New MG ZS outed, here before year’s end
BY PETER BARNWELL | 3rd Sep 2024
MG MOTOR’S second-generation ZS small SUV in Hybrid+ form has been revealed overseas, inheriting a dose of petrol-electric powertrain technology from the recently introduced MG3 light hatchback.
We won't have to wait long to see the new ZS Hybrid+ as it's scheduled to arrive in November followed early next year by petrol powered models.
An MG Motor Australia spokesman said although petrol variants of the ZS are the biggest sellers the first new model to arrive will be the Hybrid+.
A larger vehicle than the outgoing ZS and ZST models, the newcomer features family styling in simpatico with the new MG HS medium SUV launched in Australia this week.
While plenty of interest surrounds the Hybrid+, no local pricing or spec details of any new model ZS is available at the moment.
However, UK pricing for the two-variant ZS Hybrid+ line-up in that country starts at £21,995 ($A42,573) which looks steep compared with what MG likely to charge for the model Down Under considering a high-grade current-generation ZS Essence with battery electric powertrain goes for $41,990 drive-away here.
The outgoing entry level ZS with a 1.5-litre petrol engine is listed from $22,990 drive-away in Australia, while the ZST starts from $25,490 d/a and the fully electric ZS EV kicks off at $34,990 d/a.
Australia will likely get three ICE versions in Vibe, Excite and Essence spec, with abbreviated Hybrid+ and EV line-ups.
The current sharply priced MG ZS in ICE and BEV form (no hybrid) leads the small SUV segment by a considerable margin with YTD sales of 13624 units outselling its nearest rival, the Hyundai Kona, by more than 3000 units.
With hybrid powertrain availability, the new model is expected to build on this lead depending on price and specification.
It will have formidable competition from Hyundai’s expansive Kona range, Chery’s Omoda 5, Haval Jolion, Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross, and the Toyota Corolla Cross to name just a few.
Possibly reflecting what we might receive in Australia, the UK-spec ZS Hybrid+ is available in two variants with the entry-level SE offering full LED lighting front and rear, a 12.3-inch infotainment display with navigation and live iSmart services, a 7.0-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry.
An MG Pilot safety tech suite is also standard, comprising a comprehensive range of active safety and driver assistance technologies.
These include adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, and traffic jam assist.
A range-topping Trophy variant, that costs around $A5000 more scores additional kit including black leather-style upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 360° camera, and rear privacy glass.
Power comes from a 1.5L four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle petrol engine producing 76kW and an electric motor generating 101kW and 250Nm of torque.
Combined it adds up to nearly 150kW and a potential 300Nm of torque which is claimed to be “very efficient”, with a WLTP combined fuel consumption of 5.0L/100km and CO2 emissions of 113g/km.
As with the MG 3, the new ZS Hybrid+ drives the front wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.83kWh high-voltage battery is recharged by a high-efficiency 45kW generator to offer the potential for significant savings in running costs, with improved fuel economy.
In UK spec, the Hybrid+ is said to clock a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The UK will start receiving shipments of the new ZS Hybrid+ in October this year with Australia expected to follow soon after.
All models will benefit from MG Motor Australia’s 10-year, 250,000km warranty and fixed-price servicing.
