NEW Dacia Duster vs MG ZS review – what's the best CHEAP hybrid SUV? | What Car?

Summary

This comparison between the Dacia Duster and the MG ZS evaluates their performance, costs, and features. While both cars offer good value in the budget SUV market, the Duster emerges as the winner due to its lower overall cost of ownership, better residual value, and more affordable monthly finance payments. The ZS, however, is more refined in terms of interior quality and driving experience, especially with its higher-tech features. The Duster’s three-star Euro NCAP safety rating and flexible warranty give it a slight edge, making it the better choice for those prioritizing cost efficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Dacia Duster offers a more relaxing and pleasant driving experience, while the MG ZS is considered more agile but less refined.
• 😀 The brake pedal on the Duster is spongy and harder to modulate for smooth stops, unlike the firmer brake pedal on the MG ZS.
• 😀 In terms of fuel economy, the MG ZS performs better in real-world driving, achieving 50.3 mpg compared to the Duster’s 45.4 mpg.
• 😀 Despite the ZS's better real-world fuel economy, the Duster remains the more economical option when factoring in running costs over three years.
• 😀 The Duster is significantly cheaper in terms of monthly finance payments (£290/month vs. £344/month for the ZS), making it a more budget-friendly choice.
• 😀 The Duster's depreciation and residual values are better than the ZS's, contributing to its lower overall cost of ownership over three years.
• 😀 The MG ZS offers a more luxurious interior with features like artificial leather seats, heated seats, and electric seat adjustments in higher trims.
• 😀 Both cars have improved active safety features compared to their predecessors, but the Duster received a 3-star Euro NCAP rating, while the ZS's rating is unknown.
• 😀 The ZS comes with a 7-year/80,000-mile warranty, whereas the Duster starts with a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty that can be extended to 7 years with regular service.
• 😀 While the ZS is more feature-rich and refined, the Duster is the winner in terms of overall value, especially for those focused on lower finance and ownership costs.

Q & A

What is the main difference in driving experience between the Dacia Duster and the MG ZS?

The Dacia Duster is considered more relaxing and pleasant to drive, with a lighter steering feel, while the MG ZS has a firmer brake pedal and is slightly more agile. The Duster's driving experience is less focused on fun but offers more comfort overall.

How does the brake pedal feel in the Duster compared to the ZS?

The Duster's brake pedal is described as spongy, requiring more modulation for smooth deceleration. In contrast, the MG ZS has a firmer brake pedal, which provides more reassurance and is easier to judge for smooth stopping.

What are the fuel economy results for both cars in real-world driving?

In real-world conditions, the Dacia Duster achieved 45.4 mpg, while the MG ZS performed better with 50.3 mpg, despite both cars having the same official fuel economy figure of 55.4 mpg.

Why is the Duster cheaper to own than the ZS over a three-year period?

The Dacia Duster is cheaper to own over three years due to better predicted residual values and lower overall running costs, including servicing and insurance, even though it costs less to buy initially.

What is the monthly finance cost difference between the Duster and the ZS?

The monthly finance cost for the Duster is £290, while the MG ZS costs £344 per month. This results in a £54 per month saving for the Duster.

How do the interior features of the Duster and ZS compare?

The MG ZS offers more luxurious features, such as artificial leather seats, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, even in higher trims. The Duster has a more basic interior but is noted for its comfort and better road refinement.

Which car has better rear-seat space?

The MG ZS offers more space in the rear seats, making it a more spacious option for passengers in the back.

How do the boot sizes of the Duster and ZS compare?

The boot sizes of both cars are very similar, with the Duster having a slightly larger boot capacity than the MG ZS.

What are the safety ratings for both cars?

The MG ZS does not have a Euro NCAP rating at the moment, while the Dacia Duster has been rated with three stars. The Duster's lower adult occupant protection score was a weakness, but its child seat safety rating was good.

How does the warranty differ between the Duster and the ZS?

The MG ZS comes with a 7-year/80,000-mile warranty, while the Duster offers a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty, which can be extended to 7 years/75,000 miles if serviced annually at a dealer.

Which car is better in terms of overall value for money?

The Dacia Duster is the better value overall, with lower upfront and ongoing costs, particularly in terms of finance payments and predicted depreciation. The MG ZS offers more luxury features, but the Duster’s cost-effectiveness makes it the winner.