At €17,500, the MG ZS challenges the Dacia Duster

Long considered the most affordable offer in the budget SUV segment, the Dacia Duster is challenged by the MG ZS.

This is a kind of battle of the heavyweights, two giants in the so-called “entry-level” SUV segment, vehicles that offer good value for money. The Dacia Duster has been the market star in France since 2010, proven by its 4 million units sold worldwide. But now, a tough competitor has entered the ring: the much more modern and stylish MG ZS. Still, you need to look into the details to find out which one is ultimately the more attractive option.

We will try to shed some light on this.

INTRODUCTION

Two different atmospheres. On one side, the Dacia Duster ECO-G 100 is offered at 17,990 euros, emphasizing ruggedness. White color, steel wheels without hubcaps, it’s close to a vehicle destined for the countryside. No fuss: black plastic handles, plastic body panels as well, the Franco-Romanian SUV makes no special effort.

Inside, the arrangement is similarly austere with hard plastics everywhere.

Conversely, the MG ZS appeals to emotions. Despite a more competitive price at 17,490 euros, the Chinese vehicle stands out. 17-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint (also in white as standard), painted mirrors and handles, the overall look is much more premium. Inside, the finish is quite honest, and the ergonomics are better thought out.

Advantage: MG ZS

ENGINES

This is a very interesting topic. Probably the main highlight of the Dacia Duster is its 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine developing 100 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. But it also runs on LPG, meaning its running costs will be kept low.

With its 6-speed gearbox, consumption is well managed: 6.4 liters per 100 km on petrol (SP95) and 7.8 liters on LPG. This results in limited CO2 emissions of 126 g/km, which entails a eco-tax of 125 euros in 2023 and 230 euros in 2024. Performance-wise, it’s not spectacular: 0 to 100 km/h in 13.8 seconds and a top speed of 168 km/h despite a weight of 1337 kg.

The MG ZS is supposed to do better on paper, but it doesn’t. Despite a larger 1.5-liter engine, its 106 horsepower doesn’t fully compensate for its reduced torque of 141 Nm. The lighter weight at 1231 kg enhances agility (top speed of 175 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds), but the 5-speed gearbox worsens fuel consumption. Claimed at 6.6 liters per 100 km, the MG ZS has significantly higher CO2 emissions: 149 g/km, resulting in an eco-tax of 1386 euros in 2023 and 2049 euros in 2024. This is no trivial detail when making a decision.

Advantage: Dacia Duster

INTERIOR SPACE

If you are looking for a spacious SUV to carry all sorts of stuff, then the Dacia Duster is more practical than the MG ZS. Not in everyday driving, as their trunks are quite similar: 450 liters for the French-romanian, 448 liters for the Chinese. But once the rear seats are folded down, the size changes considerably: 1485 liters for the Dacia, 1166 liters for the MG.

Advantage: Dacia Duster

EQUIPMENT

The MG ZS surpasses in terms of equipment, which is much more complete, modern, and connected. In this aspect, it’s a clear winner.

Advantage: MG ZS

CONCLUSION

It must be admitted that the MG ZS is currently a much more contemporary offer than the Dacia Duster, at least in their base versions costing less than 18,000 euros… excluding taxes! More modern and better equipped, the Chinese SUV will be more enjoyable to use daily. However, once taxes are included and considering its higher running costs due to incompatibility with LPG, the Dacia Duster remains more economical. That’s the true essence of a budget SUV.

ALSO READ: Here’s why BYD is making MG and Tesla nervous