(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – With new car list prices steadily rising in recent years, it is by no means easy to find family cars for under 30,000 Euro. Meanwhile, there are only very few models left in this segment, including the MG ZS and the Dacia Duster.
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The ZS scores with extensive standard equipment and a full-hybrid drive, while the Duster continues to emphasize practicality, robustness, and versatility, with a very wide range of engines and a 4×4 version. Both offer low prices.
Exterior
In terms of dimensions, the MG ZS is slightly larger than its rival. It measures 4.43 Meter in length, while the Dacia Duster comes in at 4.34 Meter.
The design of the China SUV represents a significant evolution compared to its predecessor. The front is characterized by a large lower air intake, flanked by full LED headlights (halogen only in the base model) with a more elaborate light signature. The surfaces appear soft but are clearly sculpted.
In side view, the ZS benefits from a lower beltline, large glass surfaces, and integrated roof rails. The rear also picks up on the family resemblance to the smaller MG3 thanks to horizontal taillights and aluminum-colored details.
The Duster, on the other hand, continues to rely on a significantly more robust and angular appearance. The third generation evolved with sharp lines, pronounced wheel arches, and an aesthetic reminiscent of classic off-road vehicles.
The front is characterized by the narrow grille, which integrates the LED headlights with the now brand-typical Y-shaped light signature. However, these are always LED low beams and halogen high beams. Also interesting are the body protection parts made of so-called Starkle material, which consists partly of recycled plastic and is designed to better withstand minor bumps.
| Model | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
| MG ZS | 4,43 m | 1,82 m | 1,64 m | 2,61 m |
| Dacia Duster | 4,34 m | 1,81 m | 1,62 – 1,66 m | 2,66 m |
Interior
The interior of the MG is one of the biggest advances over the previous generation. The cockpit is modern and driver-oriented, with clear lines and a noticeably improved quality feel.
In the center of the console sits a 12.3-inch display including navigation, connected services, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, there is a digital 7-inch instrument cluster. The center tunnel offers a practical storage compartment with a sliding cover, while trapezoidal air vents give the interior more individuality.
Materials and workmanship also show more care than before, with more pleasant surfaces and convincing fits. The trunk holds at least 443 liters, and with the rear seatbacks folded down, it’s 1,457 liters.
Photo gallery: MG ZS Hybrid+ (2024): New edition of the compact SUV
The Dacia also makes a clear leap in quality compared to its predecessor, but remains true to its rational philosophy with rather simple plastic. The dashboard now finally offers a digital instrument cluster (depending on the equipment) and a 10.1-inch touchscreen (not in the base model), which is oriented towards the driver for better ergonomics and readability.
The by-wire gear selector creates more space in the center console, while the modular YouClip system optionally allows accessories and devices to be attached at various points in the interior. The plastics remain predominantly hard, typical of Dacia, but the workmanship appears solid and clean.
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The space offered is very generous, especially for rear passengers. The trunk is one of the Duster’s strengths: In the mild-hybrid version, it holds 517 liters, and with the rear seats folded down, 1,609 liters, a top value in its class.
| Model | Digital Instrument Display | Central Display | Trunk |
| MG ZS | 7″ | 12,3″ | 443/1.457 Liter |
| Dacia Duster | 7″ | 10,1″ | 348-430-453-517/1.414-1.522-1.545-1.609 Liter |
Engines
The MG ZS is available with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with 85 kW (116 hp), combined with a five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. This variant is primarily aimed at customers who want to keep the purchase price low.
More interesting, however, is the Hybrid+. It combines a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with 75 kW (102 hp) with an electric motor with 100 kW (136 hp) and 250 Nm. The system output is 145 kW (197 hp). The system uses a 1.83 kWh battery, which is automatically charged during driving via the internal combustion engine and recuperation. Since it is not a plug-in hybrid, longer purely electric distances are not possible, nor is external charging.
Photo gallery: Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 (2025)
The driving performance is brisk: The ZS completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, with power transmitted exclusively to the front wheels. The three-speed automatic transmission is designed for smoothness and efficiency, and the factory-specified consumption is 5.1 l/100 km.
The Dacia Duster, on the other hand, offers one of the most complete powertrain lineups in the segment. The entry-level model is the Eco-G 120 with gasoline and autogas (LPG) operation, a modern 1.2-liter turbo engine, and a manual transmission – an interesting choice for frequent drivers looking for low operating costs.
Above that is the mild hybrid with 103 kW (140 hp), also with front-wheel drive, as well as the Hybrid 155, which uses a sophisticated full-hybrid system and can reduce consumption in the WLTP cycle to up to 4.6 l/100 km.
The real novelty of the series is the Hybrid-G 150 4×4. It is the only one in the segment to combine LPG operation, mild-hybrid technology, automatic transmission, and an electrified all-wheel drive.
| Model | Gasoline | Mild Hybrid | Full Hybrid |
| MG ZS | 1.5 naturally aspirated, 116 hp | – | 1.5, 197 hp system output |
| Dacia Duster | 1.2 Turbo, 120 hp (LPG), 1.2 Turbo automatic, 120 hp (LPG) | 1.2 Turbo, 140 hp | 1.2 Turbo 4×4, 154 hp (LPG) 1.8 158 hp |
Prices
The MG ZS remains one of the most price-aggressive offerings on the market. The version with the 1.5-liter gasoline engine starts at 20,990 Euro in this country, and at least 23,990 Euro are due for the full hybrid called Hybrid+.
The Dacia Duster is even cheaper, however. Entry in Germany starts at 18,990 Euro for the Eco-G LPG version, the full hybrid starts at 25,690 Euro, and with all-wheel drive at 27,490 Euro.
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