MG ZS (2017–2024) Oil, Capacities & Fluids — First Generation
The first-generation ZS — the car most of the out-of-warranty fleet drives, and still sold new in some markets — uses 0W-20 (ACEA C5) engine oil, same specification as every newer MG we’ve documented: 4.1 litres for the 1.5, 4.0 litres for the 1.0 turbo. The traps are elsewhere: the two manual gearboxes take two different, non-interchangeable oils, and the UK handbook demands 95 RON for both engines — including the humble 1.5.
Engine oil
| Engine | Specification | Capacity (service refill) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 VTi-TECH (5MT) | 0W-20, ACEA C5 | 4.1 L |
| 1.0T GDI (6MT & 6AT) | 0W-20, ACEA C5 | 4.0 L |
Source: official MG ZS owner’s handbook, UK edition (2021), Technical Data pp. 299–301. “Service refill” is the manual’s after-sales replacement figure — what a routine oil change takes, not the dry-engine fill.
Gearbox oils — don’t mix these up
| Gearbox | Oil | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed manual (1.5) | MTF94 | 1.8 L |
| 6-speed manual (1.0T) | Castrol BOT503 | 1.7 L |
| 6-speed automatic (1.0T, Aisin) | AW-1 | 6.2 L |
Other fluids
| Item | Specification | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Engine coolant | Glycol (OAT) | 5.4 L (1.5) · 5.8 L (1.0T) |
| Brake fluid | DOT 4 | 0.75 L |
| Washer fluid | ZY-VIII | 4 L |
| A/C refrigerant | R1234yf | 520±20 g |
Same source. The refrigerant charge matters at re-gas time: 520 g ±20 — an over- or under-charge degrades cooling and stresses the compressor.
Fuel — the 95 RON surprise
The UK handbook specifies unleaded 95 RON (EN228) for both engines — 1.5 included. Fuel tank: 45 litres. That completes an odd family picture: three fuel-tank sizes now wear the ZS badge — 45 L (this car), 55 L (new-generation petrol) and 41 L (new-generation hybrid) — so never order a fuel-system part by model name alone. Fuel requirements are market-specific: this is the UK document’s requirement; if your car was sold in another market, confirm against your own handbook.
Which generation do I have?
First generation: 2017–2024 (still sold alongside the new car in some markets, e.g. South Africa). If your ZS is the 2024-on shape — or a Hybrid+ — you want the second-generation fluids guide instead. Electric ZS EV: separate guide here.