MG are relaunching in South Africa with two new models, the MG ZS and MG HS as the brand strives to offer vehicles that meet the practical needs of motorists and exceed expectations with innovative features and exceptional performance.
MG ZS
The MG ZS is designed as the ultimate wallet friendly crossover. Excellent practicality means that it is positioned as the ideal SUV for young families.
The MG ZS is a product of modern contemporary design, and it features numerous unique styling elements that are inspired by British icons, including the London Eye headlamps and a characteristic leaping leopard shoulder line reminiscent of MG sportscars of yore. The MG ZS rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The ZS is powered by a 1.5-litre normally aspirated powerplant that offers 85kW and 150Nm and which is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Power delivery can be tailored via three driving modes labelled Urban, Normal and Dynamic.
Interior specification includes an eight-inch touchscreen with reverse camera on Luxury models, a USB port, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, steering wheel controls and cruise control. The interior of Comfort models is finished in houndstooth check cloth while Comfort models feature simulated leather.
Rear space is particularly impressive for a car in this class with ample kneeroom and foot space underneath the front seats. A boot capacity of 359 litres, which can be expanded to 1166 litres via 40/60 split rear seats allows for the easy loading of a wide variety of luggage.
Safety features include six airbags and a ninth generation ESP system that works in conjunction with ABS, Hazard Light, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Hydraulic Boost, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Brake Disc Washing and Hill-start Hold Control.
MG HS
MG’s high-tech and powerful SUV offering, badged the HS, is a complete all-round package that encompasses design, powertrain refinement, safety, driving control and practicality.
The HS features MG’s slimline frontal design along with a gaping, multi-faceted chrome and gloss black matrix grille. Super slim winged hunting-eye headlamps are a contrasting feature alongside.
In profile a stylistic combination of the high leaping leopard shoulder line partnered with a narrow windscreen, flying C-pillars, cinched in doors and rear fastback styling culminate in a design which is taut, dynamic and well proportioned. Subtle carbon fibre accents adorn the flanks while gloss black wheel arch trims lend prominence to the muscular wheel arches, which house machined, petal pattern, two-tone 19-inch alloys.
The rear end features a distinguished dual spoiler and shard-inspired LED taillights along with a light bar extending the width of the boot, a moulded 3D bumper featuring a practical anti scratch inset, flanked by decorative exhaust outlets and triple reflective warning strips.
The interior is characterised by a beautifully finished cabin with a carbon black theme in conjunction with gloss black and chrome trim and exquisite detailing that includes quilted door card inserts, perforated simulated leather upholstery and visually striking integrated air vents. Taking centre stage in the interior is dual 12.3-inch floating screens, from where all the convenience and infotainment features are controlled.
In addition to the extensive array of comfort and convenience features, highlights include the virtual cockpit, electronic parking brake, rain sensing wipers, a 360-degree HD view camera with an intuitive transparent chassis feature, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring capability.
Luxury derivatives add to this specification with the addition of an electric panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, an eight-speaker audio system, front parking sensors, electric adjustment with seat heating for the front seats, dual-zone climate control, power tailgate and a wireless charger.
Under the bonnet of the HS is a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that offers 125kW and 275Nm of torque and which is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. MG claim a fuel consumption figure of 6,9 litres per 100km.
The MG HS is equipped with a variety of modern safety systems which facilitates a five-star Euro NCAP rating. This includes the MG Pilot system and a suite of 14 clever advanced driver assistance systems.
Model range and pricing
A seven-year/200 000km warranty is proof of MG’s testimony to confidence in the quality of its vehicles. ZS models are sold with a five-year/60 000km service plan while HS models come with a seven-year/200 000km service plan.
ZS 1,5 Auto Comfort R289 900
ZS 1.5 Auto Luxury R309 900
HS 1.5T 7DCT Comfort R499 900
HS 1.5T 7DCT Luxury R534 900
