Compare performance (197 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (18,000 £ vs 25,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – MG ZS or VW Golf?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the vibrant world of compact vehicles, the choice between an SUV and a hatchback often boils down to personal preference and specific needs. Today, we delve into a detailed comparison between the MG ZS, a versatile SUV, and the iconic VW Golf, a quintessential hatchback. Both are equipped with unique features, technical strengths, and innovations that cater to diverse consumer expectations.
The MG ZS offers a broad spectrum of engine types tailored to various consumer preferences, including Electric, Full Hybrid, and Petrol options. This model generates power outputs ranging from 116 HP to a robust 197 HP, depending on the configuration. It covers an electric range between 320 km and 440 km, supported by battery capacities of 49.3 kWh and 65.7 kWh.
In contrast, the VW Golf caters to a diverse audience with Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, and Plugin Hybrid variants. The Golf exhibits a noteworthy power output spectrum, reaching up to 333 HP. For those interested in the electric advantage, the Golf offers an electric range reaching up to 143 km with a 19.7 kWh battery capacity.
The MG ZS provides both Automatic and Manual gearboxes, with a front-wheel-drive system specifically designed for urban agility and efficiency. The reduction gearbox in the electric variant adds a seamless driving experience.
The VW Golf presents a broader drivetrain variety, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, complemented by a Dual-Clutch Automatic and Manual gearbox options. This increases flexibility in adapting the driving dynamics to a wider range of conditions and preferences.
MG ZS stands out with its CO2 efficiency, especially within its electric variant, boasting a zero-emission driving experience. Other versions range from 113 g/km to 145 g/km for CO2 emissions, catering to a greener footprint.
VW Golf's emission standards place it in categories ranging from B to G, with CO2 emissions averaging around 113 g/km to 192 g/km depending on the engine type and model. Notably, the plugin hybrid variant excels in efficiency with CO2 emissions quantified at as low as 6-8 g/km.
The MG ZS offers a more spacious interior for SUV lovers, highlighting a trunk capacity of 443 to 448 liters. Its dimensions – 4323 mm in length and 1809 mm in width – contribute significantly to its roomy advantage, maximizing passenger comfort.
The VW Golf, while more compact in design with a length of 4282 mm and a width of 1789 mm, ensures a well-utilized space within a hatchback profile. The cargo capacity ranges from 273 to 381 liters, ensuring sufficient storage for day-to-day utility.
Both the MG ZS and VW Golf have carved an impressive niche in the automotive market, offering unique advantages for different consumer preferences. The MG ZS stands out with its diverse powertrains and spacious SUV configuration, appealing to those who prioritize versatility and environmental friendliness. On the other hand, the VW Golf continues to be a beloved choice for those seeking performance variety and compact efficiency, along with new-age features like Plugin Hybrid technology.
Ultimately, the decision between the MG ZS and VW Golf rests on individual lifestyle needs, whether you're drawn to the spacious and eco-friendly allure of an SUV or the nimble, efficient dynamics of a hatchback.
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 substantially cheaper – starting at 18,000 £ , while the VW Golf costs 25,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,204 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the MG ZS with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 4 L/100km.
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 VW Golf offers clearly more power – delivering 333 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 136 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the MG ZS takes 8.7 s. That’s about 4.1 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers significantly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 272 Nm more.
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, VW Golf is barely lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,330 kg. The difference is around 23 kg.
When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries only slightly more – 508 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.
The VW Golf is clearly superior overall 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.
The MG ZS arrives as a cheeky and practical choice for shoppers who want SUV style and family-friendly space without blowing the budget. It may not pretend to be premium, but with sensible equipment, easy-to-live-with driving manners and surprising value, it makes a persuasive case for anyone after sensible transport with a bit of personality.
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The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
18,000 - 24,000 £
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Price
25,200 - 47,600 £
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Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
131 - 143 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
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co2
115 - 145 g/km
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co2
25 - 184 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,330 - 1,420 kg
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Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
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Trunk capacity
-
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Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,282 - 4,296 mm
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Width
1,818 mm
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Width
1,789 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,454 - 1,483 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,129 - 1,237 L
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Payload
375 - 470 kg
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Payload
438 - 508 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 197 HP
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Power HP
116 - 333 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 12.5 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
203 - 270 km/h
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Torque
148 Nm
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Torque
220 - 420 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
85 - 145 kW
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Power kW
85 - 245 kW
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Engine capacity
1,495 - 1,498 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,025
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
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Brand
MG
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Brand
VW
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España