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MG ZS vs VW Golf – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether MG ZS or VW Golf fits your lifestyle better.

Compact Showdown: MG ZS vs. VW Golf

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.

Engine Performance and Variants

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.

Transmission and Drive Dynamics

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.

Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

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.

Interior and Cargo Space

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.

Conclusion

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.

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

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 has a strongly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 18000 £, while the VW Golf costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 7204 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf manages with 0.30 L and is therefore markedly more efficient than the MG ZS with 5 L. The difference is about 4.70 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance: Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a markedly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 136 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is strongly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the MG ZS takes 8.70 s. That’s about 4.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs visibly better – reaching 270 km/h, while the MG ZS tops out at 179 km/h. The difference is around 91 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf pulls strongly stronger with 420 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 272 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use: Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, the VW Golf is barely noticeable lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1330 kg. The difference is around 23 kg.

In terms of boot space, the MG ZS offers somewhat more room – 443 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 62 L.

In maximum load capacity, the MG ZS performs a bit better – up to 1457 L, which is about 220 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf hardly any takes the win – 508 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.

Our conclusion: The VW Golf proves to be leaves its rival little chance and thus becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Overall, VW Golf is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

MG ZS

5 (1)
rate

The MG ZS presents itself as a practical and stylish compact SUV, ideal for those seeking comfort and functionality at an affordable price. With its spacious interior and modern design, it caters to both family and solo adventures, providing ample storage space and user-friendly technology. Additionally, the vehicle's efficient performance and refined drive make it a compelling choice for urban and motorway journeys alike.

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VW Golf

Der VW Golf überzeugt seit Jahrzehnten durch seine Vielseitigkeit und seine ausgewogene Mischung aus Komfort und Dynamik. Mit seinem zeitlosen Design und der hochwertigen Verarbeitung ist er ein treuer Begleiter im Alltag. Besonders beliebt ist der Golf wegen seiner innovativen Technologie und der großen Auswahl an Varianten, die für jeden Bedarf das passende Modell bietet.

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MG ZS
VW Golf
ZS
Golf

Costs and Consumption

Price
18000 - 23100 £
Price
25200 - 51600 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 6.5 L
Consumption L/100km
0.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
113 - 145 g/km
co2
6 - 186 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
41 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1330 - 1420 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1668 kg
Trunk capacity
443 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4430 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1818 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1635 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1457 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
375 - 470 kg
Payload
431 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 197 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 12.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
168 - 179 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
148 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 145 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1495 - 1498 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F, G, C
Brand
MG
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the MG ZS?

The MG ZS is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.