The MG ZS is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by the Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor under its MG Marque since 2017. Announced at the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show in China, the MG ZS is the second SUV to be produced under the MG marque after the MG GS. It is positioned below the larger GS or HS, and above the smaller MG 3 hatchback. It is currently the brand's best-selling model in international markets.
History of the MG ZS
The ZS was launched in China in March 2017. It was also announced at the London Motor Show in May 2017 for the British market, and it was officially sold at the end of 2017. The ZS was also shown at the Auto Shanghai Motor Show in April 2017. The ZS was launched in Australia in November 2017. At launch, it comes in two variants, with the entry-level Soul and flagship Essence. An entry-level Core trim was released in 2018. Engine options available were the 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine, and the top-grade model received a 1.0L turbo unit. In October 2020, the ZS was introduced alongside the MG 5 and HS in Mexico, marking the return of the MG marque in the Mexican market after 15 years. In 2019, the facelifted ZS was revealed in China, it features a redesigned front fascia with new headlamps that are now disconnected from the grille which has been reshaped. At the rear, it gets a new rear bumper and redesigned taillamps. Its updated dashboard now has a larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The facelifted ZS was revealed on 24 March 2020 in Thailand, featuring a 1.5L SAIC NetBlue Blue Core Power Technology I4 engine, an eight-speed CVT stepless, along with a package of driver assistance systems, six airbags, and a 360-degree view monitor. On 3 July 2020, the facelifted ZS was launched in the United Kingdom. In September 2020, MG launched the ZS facelift as the MG ZST in Australia. In September 2021, the facelift version was introduced in India as the MG Astor and will be sold alongside the ZS EV.
MG EZS/ZS EV
An all-electric version made its debut as EZS at the 2018 Guangzhou Auto Show, featuring a 44.5 kWh battery and a front-positioned motor. It is available in the United Kingdom, parts of Europe, Thailand, China, and India. Except for China, the electric SUV is officially named ZS EV, while the official name in China is EZS. It was revealed in Australia in November 2020 as the cheapest electric car in the market of all time. MG Australia predicted a sales target of 3,000 units for the 2021 model year. In fall 2021, a facelift version arrived in Europe; it is scheduled to arrive in the UK in November 2021. Besides styling changes, it is also equipped with a larger, 72.6-kWh battery. At least in some markets, the manufacturer intends to introduce a smaller, 51-kWh battery version later. It was also launched in India on 7 March 2022.
MG VS
A hybrid electric version was released in Thailand in July 2022 as the MG VS HEV. The VS features a redesigned front fascia and an updated dashboard design adapted from the Chinese market Roewe Lomemo.
Price
In 2022, MG retails the MG ZS in China with a starting MSRP of CHN 151,560 for the MG ZS EV Excite variant, rising to CHN 174,060 for the top-spec MG ZS EV.
- MG ZS EV Excite - CHN 151,560 ($21,771)
- MG ZS EV Exclusive - CHN 169,560 ($24,356)
- MG ZS EV - CHN 174,060 ($25,003)
Features of the MG ZS
Exterior Features
Unlike its predecessor, the 2021 model featured a body-colored front fascia, which lost its mesh-grille design from the gasoline-powered version. The carmaker's designers didn't struggle too much with that, and it mostly looked like a panel with drilled holes in it rather than a true grille meant for cooling. It hid just the charging port, which was placed behind the chromed MG badge. Its LED headlights featured an angular shape with sharp corners and a rounded lower area. Somehow, they resembled the lamps installed on other vehicles. From its sides, the 17" light-alloy wheels showed a five-spoke design.
Interior Features
Inside, the MG ZS EV featured an interior similar to those found on the gasoline-powered version. Yet, the center console looked simpler since it didn't have the gear stick on it. There, the carmaker placed the rotary button for the driving programs (PRND) and a few switches for driving modes, energy recuperation, and battery status. Since it was one of the cheapest cars in its class, the carmaker couldn't afford to install expensive materials.
Specs and Performance of the MG ZS
Engines:
- 1.0 L GM/SAIC SGE T-GDI I3
- 1.3 L GM/SAIC SGE T-GDI I3
- 1.5 L NSE Plus I4
- 1.5 L GM/SAIC SGE NSE Plus 15S4C I4
- 1.5 L 15S4C I4 (Petrol Hybrid)
Electric Motor: 95 PS; 94 hp (70 kW) permanent magnet synchronous (HEV) Permanent magnet synchronous (EV). The MG ZS's electric motor delivers 141 hp (105 kW) at 4,000–12,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque at 0–3,500 rpm. MG marketed the ZS as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it was available with a 1-speed automatic transmission. The MG ZS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 87 mph (140 kph). Dimension-wise, the MG ZS measures 4,314–4,323 mm (169.8–170.2 in) long, 1,809 mm (71.2 in) wide, and 1,611 mm (63.4 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,585 mm (101.8 in) and has a curb weight of 3,311 lbs (1,502 kg).
Release Date
SAIC Motor has been producing the MG ZS since 2017, and it is currently in its 2022 model year.