MG ZS SZS1 — Problems & Common Faults

The three-cylinder turbo runs smoother and more economically than the naturally aspirated unit but shows typical small-turbo-petrol traits: delayed throttle response and occasional power holes under acceleration, especially noticeable paired with the dual-clutch transmission. Day to day it is regarded as smooth and economical (around 7 litres of premium per 100 km), while tests found the acceleration disappointing at times -- impressions clearly vary. Mechanically the small turbo is considered unremarkable; the sources researched show no documented pattern of timing-chain or turbocharger failures.

• ! Delayed throttle response, power holes under acceleration

  The small turbo does not always respond linearly to the throttle. A used-car review describes jerky throttle response with occasional power holes -- not a defect, but a noticeable trait.

  Symptoms: Hesitant response when pulling away, brief power holes during acceleration, especially at low revs
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The naturally aspirated four-cylinder is mechanically simple and considered unremarkable -- no turbo, no documented pattern of chain or belt failures. A used-car review nonetheless describes it as loud and strained under load, feeling underwhelming and short on reserves compared with rivals. Drivers with a lot of motorway mileage will notice this, while in urban traffic the modest pulling power matters less. It suits relaxed driving and short trips, and parts are now reasonably available through the independent aftermarket.

No known weaknesses documented.

The permanent-magnet synchronous motor of the first electric variant provides decent everyday pull, but acceleration tapers off noticeably above 100 km/h and stops altogether at an electronically limited 140 km/h. An independent test rates overall performance as solid for the vehicle class but criticises the comparatively short range of the matching battery. For the drivetrain itself -- motor and power electronics -- no documented pattern of systematic failures exists; the known weak points of the first ZS EV generation concern ancillary components and software rather than the drive motor.

No known weaknesses documented.

The revised drive unit of the second electric generation is more powerful and offered with two battery sizes, with the motor itself shared between both range versions. Performance and efficiency are considered up to date for the class, though UK reliability surveys occasionally flag the drive electronics as a fault source -- far less often than infotainment or the auxiliary battery, but not at zero. No systematic, failure-rate-backed weakness of the drive motor itself could be confirmed through research.

No known weaknesses documented.