MG MG ZS vs smart #1
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The MG MG ZS starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the MG MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $31,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $25,289 and $60,390 respectively.
The smart #1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MG MG ZS, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG MG ZS and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MG ZS and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the MG MG ZS.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the MG MG ZS and 7 in the smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the MG MG ZS misses.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG ZS features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG ZS stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MG ZS uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 140Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG MG ZS measures 4,430mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 160mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the MG MG ZS and 203L in the smart #1, giving the MG MG ZS a 156L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG ZS) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The MG MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The MG MG ZS and smart #1 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the MG MG ZS has a clear edge. The MG MG ZS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MG ZS and smart #1?
The MG MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $31,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG MG ZS uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MG ZS and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MG ZS has the largest boot at 359L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
