MG ZS Hybrid+ Wins Big at the 2025 Carbuyer Awards: The Hybrid SUV That’s Changing Expectations

(Image Source: MG Media centre)

When the lights dimmed at this year’s Carbuyer Awards in London, few were surprised to see MG take centre stage. The All-New MG ZS Hybrid+ had just been crowned ‘Best Hybrid Car 2025’, outpacing several heavyweights in the family SUV segment. For MG, it marked another proud chapter in its remarkable modern comeback   and for drivers, it signalled that hybrid technology has finally become both accessible and genuinely desirable.

A Winning Moment That Redefines Value

It’s not often that a family SUV delivers performance, practicality, and refinement without breaking the bank. Yet, that’s exactly what MG has achieved. As Paul Barker, Editor of Carbuyer, put it:

The MG ZS Hybrid+ could be the best value car on sale right now. It offers generous SUV proportions and a fully hybrid powertrain for around $27,000. With 197 bhp and up to 55.4 mpg, it’s an impressive engine  and standard kit includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and MG Pilot driving aids. Even the Trophy trim, at under $30,500, packs leather-style upholstery, heated seats, and a 360-degree camera

That sentiment captures exactly why the ZS Hybrid+ has earned such praise. MG has found the sweet spot between everyday usability and premium-grade comfort   all at a price point that, even after conversion, starts at roughly $27,000 USD for the entry model.

Design and Presence: Subtle Confidence

(Image Source: MG Media centre)

The ZS Hybrid+ takes MG’s familiar urban SUV shape and refines it further. It looks clean, proportionate, and confidently sculpted rather than flashy.

• Exterior styling: A sleek front grille, slim LED headlamps, and subtle chrome detailing give it an understated premium character.
• Proportions: Its compact footprint suits city driving, while raised ride height ensures enough ground clearance for weekend trips.
• Finishing touches: In Trophy trim, the ZS gains contrasting roof options, larger alloy wheels, and elegant body-colour accents.

Unlike some rivals chasing aggressive lines, MG’s approach is more mature   an SUV that feels sophisticated without trying too hard.

Inside the Cabin: Comfort Meets Everyday Practicality

(Image Source: MG Media centre)

Step inside, and the story continues. The cabin design combines intuitive ergonomics with surprising refinement for its price bracket.

• Digital experience: The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit feels crisp and fast, supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Comfort and trim: Even the base SE+ trim gets soft-touch surfaces, while the Trophy variant adds heated seats, a leather-style finish, and ambient lighting.
• Practicality: A generous boot and flat-folding rear seats make it ideal for families or active lifestyles.

The ZS Hybrid+ may not be a luxury saloon, but it gets the essentials right   and that’s often what truly matters.

Seating and Boot Space: Family-Friendly Versatility

(Image Source: MG Media centre)

The MG ZS Hybrid+ is a 5-seater compact SUV, designed to balance urban practicality with family comfort. Inside, it offers generous legroom for both front and rear passengers, with supportive seats upholstered in premium materials that enhance long-distance comfort. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, expanding versatility for luggage or shopping trips.

In terms of boot space, the ZS Hybrid+ offers around 448 litres of capacity enough for weekend getaways or a family’s weekly grocery haul which can be extended when the rear seats are folded down flat. This makes it one of the more practical small hybrid SUVs in its class, without sacrificing the sporty proportions that define its exterior.

Hybrid Powertrain: Balanced Brilliance

Under the bonnet lies the key to the MG ZS Hybrid+’s appeal   a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a dedicated electric motor. Together, they deliver 197 bhp, which is more than enough for brisk overtakes and confident highway cruising.

The hybrid system operates smoothly, switching between petrol and electric power almost imperceptibly. You don’t need to plug it in; the system recharges itself through regenerative braking, offering impressive efficiency with minimal effort.

Real-world figures show it achieving around 55.4 miles per gallon (roughly 4.9 litres per 100 km)   and that’s while maintaining performance that feels engaging rather than sluggish.

MG’s hybrid setup is particularly impressive for drivers who want greener motoring without the range anxiety or infrastructure dependency of a full EV.

Problem, Agitate, Solution: The Hybrid Dilemma Solved

Many drivers want to transition toward greener technology but find plug-in hybrids or full EVs either expensive or inconvenient. Charging stations remain unevenly distributed in several markets, and long charging times can be frustrating.

The Agitation:
Conventional petrol cars, meanwhile, offer simplicity but at the cost of higher running expenses and environmental impact.

The Solution:
The MG ZS Hybrid+ bridges that gap beautifully. It’s a self-charging hybrid that blends the simplicity of petrol with the efficiency of electric power. There’s no need for charging cables or planning charging stops   just fuel up, drive, and enjoy lower emissions and better mileage. It’s a genuine step forward for everyday practicality.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Comfort

On the road, the ZS Hybrid+ feels solid and composed. The electric motor assists the petrol engine seamlessly, providing instant torque when you need it. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is tuned for smoothness rather than aggression, making it ideal for urban commutes and family trips.

The suspension setup strikes a pleasing balance between comfort and control. It absorbs potholes and rough tarmac with ease   a crucial trait for city streets or occasional countryside detours. Noise levels are well-contained, making long drives noticeably relaxing.

Safety and Assistance Tech

MG has equipped the ZS Hybrid+ with an impressive suite of driver aids under its MG Pilot package:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane keep assist and traffic jam assist
• Blind spot monitoring
• 360-degree camera

For a vehicle at this price, this level of technology rivals far more expensive brands   and it’s standard on higher trims.

Comparison: MG ZS Hybrid+ vs Rivals

The ZS Hybrid+ emerges as the clear value leader, delivering near-identical or better performance at a lower price point.

Key Technical Data Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the MG ZS Hybrid+ require charging?
No. It’s a self-charging hybrid that replenishes its battery while driving and braking.

2. How reliable is MG’s hybrid system?
The setup has been tested extensively across European and Asian markets, with strong reliability records and an 8-year battery warranty.

3. What’s the real-world fuel economy?
Expect around 18–20 km per litre in mixed driving, depending on traffic and driving style.

4. Is the ZS Hybrid+ suitable for long-distance travel?
Yes. Its combined hybrid system ensures smooth motorway performance with lower fuel use.

5. When will it arrive in other markets like the UAE?
MG is expanding hybrid availability globally, and GCC launches are expected soon after European rollout.

Editor’s Verdict

The MG ZS Hybrid+ isn’t trying to reinvent the SUV   it simply perfects the formula. It’s smart, efficient, and refreshingly affordable, with enough tech and polish to make you forget its modest price tag. MG has struck an impressive balance between value and modern hybrid sophistication, and it deserves every bit of that “Best Hybrid Car” title.

Smarter Hybrid Care for a Smarter Drive

Hybrid vehicles like the MG ZS Hybrid+ are built to last   but keeping them at peak efficiency requires expert care. At MotorHub UAE, we connect drivers with certified hybrid service centres across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah that specialise in battery diagnostics, hybrid cooling systems, and advanced maintenance. Whether it’s a software calibration or a brake energy recovery check, our partner garages ensure your hybrid stays efficient and road-ready in the UAE’s demanding climate.

Stay updated on the latest hybrid innovations, EV tech trends, and service solutions through MotorHub   your trusted automotive knowledge hub in the Emirates.

Sources for Further Reading

MG Motor Official Specifications