MG ZS Hybrid+ Five-Star ANCAP Safety Rating: What Hybrid Buyers Need to Know

Vehicle Safety & Technology | MG

The MG ZS Hybrid+ carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating under the 2023-2025 assessment criteria, achieved as part of the broader MG ZS assessment that covers both petrol and hybrid variants from the same December 2025 specification update. For buyers considering a hybrid as their first step towards electrification, the ZS Hybrid+ delivers five-star safety credentials alongside the efficiency of a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid drivetrain.

This rating applies to MG ZS Hybrid+ vehicles built from 4 December 2025 onwards. A four-star rating applies to hybrid variants built before that date. Confirming the build date of any ZS Hybrid+ is an essential step before purchase, and our team at Bartons New Energy Vehicles in Wynnum can verify this against the VIN.

What the ANCAP Assessment Covers

ANCAP independently crash-tests and rates new vehicles across four categories: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist. The MG ZS was assessed under the full passenger car programme, including physical crash testing of occupant protection.

MG ZS (including Hybrid+ variants) ANCAP Scorecard

The MG ZS (ZS32 series, built from December 2025) achieved the following results:

The five-star rating covers the following Hybrid+ variants built from 4 December 2025 onwards:

• MG ZS Vibe Hybrid+ (1.5L HEV, FWD)
• MG ZS Excite Hybrid+ (1.5L HEV, FWD)
• MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ (1.5L HEV, FWD)

The Key Upgrade That Earned Five Stars

The previous MG ZS Hybrid+ held a four-star ANCAP rating. The upgrade to five stars from the December 2025 build date was driven by the addition of a centre airbag as standard. This airbag deploys between the driver and front passenger in a side impact to prevent occupant-to-occupant contact, a technology that was previously available only on more expensive vehicles. This single addition, combined with the ZS's already solid crash test results, pushed the rating from four to five stars.

This is the most important single fact for hybrid buyers: the specification change is meaningful, and the build date (4 December 2025, or VIN LSJWS4395TZ074065 onwards) is the dividing line between four-star and five-star vehicles.

Adult Occupant Protection: 81%

The ZS returned the maximum available points in the side impact test and near-maximum in the oblique pole test. The frontal offset results showed adequate chest and lower leg protection, with good results elsewhere for both driver and front passenger. The centre airbag provided good head protection for both front occupants in far-side impact testing.

Both doors and windows passed submergence testing, an important result for any electrified vehicle.

Child Occupant Protection: 84%

Child occupant protection was the ZS's highest-scoring category at 84 per cent. ISOFix lower anchorages are fitted to both rear outboard seats, with top tether anchorages across all rear positions. All assessed child restraint types can be installed in all rear seating positions without issue. Full points were scored in the restraint installation assessment.

One area to note: no child presence detection system is available on the MG ZS.

Vulnerable Road User Protection: 73%

Forward pedestrian AEB was rated good including in turning scenarios, day and night. Cyclist AEB was rated goodacross all test speeds. Motorcyclist AEB was rated good in turning scenarios. AEB Backover is not available.

The VRU score of 73 per cent reflects mixed physical impact results on the bonnet surface and the absence of AEB Backover capability rather than any significant issue with forward AEB performance.

Safety Assist: 79%

Car-to-car AEB operates from 5 km/h to 150 km/h with good performance across all standard scenarios. AEB Junction, Crossing, and Head-On all returned good results. Lane support operates from 60-150 km/h with good LKA and ELK. Speed sign recognition and an intelligent speed limiter are standard, alongside intelligent adaptive cruise control. A driver drowsiness monitoring system is standard.

Safety Features: What Comes Standard (Hybrid+ Variants)

• Dual frontal, side chest, side head curtain, and centre airbags
• AEB: car-to-car (5-150 km/h), pedestrian forward, cyclist, motorcyclist
• AEB Junction, Crossing, and Head-On
• Lane keep assist and emergency lane keeping
• Blind spot monitoring
• Speed sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter
• Intelligent adaptive cruise control (iACC)
• Driver drowsiness monitoring
• Seat belt reminders with occupancy detection (all positions)
• Multi-collision braking
• Automatic emergency call (eCall)
• ISOFix and top tether anchorages

Not available: AEB Backover, child presence detection.

Why the MG ZS Hybrid+ is Relevant for New Energy Buyers

For buyers who want the efficiency benefits of a hybrid powertrain without committing to full battery-electric, the MG ZS Hybrid+ delivers a five-star ANCAP rated compact SUV with strong fuel economy and a familiar petrol-hybrid driving experience. It is a practical first step towards electrified transport with independently verified safety credentials at its price point.

Speak to Bartons New Energy Vehicles

Our team at Bartons New Energy Vehicles in Wynnum can explain the difference between the petrol, Hybrid+, and full BEV options in the MG range, and help you find the electrification level that suits your situation, budget, and driving patterns. Browse current stock at BartonsNewEnergyVehicles.com.au.

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