At MG, we believe that excellence in our products is built upon three essential pillars: Fun to Drive, ‘Vigorous Design’, and ‘Futuristic Hi-Tech’. We strive to deliver vehicles that not only meet the practical needs of our customers but also exceed their expectations with innovative features and exceptional performance. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unwavering, as we continuously push the boundaries of automotive engineering and design, ensuring our vehicles are both high-quality and affordable.

"Offering the right product at the right price is crucial in South Africa's competitive market. MG has perfected this with the ZS and HS models, which we believe are exactly what South Africans want," says Mr Sky Zhang, General Manager of MG Motor South Africa.

MG ZS “Good Things Await”

Designed as the ultimate wallet-friendly crossover, the ZS is exceptionally practical and is positioned as the ideal SUV for young families. The award-winning ZS has built up an enviable track record of proven reliability – sold in over 100 countries with global sales exceeding 1,000,000 units, having racked up more than 700,000,000 km and counting.

Boosting the company’s reliability credentials, MG, SAIC Volkswagen, and SAIC-GM are all part of the SAIC Group and share the same supply chain system, benefiting from standardised components, consistent quality control, and maximised value thanks to economies of scale (SAIC is China’s largest automaker). The industry leading 7-year / 200,000 km mileage warranty further bears testimony to MG’s confidence in the quality of its vehicles.

Very much a product of modern contemporary design, there are some unique styling elements inspired by British icons, such as the ‘London Eye’ headlamps and the characteristic ‘leaping leopard’ shoulder line, reminiscent of MG sportscars of yore.

On the safety front, the ZS boasts a laudably high level of safety for such an accessible product. It features six airbags (front, side, and curtain). The same applies when it comes to the active safety package. The 9th-generation Bosch ESP integrates eight safety functions including the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hazard Light (HAZ), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Hydraulic Brake Boost (HBB), Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Brake Disc Washing (BDW), and Hill-start Hold Control (HHC). A tyre pressure monitoring system is another unusual standard feature for a vehicle in this class.

Under the skin, the ZS is powered by the classic NSE 1.5-litre normally aspirated powerplant, producing a maximum power of 84 kW and max torque of 150 Nm – it’s mated to a tried and tested four-speed auto transmission. Driving control is enhanced with three steering modes (Urban, Normal, and Dynamic) as well as standard 17-inch alloy wheels (diamond cut two-tone on the Luxury and a rugged turbine design on the Comfort).

Despite its B-segment tag, the new ZS is surprisingly spacious and practical thanks to its generous proportions. Rear space is particularly impressive for a car in this class thanks to ample kneeroom and foot space underneath the front seats. The boot space is also very flattering with a trunk capacity of 359L-1166L, adjustable dual-layer (100mm), 40/60 split rear seats, and a flat floor when the seats are folded down.

From an appointment point of view, there’s an 8-inch Touchscreen with reverse camera (Luxury), USB port, Bluetooth and Apple Carplay/Android Auto usability. Other comfort and convenience features include rear PDC, remote central locking, speed-activated door locking, electric windows (one-touch for the driver), electric and heated door mirrors, remote audio steering wheel controls, Cruise Control, AC and a 4-speaker sound system on the Comfort (6-speaker system with 3D sound for the Luxury).

The most obvious visual differentiators between the two models are the alloy wheels and the upholstery – classic houndstooth check cloth on the Comfort and simulated leather on the Comfort.

The colour palette is extensive – white, black, red, orange, blue and silver and there’s no premium for choosing a certain hue.