Meet the ZS hybrid, MG’s new compact SUV and the car that caused a bust up with my wife!

She is not one to get too wound up about cars, unlike me, her main beef is with touchscreens and how they can distract drivers. She has a point there. But that wasn’t the issue with the MG.

She ruled it out because of the gearbox. It is a three-speed automatic (that takes you back) and inevitably holds the gear for too long. The engine becomes a bit noisy, which is irritating, but it doesn’t happen all the time and would not be a deal breaker for me.

A few extra gears would calm things down but MG believe this is the best way to achieve smooth driving, performance and economy from a petrol hybrid.

MG was the first of the Chinese owned companies to make its mark on our car market. It was a slow start but the company has upped its game in the last few years with a string of new models making the brand hard to ignore even if Chinese rivals are snapping at its heels. Keeping the name of a British motoring icon was a smart move and easier to remember than Omoda, Jaecoo, BYD or XPeng.

So what of ZS Hybrid? The model has been transformed following the more modern lines of the larger HS, a new engine, thank heavens, and a smart interior. Let’s make one thing clear. You don’t buy ZS just because it undercuts nearly all its rivals. This is a seriously good car with style and substance. The choice is simple. Two models, SE and Trophy, petrol or hybrid and prices starting at 20 grand. Rivals are the likes of Ford Puma and Renault Captur.

I would go straight for the hybrid, still good value at £22,495 (SE) with a spec list that includes navigation, rear view camera and sensor, Smartphone connections and keyless entry. Both SE and Trophy share the same driver safety aids.

An extra £1,500 for Trophy adds leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, and a 360 degree view camera.

The cabin has been brought right up to date and is chalk and cheese compared to the old model. It has gone digital, naturally, with a 12.3in central touchscreen, the home screen split into four sections for heating, navigation, radio, and app connections. It responds reasonably quickly and is not too difficult to fathom, and there are quick keys ranged below the screen, handy for things like fast demisting.

The amount of information in the touchscreen menus seems endless. If you had a switch for everything they would fill the windscreen. How much of it will ever be looked at is debatable.

Something in all this I could not find was a way of reducing the level for the heated front seats which appear to be either on or off. Strange.

The driver’s display is a colourful, jolly affair with flashy graphics with a steering wheel button to change the display. What I could not do was switch the digital speedo from the top left, which is a bit out of the way, to the centre of the screen which is preferable. That must be possible with today’s ‘do anything’ technology.

Compact it may be but this is a genuine family five seater and rear legroom is particularly good. Boot space is on par with most rivals although the Renault Captur gains a chunk of extra room with its sliding back seat. That could be something for MG to think about.

If you thought aggressive pricing would compromise the driving experience then think again. It might not be as fun as the impressive Puma but there is nothing to complain about bearing in mind this is an SUV not a hot hatch.

I think the hybrid is worth the extra for its zesty performance and economy – we managed to match the 55mpg official stat. You also get periods of electric drive helped by regenerative braking which has three levels handily selected from a steering wheel button.

On the subject of the steering wheel I was surprised there was no telescopic adjustment, just tilt. Could it be that expensive to add?

The biggest threat to MG is from its own countrymen although it takes time to get established so the company can build on this strong foundation.

ZS hybrid might not be the best compact SUV on the market but is certainly terrific value and even if Mrs Rogers does not want one, I do. And we are still speaking…

Fast facts

ZS Hybrid+ Trophy

£24,995

1.5 litre petrol + electric motor; 192bhp

0-62mph 8.7secs

55.4mpg combined

115g/km. 1st tax £440

Boot: 443-1457 litres

Insurance group 22