MG is updating its popular ZS small SUV for 2026, making driveability improvements to hybrid-powered variants while adding standard kit across the range.
Simultaneously, MG has announced a runout clearance for 2025-plated vehicles.
MG hasn’t confirmed pricing for the full 2026 ZS lineup, which will include the new Vibe Turbo variant. This was introduced as part of a model year (MY) 2025.5 update and is currently priced at $25,990 drive-away, a sticker that’ll drop to $25,888 drive-away for 2026.
Vibe variants will receive revised 17-inch alloy wheels for 2026, while all ZS variants gain tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment. Currently, the ZS has tilt-only tiller adjustment.
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Arguably the biggest news for the 2026 ZS lineup, however, is the second round of software enhancements made to its hybrid system.
MG says it has introduced a softer ECM pedal map to make the ZS’ throttle response smoother, while the cabin is claimed to be quieter with the vehicle sitting at 3200rpm at “mid/high speeds”.
Changes to the hybrid control unit have also resulted in energy regen that can be experienced “more often and earlier”, while MG also says the power contribution from the combustion engine has been enhanced for stronger performance over 4000rpm.
Overall fuel consumption is unchanged.
We’ve contacted MG Motor Australia to confirm if the MG 3, which uses the same hybrid system, will receive these updates.
The light hatch missed out on earlier enhancements rolled out to the ZS this year.
“The Hybrid+ powertrain will actively charge the battery when more load on the powertrain is detected, the engine will charge the battery to retain a moderate State of Charge (SoC),” the brand wrote earlier this year.
“When on an incline, the Hybrid+ powertrain has been recalibrated to engage the engine when the vehicle is driving with moderate or higher speed. The overall experience will be a balanced experience of power delivery and efficiency.
“When vehicle speed is over 100km/h, the Hybrid+ powertrain will engage the engine to ensure sustained power depending on the battery SoC.”
MG’s hybrids have suffered from driveability issues, chief among these being a powertrain that doesn’t allow for more power from the petrol engine when it’s needed – for example, on steep inclines.
In CarExpert testing, the related MG 3 Hybrid+ was found to not accelerate beyond 54km/h on a steep grade even with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor, on account of the hybrid battery lacking sufficient charge.
Offered with naturally aspirated, turbocharged and hybrid four-cylinder powertrains, the second-generation ZS – launched here last year – is no longer Australia’s best-selling small SUV, a title it held from 2021 to 2024.
To the end of September, MG Motor Australia has delivered 16,015 examples of the ZS, putting it just behind the Hyundai Kona (16,971), but above the GWM Haval Jolion (14,159) and Chery Tiggo 4 (13,889).
There’s still time for the ZS to push past the Kona on the sales charts again, however, with fewer than 1000 units separating the two small SUVs so far this year and three months’ worth of sales figures yet to be reported.
