Sports car brands that make SUVs have it tough with the car-buying public. The fact that MG, one of the most-storied British auto makers and a cornerstone of the quintessential English roadster, has given in to the SUV-pocalypse must have the faithful spitting their afternoon tea across their crumpet-laden tables. Still, history has proven them more wrong than right, as these companies with sporting intention are able to infuse the mundane family hauler with their original ethos. MG has done just that with the ZS.

SUVs tend to stay on the conservative side of things, whereas the ZS has adopted a previous trend held by the premium brands: Russian Dolling, the act of simply scaling corporate design up or down a specific model. Yes, there is the usual Grilleus Maximus styling across the MG family present on the ZS; however, it has only been possible with the updates made to its larger sibling, the HS, to tell them apart. Otherwise, the ZS is inoffensive, clean, and modern-looking with a bit of sporting purpose due to the standard 18-inch wheels on the luxury trim.

Adding to its visual appeal is its availability in a wider colour palette than many of the sub-compact SUV class rivals. Push past the black, white, silver, and grey to the Brighton Blue Metallic on Auto’s review unit, or the Emerald Green Metallic that instantly brings forth similar tones to the iconic British Racing Green.