MG has taken the wraps off its new ZS mid-size crossover, and as before it will sit below the larger HS SUV in the line-up.
Are we sure this isn’t the new MG HS?
Easily confused… The new ZS looks every inch the junior HS, using similar design cues around the grille and the headlights, which also bear a passing resemblance to the recently launched MG 3 Hybrid+ hatchback.
The ZS is also a hybrid, or more accurately, a Hybrid+, as it uses the same 196hp 1.5-litre hybrid petrol setup as the smaller MG 3 hatchback. That’s powerful enough to give the ZS Hybrid+ a 0-100km/h time of 8.7 seconds, yet it has a fuel economy of 5.1 litres per 100km and Co2 emissions of 115g/km.
Backing up the 1.5-litre petrol engine is a 1.83kWh battery pack and a 45kW motor.
Good standard equipment?
So far, MG Ireland hasn’t announced official details nor prices, but while the final Irish specs will differ slightly from those of the UK market, you can expect to see such items as full LED lighting front and rear, a 12.3-inch HD infotainment display with navigation and live services, a seven-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry all appearing on the standard list. MG Ireland will make an announcement on specs and prices next month.
According to MG: “The All New MG ZS Hybrid+ delivers an exceptional driving experience and incredible value in the B-SUV segment, featuring equipment and technologies that make daily life easier. The refreshed model has a more mature design with a sharper front-end, and the new interior provides a comfortable and connected cabin. We’re confident in delivering the same appeal and accessibility that made its predecessor such a success.”
What about an electric model?
The previous ZS model was hugely important in re-establishing the MG brand in Ireland, not least because it offered one of the most affordable fully electric crossover models. This time around, there won’t actually be a fully electric ZS—instead, MG will create a separate, standalone all-electric crossover that will sit in the range alongside the hybrid ZS. Some markets will also get a petrol-only ZS, but that hasn’t yet been confirmed for Ireland.
This new ZS will be pretty practical - it has a 443-litre boot, which is actually slightly smaller than that of the previous model, but which is quite a bit bigger than you’d get from its primary rivals, from Nissan and Toyota.
Prices? Not set for Ireland just yet, but expect the ZS to be very competitive with its major rivals, and the likely starting price will be around the €25-26,000 mark.
