Hyundai Inster vs MG ZS

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

The MG ZS has the higher ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2025) against 4 stars (2025), both tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 81% for the MG ZS.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG ZS, against 5 on the Hyundai Inster.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the MG ZS gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the MG ZS. The MG ZS counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.

The MG ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.

The MG ZS has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 605mm shorter than the MG ZS at 4,430mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG ZS generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 443L in the MG ZS, giving the MG ZS a 163L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Inster's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Inster costs about $672 a year (14 kWh/100km) and fuel for the MG ZS about $1,910 a year (6.7 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Inster) and 10 years / 250k km (MG ZS).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Inster: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the MG ZS.

The MG ZS: the lower starting price ($22,990 against $37,500), more power (81kW against 71.1kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (443L against 280L) and the longer warranty (10 years against 5).

The Verdict

Hyundai Inster scores higher, 75 vs 73

The Hyundai Inster scores 75 to the MG ZS's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Hyundai Inster ahead by 25 points), safety (MG ZS ahead by 12 points). Boot space with the seats up: 280L in the Hyundai Inster, 443L in the MG ZS. Warranty: 5 years on the Hyundai Inster, 10 on the MG ZS.

Common questions