Spec Check: 2022 MG ZS T vs MG ZS Alpha

We compare the MG ZS against the more powerful MG ZS T

Last week, we put the MG ZS T and the Geely Coolray against each other to see which crossover offered more bang for the buck, as well as which has the more powerful turbocharged engine.

Right off the bat, the ZS T is more affordable and comes with a few extra features that the Coolray lacks. But when it comes to performance, however, the Coolray bounced back thanks to its more powerful 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo and dual-clutch transmission. With the two crossovers having each their own strengths and drawbacks, it all comes down to personal preference.

But with the ZS T now serving as the new range-topping model, how does the non-turbo MG ZS AT Alpha stack up against it? To find out, we compare the two vehicles and see what features the two have to offer.

Fully-loaded

At first glance, the ZS T may appear to have more standard amenities than the non-turbo ZS. A quick look at the spec sheets, however, and we were surprised to see both are fully decked out.

MG ZS T interior

Beginning with the infotainment systems, both come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, and a six-speaker sound system. The only advantage the ZS T has over the ZS infotainment is the bigger 10-inch screen (the ZS only has a 6.4-inch display).

As far as cabin amenities are concerned, both crossovers come with automatic climate control, full-leather upholstery, cruise control, push-button engine start, heated side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, split-folding 60/40 rear seats, and a collapsible cargo floor that can store smaller items.

MG ZS interior

Despite having (almost) similar features, the ZS T does come with a few extras the ZS lacks. These include a power-adjustable driver's seat, rear A/C vents, heated front seats, and USB charging ports for the rear passengers.

Turbo vs Non-turbo

Undoubtedly the major advantage of the ZS T over the standard ZS is its turbocharged engine. The former is powered by a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbo that generates 163 PS and 230 Nm of torque. It is then mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and a sport mode.

As for the non-turbo ZS, it has a modest 1.5-liter, naturally-aspirated inline-four. It puts out a humble 114 PS with 150 Nm of torque. In the top-of-the-line Alpha, the engine is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift.

With more and more crossovers offering turbocharged performance for less, the ZS T blends performance with efficiency. Should we get our hands on a ZS T in the future, we're curious as to how fuel-efficient the 1.3 turbo is over the naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter from the ZS.

Safety first

Besides having plenty of amenities, MG made sure the ZS T came with plenty of safety features. It comes as no surprise since the ZS also comes with plenty of it.

Both crossovers come with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), hill-hold control (HHC), traction control (TC), electronic stability program (ESP), vehicle dynamic control (VDC), cornering brake control (CBC), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). 

When it comes to airbags, both the ZS and ZS T have front, side, and curtain airbags for a total of six each. To help drivers park their cars safely, the two vehicles are also equipped with a reverse camera and rear parking sensors.

Exclusive only to the ZS T, however, is the new Advanced Driver Assistance (ADA). It serves as the vehicle's smart safety system and comes with the following; blind spot information system (BLIS), lane-change assist (LCA), rear-cross traffic alert (RCTA), and a 360-degree around-view system which can help drivers navigate around tight spaces.

The ZS may be lacking the ZS T's ADA system, but it's good to know that MG actually made sure the non-turbo ZS is equipped with plenty of important safety features. Hopefully, MG introduces ADA to the standard ZS in a future update.

How much?

So the ZS T has a more powerful engine, comes with extra features, and gets a sportier look compared to the standard ZS. But those upgrades come at an extra cost.

Whereas the ZS AT Alpha retails for PHP 998,888, the ZS T is more expensive at PHP 1,158,888. This translates to a PHP 160,000 difference between the two. Are you willing to pay for the extra features, or will you stick with the version that is selling for less than a million Pesos? Share with us what you think down in the comments section.