MG announces new ZST small SUV

MG MOTOR Australia has announced a new small SUV to sit alongside its increasingly popular ZS range, with the addition of the ZST which will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of this year.

Pricing for the ZST is yet to be released, but due to its more powerful engine and features it will likely sit between the ZS crossover which tops out at $27,990 driveaway, and the mid-size HS which ranges from $30,990 to $36,990.

The ZST range will be made up of two variants and will likely go up against the larger offerings in the small SUV segment such as the Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-30.

Few concrete details have been revealed on the ZST so far, however we do know it will be powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine good for 120kW, all of which will likely be sent to the front wheels.

From the outside, it will feature LED headlights, a panoramic glass sunroof, black grille, alloy wheels, roof rails, a subtle rear diffuser and dual exhaust pipes.

Inside, MG is promising “a premium interior cabin, as well as the latest in technology, comfort and convenience”, with images showing a generously sized touchscreen infotainment system.

A digital instrument cluster will also be offered, as will leather seats and steering wheel with red contrast stitching, push-button start, electric parking brake and funky interior trim elements.

The MG Pilot suite of active safety technologies found in the larger HS will be included on both models, comprising of adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, traffic-jam assist, intelligent cruise assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent headlight control and a speed assistant system including speed-sign recognition.

Like other MG models, the ZST will come with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and seven years of roadside assistance.

MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao said the ZST would make a compelling addition to the brand’s line-up.

“The ZST fit, finish and technology such as MG Pilot, 360-degree camera and virtual instrument cluster will offer a new level of comfort and premium value features to the segment and I am very much looking forward to its arrival,” he said.

Further details including pricing and specification will be revealed in August ahead of its local arrival.

Through the first half of 2020, MG sold 5742 vehicles, up 54.4 per cent year-to-date against a market that has slumped 20.2 per cent, with the HS and MG3 hatch responsible for the growth.