MANY people who see the MG badge on the front of the ZS crossover might question – ‘Is this an actual MG?’ And that’s a fair question. Last century, MG made fun-to-drive sportscars that have become automotive classics, but now that the brand is under the ownership of the giant SAIC Motor group in China, it has shifted focus dramatically to practical passenger cars and SUVs.

Regardless of whether or not it is a “real” MG, the ZS is one of the brand’s more serious efforts. We test the ZS Essence to see how it stacks up.