an update could fix the hybrid SUV’s power losses

MG’s new hybrid SUV is under fire. But things could improve with an update.

After the MG 3 Hybrid+, the Chinese manufacturer has decided to integrate its hybrid powertrain into the new generation ZS. Exotic with its particular configuration, it promises a total power of 197 hp, while maintaining reduced consumption. Except that the reality is very different: maximum power is only reached very rarely, and can even drop to… 55 hp!

Also readSupertest – MG ZS Hybrid+: all the measured consumption of our Supertest

Because if the system knows how to keep a sufficient charge buffer to operate the electric machine in town, management is completely different on the motorway. Thus, the battery empties, the heat engine tries to recharge the battery, and the power is lacking.

During our long-term test and our Supertest, we discovered that there was no more than 55 hp (40 kW) available in the worst case scenario. And this critical case is actually not that rare: a simple slope on the highway is enough to observe this phenomenon, where the SUV can lose speed! A first for a hybrid vehicle, which poses a problem for many owners, particularly in mountainous regions.

The MG ZS Hybrid+ will be reviewed in dealerships

Here, it is the management of the load and the situations which is therefore lacking in the mechanics of the MG ZS Hybrid+ which, in broad terms, functions like Honda’s e:HEV system. This is a phenomenon that can be corrected via an update, as MG has just deployed and confirmed by the brand’s spokespersons in France.

Called PD052, this software reprogramming should accentuate the battery recharging phases upstream. If the Sino-British brand does not specify the minimum load rate which has been defined, it indicates in a note to dealerships that this should mitigate the phenomenon during steep slopes.

This also reduces the rotation speed of the thermal engine during heavy loads. However, according to our measurements and observations, this should logically cause consumption to skyrocket: the thermal engine will enter the recharging phase earlier and more often. To be confirmed in the field. Note that the MG 3 Hybrid+ is less impacted by this phenomenon and has already been the subject of updates in this regard.