MG ZS HYBRID+ Gets Fix After Acceleration Issue Exposed by CarSauce

MG Australia has announced a software update for the 2025 MG ZS HYBRID+ after independent testing by CarSauce revealed a significant discrepancy in the vehicle’s acceleration performance under specific conditions. During CarSauce’s testing, the ZS HYBRID+ recorded a 0–100km/h time of 24.59 seconds when the 1.83kWh battery's state of charge (SOC) was depleted.

This performance fell well short of MG's official claimed time of 8.7 seconds. However, once charge was restored to the hybrid system through regenerative braking, the ZS HYBRID+ completed the same sprint in 8.04 seconds, surpassing the manufacturer’s claimed figure.

This disparity highlights a limitation in the vehicle's hybrid system, where power delivery becomes heavily reliant on the battery’s charge level. While the hybrid system is designed to blend the outputs of its 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and 100kW electric motor for a total output of 158kW, the depleted SOC appeared to reduce the system's ability to deliver consistent performance.

Such variability could pose challenges in real-world scenarios, particularly during overtaking or merging, where acceleration needs to be predictable and responsive.

In response to these findings, MG Australia has confirmed the rollout of a software update intended to address this issue. An MG Australia spokesperson stated, "MG has reviewed and refined some software presets to optimise the driving experience for a wider range of local conditions. This latest software update is designed to deliver a better balance between efficiency and power, addressing the feedback you raised."

According to MG, the update will optimise the vehicle’s hybrid power management system to ensure more reliable acceleration regardless of the battery's charge level. This update is expected to become available in "early December" and will be accessible to all ZS HYBRID+ owners at MG dealerships nationwide. Both Excite and Essence trims are included in the update.

The ZS HYBRID+ represents MG’s push into the full-hybrid compact SUV market, boasting a powertrain that combines efficiency and performance on paper. The vehicle's 1.83kWh battery, among the largest in its class, powers the hybrid system alongside a three-speed automatic transmission designed to enhance power delivery.

MG advertises a fuel consumption rate of 4.7L/100km and a claimed 0–100km/h time of 8.7 seconds, metrics aimed at appealing to drivers seeking a balance between economy and drivability. However, the recent testing has highlighted that real-world performance can vary under certain conditions.

Notably, MG has not announced whether this update will extend to the MG3 HYBRID+, which uses the same hybrid powertrain. This leaves questions regarding whether similar inconsistencies might arise in the smaller hatchback model. At this stage, MG has not provided further comment about the MG3.

The software update marks an effort by MG to address a critical aspect of the ZS HYBRID+’s performance that could impact driver confidence. Owners are advised to contact their local dealerships to schedule the update once it becomes available.

For those who have already taken delivery of the vehicle, this update may provide an important enhancement to the vehicle's drivability, particularly in scenarios requiring responsive acceleration.

CarSauce’s findings underline the value of independent testing in identifying real-world performance issues that may not always emerge during manufacturer testing.

While MG’s response is a step towards resolving this particular issue, the incident highlights the ongoing importance of rigorous evaluation in an evolving automotive landscape.