After testing the new EBRO S400 and MG ZS Hybrid+, here’s the cheapest hybrid SUV you should buy

Not long ago, diesels were the best-selling cars in Spain and Europe. Their market share reached over 80%, but today the numbers continue to decline. Fewer and fewer diesels are being sold. They have been replaced by electrified cars, mainly hybrids. Millions of drivers have succumbed to their powers, attracted by their low consumption, reasonable price, and favorable environmental labels. In Spain, there are two models generating great anticipation: the EBRO S400 HEV and the MG ZS Hybrid+.

Both belong to a new generation of products, and I’m not just referring to the fact that they are hybrids. Both come from China and from Chinese manufacturers. The case of MG is well known. Morris Garage is one of the most traditional English brands. Historically focused on selling classic roadsters, the company was absorbed by the SAIC Group at the beginning of the century. Since then, the changes have been radical. New products, new mechanics, and an approach that prioritizes the quality-price relationship.

The story of EBRO is quite similar. The Spanish company started its journey focused on the agricultural world, producing tractors and other vehicles for the field. In the late 70s, the brand disappeared, and it wasn’t until the early 2020s that it has resurfaced thanks to the financial backing of Chery, one of the largest automotive conglomerates in China. It also owns brands like Jaecoo and Omoda. All share their technology and engines. The S400 is not only the brand's first hybrid; it is the first EBRO to be manufactured at the Zona Franca plant in Barcelona.

Two different designs for a very similar size

To be fair, it must be acknowledged that while the S400 HEV and ZS Hybrid+ are very similar models, they are not, in the strictest sense of the word, direct rivals. They are separated by a few centimeters. While the ZS has grown in size for its latest generation, entering the compact segment, the S400 remains in a lower tier, in the B-SUV category. Despite this, there are only a few centimeters that differentiate them.

In terms of aesthetics, it is clear that each one bets on its own approach, although both are defined by the basic rules of any good SUV. Black plastics decorating wheel arches, bumpers, and skirts, as well as chrome elements that elevate the refined look. Unlike other rivals in the category, neither MG nor EBRO opts for the contrasting roof formula. Customization options are limited in both cases. When it comes to tastes, there’s no clear winner in this category.

Good finishes and plenty of technology

The fact that they are small and cheap does not mean they are poorly finished or have little equipment. EBRO offers two versions of the S400: Premium and Excellence. Standard features include LED headlights, 12.3-inch digital instrumentation, 12.3-inch central touchscreen, wireless connectivity for mobile phones, keyless entry and start, ambient lighting, rear parking camera, electric mirrors, and much more, including a complete safety package with 7 airbags and 24 ADAS systems.

The equipment of the ZS Hybrid+ is no less impressive. MG offers three different versions. From lowest to highest equipment, we find: Standard, Comfort, and Luxury. In its cheapest equipment level, features include: navigation, rear parking camera, air conditioning, 10.25-inch digital instrumentation, 12.3-inch multimedia screen, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, mobile phone connectivity, numerous airbags distributed throughout the body, and all the usual safety equipment of the MG iSmart Lite package.

As you may have noticed, the base equipment is practically identical in both cases. If we ascend the ladder of finishes, the similarities remain, but MG offers more intermediate levels, giving it a slight competitive advantage, though not excessive. In terms of finish quality, both offer a level of finish above the standard for the category. Well-chosen materials and correctly assembled. I like that neither succumbs to lacquered black plastics. Other European brands could learn from this.

Functional space for a compact family

If we review the dimensions we have already discussed, we will see that although the MG is larger, the wheelbase is the same. In fact, despite being smaller than its rival, the EBRO S400 HEV is more spacious inside, not by much, but it is. The second row of seats shows great versatility. Two passengers can comfortably sit on the bench. A third can also, although it will reduce overall comfort. In the ZS, we have a little less longitudinal space, although the width is greater.

In both cases, occupants up to 1.85 meters tall can travel without major issues. Access and exit are always good, and both offer ISOFIX attachments as standard in the rear side seats. More differences will be seen when we open the trunk, where once again it is revealed that volume is not a matter of size. In this case, a winner must be declared, and that is none other than the EBRO S400. Despite being 8 centimeters shorter, it has a greater load capacity. In fact, it is one of the largest in its category.

Will the mechanics decide this tight battle?

The reason these two cars are here is their hybrid mechanics. Although the MG has a gasoline option, we will not consider it for this comparison. If we open the hood, we will find almost identical structures, although with small differences that will ultimately define the final result. The ZS Hybrid+ employs the same scheme we already knew and discussed in the MG3 Hybrid+. It consists of a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine accompanied by a front electric motor and an automatic transmission. In total, 194 horsepower and 425 Nm of torque.

Its counterpart and rival in this case employs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine as the main block. It is accompanied by a front electric motor and an automatic transmission that sends all the power to the front axle. EBRO offers more power in its S400 HEV, delivering a maximum of 211 horsepower. Both models can travel 100% electric for short distances thanks to a 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery. On paper, aside from the horsepower difference, they are the same car, but do they drive the same?

	MG ZS Hybrid+	EBRO S400 HEV
Engine	1.5 Naturally aspirated + electric	1.5 Naturally aspirated + electric
Power	194 HP	211 HP
Transmission	Automatic	Automatic
0-100 Km/h	8.7 s	8.7 s
Max Speed	168 km/h	150 km/h
Consumption	5 l/100 km	5.3 l/100 km
Traction	Front	Front
Weight	1,455 kg	1,550 kg

How do they perform?

The first thing I must acknowledge after having tested them is that the declared power has nothing to do with the sensations at the wheel, especially in the S400 HEV. Although it claims 17 more horsepower, it is not noticeable. In fact, the response is less forceful. The acceleration is very similar, but in motion, it struggles a bit more to move. You have to press the accelerator a bit more, and that’s why the final consumption increases.

The ZS Hybrid+ is not the fastest horse in the stable either, but it must be acknowledged that MG has done a great job with its hybrid mechanics. Good response and performance more than sufficient for the average driver. The top speed is slightly higher, but not by much. The overall setup conveys a better feel while achieving lower final consumption. The secret lies in the second electric motor connected to the transmission.

It is already clear that the doubt about performance remains to clarify the feeling behind the wheel, and unfortunately, I must acknowledge that they do not deliver the same sensations as a European rival like the Renault Captur or the Volkswagen T-ROC, for example. The steering conveys less information, the suspension is excessively soft, and the overall driving experience is worse. They are cars for relaxed driving with few demands. They are comfortable for long-distance travel and excel in short trips where they make good use of the electric part.

And what about the price?

Well, here comes another surprise, and in this case, it is indeed definitive for the outcome of this comparison. The cheapest in this comparison is the MG ZS Hybrid+ with a public sale price of 22,990 euros. Despite being smaller, the EBRO S400 HEV is more expensive, starting its prices at 27,500 euros. It is a significant difference that tips the balance in favor of the MG, even though the EBRO has more trunk space and more power. The result is clear: the MG ZS Hybrid+ wins this comparison and becomes the cheapest hybrid SUV you should buy.