accelerates smoothly, cruises comfortably on highways and maintains good stability for daily use. Its light steering and smooth gearbox make it especially easy to drive for new or urban drivers.

4. MG ZST Essence Driving Experience

The mg zst fragrance makes driving quiet and comfortable. The suspension is mild, so it handles bumps and rough roads well. It may not handle curves such as performance SUV, but it gives families what they want: comfort and ease.The steering is light and responsive, perfect for city driving and parking.

The engine’s three-cylinder growl under acceleration gives the car a bit of personality, even if it’s not overly powerful.

Noise levels are well-controlled, although you might notice some tire and wind noise at highway speeds. Compared to more expensive rivals, the insulation could be better, but it’s still within an acceptable range for its price point.

The mg zst essence also includes MG’s advanced driver assistance package known as MG Pilot. This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and traffic jam assist, giving a semi-autonomous driving feel that’s rare in this price range.

While the technology works well, the frequent warning chimes and overly sensitive lane assist can be annoying. Thankfully, these can be turned off, though it requires a few extra steps in the menu.

5. MG ZST Essence Safety and Technology

Safety has become one of MG’s strongest selling points and the mg zst essence doesn’t disappoint.It comes equipped with an impressive list of safety technologies that many competitors still charge extra for.

The MG Pilot suite includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.There’s also a 360-degree camera system that provides a 3D view of the car, which is particularly helpful when parking in tight spots.

The mg zst essence safety package works just as well as more expensive brands, even if it costs less. The only noticeable downside is the occasional false alarm or beep when the car detects lane changes or close objects unnecessarily.

In general, though, the technology in the mg zst essence is intuitive and adds genuine value, especially for first-time SUV buyers who prioritize safety and peace of mind.

6. MG ZST Essence Comfort and Practicality

The mg zst essence is also quite comfortable. For a tiny SUV, the cabin room is big enough for taller people to sit comfortably in the back seat.

There are ingeniously built storage alternatives, such as big door bins, cupholders, and a compartment in the centre console. The back cargo section has 359 litres of room, but if you fold down the back seats, it can hold up to 1187 litres.

For everyday family use, the mg zst essence practicality shines.The rear seats are easy to fold, creating a flat loading space and the adjustable boot floor makes it simple to store larger items.

However, there’s no rear air vent for passengers, and the center seat in the back is slightly raised, which makes long rides less comfortable for three adults. Still, for its class and price, the mg zst essence comfort is excellent.

7. MG ZST Essence Price vs Rivals

It’s getting harder to get a small SUV with all the bells and whistles for less than $35,000 these days. This is where the mg zst essence really shines.

The MG has more features for less money than the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota C-HR. The GWM Haval Jolion and Chery Omoda 5 are even close opponents from China, but MG has been in the market longer and has a proven track record of reliability in Australia, which gives it an edge.

Some customers are still worried about the long-term resale value and after-sales servicing, but MG’s growing dealer network and warranty coverage continue to give people confidence. The mg zst essence is still a favourite choice for purchasers who want modern design and powerful tech capabilities without spending a lot of money.

8. MG ZST Essence Final Verdict

So, is the mg zst essence the greatest small SUV of 2025? It all depends on what you want.

It’s hard to top if you want value for money, space and safety technology. You don’t have to pay more than $40,000 to have a comfortable, feature-rich SUV, as the mg zst essence shows. It’s a good choice for families, people who are buying their first car, and anyone who wants a beautiful crossover that doesn’t cost a lot.

But if you want high-end materials, dynamic performance, or the latest infotainment, you could be disappointed. It’s not flawless, but not many cars in this class are.

In short, the mg zst essence is a great reminder that cheap doesn’t have to be boring. This shows that MG recognises what Australians on a budget want: a sleek, modern and useful SUV that goes above and beyond what they expect.

9. MG ZST Essence FAQs

1. Is the MG ZST Essence worth buying in 2025?
Yes, the mg zst essence offers excellent value with strong features, modern design, and good performance for its price.

2. What is the fuel economy of the MG ZST Essence?
The official claim is 7.3L per 100 km, but real-world figures are closer to 8.0L depending on driving style.

3. Does the MG ZST Essence have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, it supports both, though the system works best with wired connections.

4. How reliable is the MG ZST Essence?
MG’s reliability has improved over the years, and the mg zst essence benefits from a long warranty and better local support.

5. How does the MG ZST Essence compare to rivals?
It offers more features for less money than the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, or Toyota C-HR, making it one of the best-value small SUVs in Australia.