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MG ZS vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (18,000 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – MG ZS or VW Polo?

MG ZS vs VW Polo: Key differences

MG ZS

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
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VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • barely more power
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately lighter
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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:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Polo is barely cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the MG ZS costs 18,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 733 £.

Both cars consume an average of 5.1 L/100km – no difference here.

Polo

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 VW Polo offers barely more power – delivering 207 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 10 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the MG ZS takes 8.7 s. That’s about 2.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Polo delivers significantly more torque with 320 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 172 Nm more.

ZS

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 terms of curb weight, VW Polo is moderately lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,330 kg. The difference is around 187 kg.

When it comes to payload, the MG ZS carries very slightly more – 470 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Polo 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.

from £17,300
Polo

VW Polo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

MG ZS
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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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MG-ZS-EV-PRESS-07
MG-ZS-EV-PRESS-21
MG-ZS-EV-PRESS-luxury_interior
MG-ZS-EV-PRESS-16

Reviews MG ZS

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
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.

VW Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

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DB2021AU00741_medium

Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

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

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Costs and Consumption
Price
18,000 - 24,000 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
115 - 145 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,330 - 1,420 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,818 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
375 - 470 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 197 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 12.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
148 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 145 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,495 - 1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
MG
Brand
VW
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.