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MG ZS vs smart #1 comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 368 HP), boot space and price (18,000 £ vs 40,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – MG ZS or smart #1?

MG ZS vs smart #1: Key differences

MG ZS

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • substantially lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
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smart #1

  • considerably more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

ZS

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

MG ZS is significantly cheaper – starting at 18,000 £ , while the smart #1 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 22,714 £.

#1

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #1 offers considerably more power – delivering 368 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 171 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the MG ZS takes 8.7 s. That’s about 3.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #1 delivers clearly more torque with 470 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 322 Nm more.

ZS

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, MG ZS is substantially lighter – 1,330 kg compared to 1,900 kg. The difference is around 570 kg.

Looking at boot space, the MG ZS offers clearly more boot space – 443 L compared to 313 L. That’s a difference of about 130 L.

When it comes to payload, the MG ZS carries barely more – 470 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #1 is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

£40,705
#1

smart #1

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 368 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 18.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 400 km
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Frequently compared as well

MG ZS
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MG ZS
smart #1

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

MG ZS

The MG ZS is a compact crossover that delivers strong value with a roomy cabin and straightforward tech, making it a sensible choice for budget-minded buyers. It’s easy to live with, offering comfortable rides and a practical layout that suits daily commutes and family errands.

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Reviews MG ZS

4.4 (4 Reviews)
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Ahmed
30 Sept 2025, 14:05:11

With all the features it offers at that price, the MG has no competition. A BMW X1 of similar dimensions with a few extra upgrades costs more than twice as much, and considering that 40% of MG’s spare parts come from Germany (Bosch, Continental, etc.), I’d go for the MG ZS Hybrid without a second thought.

smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

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Reviews smart #1

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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MG ZS
smart #1

Costs and Consumption
Price
18,000 - 24,000 £
Price
40,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
18.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
115 - 145 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,330 - 1,420 kg
Curb weight
1,900 kg
Trunk capacity
443 L
Trunk capacity
313 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,818 mm
Width
1,822 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
375 - 470 kg
Payload
425 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 197 HP
Power HP
368 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 12.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
148 Nm
Torque
470 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 145 kW
Power kW
271 kW
Engine capacity
1,495 - 1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
MG
Brand
smart
What drive types are available for the MG ZS?

The MG ZS is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.