Can zesty new MG hybrid gear up enough to take on opposition?

MG ZS Hybrid+ drive by Steve Rogers

Meet the ZS hybrid, MG’s new compact SUV and the car that caused a bust up with my wife!

She is not one to get too wound up about cars, unlike me. Her main beef is with touchscreens and how they can distract drivers. She has a point there. But that wasn’t the issue with the MG.

She ruled it out because of the gearbox. It is a three-speed automatic (that takes you back) and inevitably holds the gear for too long. The engine becomes a bit noisy, which is irritating, but it doesn’t happen all the time and would not be a deal breaker for me.

A few extra gears would calm things down but MG believe this is the best way to achieve smooth driving, performance and economy from a petrol hybrid.

MG was the first of the Chinese owned companies to make its mark on our car market. It was a slow start but the company has upped its game in the last few years with a string of new models making the brand hard to ignore even if Chinese rivals are snapping at its heels. Keeping the name of a British motoring icon was a smart move and easier to remember than Omoda, Jaecoo, BYD or XPeng.

So what of ZS Hybrid? The model has been transformed following the more modern lines of the larger HS, a new engine, thank heavens, and a smart interior. Let’s make one thing clear. You don’t buy ZS just because it undercuts nearly all its rivals. This is a seriously good car with style and substance. The choice is simple. Two models, SE and Trophy, petrol or hybrid and prices starting at 20 grand. Rivals are the likes of Ford Puma and Renault Captur.

I would go straight for the hybrid, still good value at £22,495 (SE) with a spec list that includes navigation, rear view camera and sensor, Smartphone connections and keyless entry. Both SE and Trophy share the same driver safety aids.

An extra £1,500 for Trophy adds leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, and a 360 degree view camera.

The cabin has been brought right up to date and is chalk and cheese compared to the old model. It has gone digital, naturally, with a 12.3in central touchscreen, the home screen split into four sections for heating, navigation, radio, and app connections. It responds reasonably quickly and is not too difficult to fathom, and there are quick keys ranged below the screen, handy for things like fast demisting.

The amount of information in the touchscreen menus seems endless. If you had a switch for everything they would fill the windscreen. How much of it will ever be looked at is debatable.

Something in all this I could not find was a way of reducing the level for the heated front seats which appear to be either on or off. Strange.

The driver’s display is a colourful, jolly affair with flashy graphics with a steering wheel button to change the display. What I could not do was switch the digital speedo from the top left, which is a bit out of the way, to the centre of the screen which is preferable. That must be possible with today’s ‘do anything’ technology.

Compact it may be but this is a genuine family five seater and rear legroom is particularly good. Boot space is on par with most rivals although the Renault Captur gains a chunk of extra room with its sliding back seat. That could be something for MG to think about.

If you thought aggressive pricing would compromise the driving experience then think again. It might not be as fun as the impressive Puma but there is nothing to complain about bearing in mind this is an SUV not a hot hatch.

I think the hybrid is worth the extra for its zesty performance and economy - we managed to match the 55mpg official stat. You also get periods of electric drive helped by regenerative braking which has three levels handily selected from a steering wheel button.

On the subject of the steering wheel I was surprised there was no telescopic adjustment, just tilt. Could it be that expensive to add?

The biggest threat to MG is from its own countrymen although it takes time to get established so the company can build on this strong foundation.

ZS hybrid might not be the best compact SUV on the market but is certainly terrific value and even if Mrs Rogers does not want one, I do. And we are still speaking…

Fast facts

ZS Hybrid+ Trophy

£24,995

1.5 litre petrol + electric motor; 192bhp

0-62mph 8.7secs

55.4mpg combined

115g/km. 1st tax £440

Boot: 443-1457 litres

Insurance group 22

Big names coming to Wales Comic Con at Pavilion revealed

Big names taking part in Wales Comic Con, which comes to Llangollen Pavilion on September 20 and 21, have been revealed.

The line-up includes Dean Norris (Breaking Bad, Total Recall), Jennifer Beals (Flashdance, The L Word), Joseph Mazzello (Jurassic Park, Bohemian Rhapsody) and Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons, The Witcher). 

And fans of anime and voice acting can look forward to David Coburn, the voice of Captain Planet, and Michael Daingerfield, known for his roles in Gintama and InuYasha. 

Comic fans can also meet Neil Edwards, celebrated for his work with both Marvel and DC Comics.

The fan convention, which organisers see, as an exciting new chapter in the event’s history, is expected to attract up to 10,000 fans across the weekend, offering a packed schedule of celebrity signings, panels, cosplay competitions, gaming zones, traders, and more.

Now running for nearly 20 years, Wales Comic Con has grown from a small local gathering into one of Europe’s most respected fan conventions — regularly welcoming some of the biggest names in TV, film, gaming, and comic books.

Organiser Jaime Milner said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Wales Comic Con to Llangollen. As a Welsh-born event, it means the world to continue growing while staying true to our roots. This show is about celebrating creativity, community, and culture — and Llangollen is the perfect backdrop for that.”

The event is also expected to bring a strong boost to the local economy, with increased footfall and demand across hotels, restaurants, shops, and independent businesses throughout the weekend.

The International Pavilion is now being run by the Eisteddfod team after being acquired from Denbighshire Leisure Ltd last autumn.

* Tickets are on sale now via the official website: www.walescomiccon.com

Scores are lucky in Eisteddfod's treasure hunt bonanza

* Crowds queue at the Penddol entrance to the field ready for the hunt.

* And they're off: ticket hunters begin flooding on to the Eisteddfod field.

 * People search every part of the field for the tickets.

* First winners celebrate their good luck.

* Above and below: more winners from the hunt.

  

* Winners queue outside the Pavilion to collect their prize tickets.

* The Eisteddfod volunteers who helped hide the tickets.

Scores of people went away with smiles on their faces after trying their luck in Llangollen International Eisteddfod's big ticket treasure hunt on the Pavilion field this morning (Monday).

That's because they had scooped some of the hottest tickets in town ready for another season of live music with TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

To mark 78 years of the international festival 78 pairs of tickets had been hidden at various locations around the grounds.

Each gold envelope contained a unique code linked to a specific headlining concert or the Family Fun Day and when they handed them in at treasure hunt control the delighted winners were presented with their tickets.

Hundreds were waiting at the field's two entrances and just after 10am they were allowed inside to begin their frantic search.

A little over an hour later all 78 tickets pairs had been retrieved including those to see Olly Murs, UB40, James, Human League, Hans Zimmer and Choir of the World,

This year, as Llangollen International Eisteddfod marks the ‘Year of Croeso – Only in Wales,’ more than 4,000 competitors from 35 countries will head to Llangollen from July 8 to 13 for a vibrant week of competitions and performances. 

For the first time, TK Maxx will join Live at Llangollen Pavilion as presenting partner, as part of an extended agreement with Cuffe & Taylor shows across the country including Lytham Festival, Live at Lincoln Castle, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Live at The Piece Hall, Derby Summer Sessions, Depot Live, Plymouth Summer Sessions, Bedford Summer Sessions, Southampton Summer Sessions and Powderham.

* For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk  

Join in today's big bank holiday ticket hunt at the Pavilion

* The treasure hunt begins with a mad dash last year.

Music fans can today get their hands on the hottest tickets in town ready for another season of live music with TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

That's because organisers are bringing back the hugely popular treasure hunt giving people another chance to bag themselves free tickets.

To mark 78 years of the international festival 78 pairs of tickets will be hidden at various locations around the Llangollen Pavilion grounds.

The big bank holiday hunt runs from 10am until 2pm.

* 78 special envelopes will be hidden around the grounds. Each envelope contains a unique code linked to a specific headlining concert or the Family Fun Day.

* Lucky finders must bring the envelope and code to the main entrance of the Pavilion to redeem their pair of tickets.

* There's a limit of one pair of tickets per person. Tickets must be redeemed before the Pavilion closes at 2 pm on Monday May 26.

* All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

This year, as Llangollen International Eisteddfod marks the ‘Year of Croeso – Only in Wales,’ more than 4,000 competitors from 35 countries will head to Llangollen from July 8 to 13 for a vibrant week of competitions and performances. 

For the first time, TK Maxx will join Live at Llangollen Pavilion as presenting partner, as part of an extended agreement with Cuffe & Taylor shows across the country including Lytham Festival, Live at Lincoln Castle, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Live at The Piece Hall, Derby Summer Sessions, Depot Live, Plymouth Summer Sessions, Bedford Summer Sessions, Southampton Summer Sessions and Powderham.

Artistic Director of Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: "Last year’s treasure hunt was such a hit.

"It really helped build a buzz in the town ahead of a truly incredible summer so we knew we had to bring it back. It’s a fun way to kick things off and gives fans the chance to bag tickets to some of our biggest shows.

"With world-class artists and the unique magic of the Eisteddfod, this year is going to be something special. Let the hunt begin."

* For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk 

Challenge organisers send out another urgent appeal for cakes

* Entrants fuelled by cake on a previous Llangollen Round Challenge.

With this year's Llangollen Round Challenge happening in just a week's time organisers have put out another urgent plea for people to bake cakes to keep hungry entrants fed.

More than 750 walkers will be taking part in the largest-ever Challenge on next Saturday and Sunday May 31/June 1, all raising funds for Cancer Research UK. 

Judy Smith on behalf of the organising team said: "We're doing well with 750-plus entrants and £80,000 so far raised. But we need those cakes ...

"Can I remind/appeal to you that cakes for the Challenge can be delivered to our campervan in East Street car park between 10am and 7pm on Wednesday 28.  Just look out for the flag.  

"If that should be inconvenient, please ring 07905 330788 and we can collect. Any cake donated will offset our need to spend and so contribute to what we hope will be a big sum to hand over to Cancer Research UK. Thank you in advance!"

Bad luck forces Clair to call off her 630-mile charity trek

                                 * Clair on the South-West Coastal Path.

The woman who was tackling a 630-mile hike around the South-West Coastal Path to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer has been forced to call a temporary halt to her journey.

Clair Abbott said she had no choice but to break off her challenge after completing 120 miles through Somerset and North Devon when her faithful springer dog Brodie who was accompanying her broke his leg and needed immediate veterinary attention.   

But she has vowed to resume her trek and stride out through Cornwall at some time in the future.

And she has said a big thank you to the 84 people who sponsored her and enabled to raise £2,752 or 91 per cent of her online fundraising target.

* Brodie the dog with his side and leg shaved for surgery. 

Clair, from Cynwyd, Corwen, started her challenge last month and was determined to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which will go towards vital research into early diagnosis and treatment, as well as providing support for those affected by the disease, which claimed the lives of her husband Richard last year and also that of her mother. 

Despite having to endure heavy rain and blisters on her feet, she made it through two counties and got as far as Morwenstow in North Cornwall when disaster struck.

She said: “The plan was to carry on with the hike in Cornwall, from Bude. Unfortunately, I seemed to be under a bad luck cloud as Brodie broke his front right leg.

“He needs complete crate rest for six to seven weeks with x-rays and further preventative surgery on his other leg which has the same condition.

“Springers can have a predisposition to a condition known as humeral intracondylar fissure. A CT scan showed a fissure in his other leg.”

Clair added: “The path with always be there. I intend to keep fit while Brodie rests and hopefully I’ll get the chance to do the Cornwall section at some time in the future.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me.”     

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in the UK, with more than half of people with the disease dying within just three months of diagnosis. Survival rates for pancreatic cancer have barely improved in 50 years – in stark contrast to the welcome progress made in outcomes for many other types of cancer. 

Sue Collins, Director of Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “The funds raised by Clair will help us offer support to patients and families, invest in vital research to help us see the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a voice for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer.”

* For more information or to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise 

Abseilers fix Eisteddfod banner in place at the station

* Abseiler Josh hangs over the river to fix the banner in place on the railway staircase.

An expert abseiler helped the Eisteddfod put up its striking advertising banner on a vantage point high above Llangollen station this morning (Friday).

The specialist climbing service was provided by Glyndyfrdwy-based R3 Safety & Rescue, courtesy of its managing director Paul O’Sullivan.

The man doing the abseiling down the staircase while hanging over the river below was Josh assisted by his colleague Paddy who made sure things were safe from above. 

The banner, which will stay in its vantage point in clear view of the town bridge for the duration of the festival, is based on the Eisteddfod’s new, more modern branding design.

Eisteddfod board member Ian Lebbon, who was there to watch the intricate operation, said: “It’s good to have our eye-catching banner going up where everyone will be able to see it.

“It’s also great that the guys from R3 Safety & Rescue, who have done this job for us for a number of years now, were back to help us out again, free of charge, this year.”

* Watch the short video that goes with this at: 

https://youtu.be/AJJm1s_gFNg?si=Kgpkunl5Ke_NPoYs

Other Eisteddfod events

* To mark 78 years of the Eisteddfod 78 pairs of free tickets to this year's festival will be hidden at various locations around the Llangollen Pavilion grounds during a treasure hunt next Monday.

The Treasure Hunt will run from 10am until 2pm on Monday.

* 78 special envelopes will be hidden around the grounds. Each envelope contains a unique code linked to a specific headlining concert or the Family Fun Day.

* Lucky finders must bring the envelope and code to the main entrance of the Pavilion to redeem their pair of tickets.

* There's a limit of one pair of tickets per person. Tickets must be redeemed before the Pavilion closes at 2 pm on Monday May 26.

* All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

On Thursday May 29 the Eisteddfod is hosting public meeting for all local people ahead of this year’s TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod events.

The meeting starts at 7pm at Llangollen Pavilion when representatives from both the volunteer team behind the festival and co-promoters Cuffe & Taylor will be on hand to answer and address all questions covering subjects such as traffic management, noise alleviation measures and access to the site. 

* R3 Safety & Rescue's Josh and Paddy put their climbing equipment in place from inside the staircase.

* Josh hangs precariously - but perfectly safely - over the river.

* The Eisteddfod's Ian Lebbon, left, congratulates Josh and Paddy from R3 Safety & Rescue on a job well done. Also on hand, right, is the railway's interpretations officer Alex Elbourne.