Category: Hot Hatchbacks 
Price Range: No data available
Entertaining and forgiving handling, smooth V6, comfortable ride, fair value
Messy, dated dashboard, poor rear room, ageing looks
Unexpectedly capable, with much to offer if you can live with its flaws
Depreciation is the risk here, but high demand amongst the MG faithful means the ZS is doing surprisingly well on this score. Servicing and insurance costs should be well contained. The four-cylinder should return low 30mpg fuel consumption, but the V6, unsurprisingly, will be in the high 20s; MG Rover claims 40.2mpg from the ZS 110, though we'd suspect that will fall if you push it. The diesels are the most cost-friendly options, returning 52.7mpg (101bhp) and 50.5mpg (ZS 115 TD) and proving most popular on the used market. The MG ZS is fundamentally a reliable car, and is proving popular on the secondhand market, so it's not quite the bargain people expected. The best low-mileage stock is still at MG Rover dealers, but check out the MG owners' club websites and bulletin boards for the most meticulously-maintained, enthusiast-owned examples (these will probably be expensive, though). Cheaper cars should start appearing in the private classified ads soon. Although the ZS is quite keenly priced, and the 180 offers a lot of engine sophistication for the money, its limited equipment levels are less appealing. The entry-level models don't even get air-conditioning and electric front windows - they're an option - while the 180 faces stiff opposition from the stylish and keenly-priced Seat Leon Cupra. And if you fancy the slightly more stylish four-door ZS, it'll cost you nearly a grand extra. Bear in mind though that MG Rover dealers have been known to run some special offers and incentives programmes, giving away free insurance and 0 percent finance, and are open to a haggle as well.
