Take a hike: Big bump in price for top-selling 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ but more affordable versions on the way

While its predecessor made its name as a cut-price alternative to the Hyundai Kona, the all-new 2025 MG Hybrid+ has been priced upward by as much as $13,000.

Costing a whopping 60 per cent more for the cheapest version, compared to the small SUV it replaces, the new MG ZS Hybrid+ has been priced from $33,990 for the entry Excite model and $36,990 for the flagship Essence version.

The salve is both of those prices are drive-away.

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It’s also worth noting the new MG ZS comes with a far more potent 158kW hybrid powertrain that blends a 75kW/128Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with a 100kW/250Nm electric motor and a 1.83kWh battery pack, plus a three-speed transmission.

Fuel consumption is now rated at 4.7L/100km, while acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 8.7 seconds.

Later on, MG has hinted more affordable petrol-only versions will arrive that are tipped to drop the 2025 MG ZS pricing below $30,000 drive-away.

But it’s unlikely the more technologically advanced small SUV will come close to matching the $20,990 drive-away deals offered on the cheapest current generation ZS Excite.

Sitting below the new electrified MG ZS Hybrid+ is the current MG ZST that is expected to continue to be priced from $24,990 to $29,990 drive-away.

When the ZS Hybrid+ rocks up it will rival the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, the GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid and the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Standard equipment for the base Excite includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, climate control and a 360-degree camera.

Upgrade to the Essence and MG adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated, power adjustable and fake leather seats and a panoramic sunroof among much more.

Due in showrooms from later this month, it’s been tipped the cheaper versions of the 2025 MG ZS will land early next year.

Meanwhile the all-electric replacement for the MG ZS EV – that moves to the dedicated MG 4 platform – won’t land until the end of June next year.