MG: Exceeding Expectations in more ways than one!

Morris Garage. A tried and trusted former UK brand with a rich history. Fast forward to 2025 with a new ownership, you have two variants of an SUV, at very affordable pricing. Performance meets beauty, as the media found out recently at launch in Cape Town. The looks of both are pleasing to the eye and is a real attention grabber. All round styling is just superb, with sleek modern lines. Step inside the cabin and you will not be disappointed at all. I tested the wallet-friendly ZS variant first and then later hopped into the more expensive HS.   

 

Family SUV

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.

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 sports cars 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 Bonnet

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).

 

Spacious

Impressive for a car in this class thanks to ample knee room 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.

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.

 

 

Pricing:

(Includes a class-leading 7-year/200,000km warranty on the full vehicle and a 5-year/60 000km service plan. Both are transferrable should the vehicle be sold within that period.)

ZS 1,5 Auto Comfort – R289,900

ZS 1.5 Auto Luxury – R309,900

 

MG HS

Performance meets beauty

Punted as MG’s high-tech and powerful SUV offering, the HS is the complete all-round package encompassing design, powertrain refinement, safety, driving control, and practicality.

Adopting MG’s latest signature, slimline front design which first debuted globally on the highly praised MG4, the HS features a gaping multi-faceted chrome and gloss black matrix grille contrasted with super slim winged ‘hunting-eye’ headlamps. Emphasising the clamshell bonnet, the MG octagon badge eschews its traditional grille positioning for the bonnet.

Rounding off the HS is one of the neatest rear ends in the business. From the distinguished dual spoiler and Shard-inspired LED taillights with a light bar extending the width of the boot, to the moulded ‘3-D’ bumper featuring a practical anti-scratch inset, flanked by decorative exhaust outlets and triple reflective warning strips.

Inside

Moving indoors you’re greeted by a beautifully finished cabin finished in carbon black and peppered with exquisite detailing including quilted door card inserts, perforated simulated leather upholstery, and visually striking integrated air vents. Well-chosen materials such as gloss black and chrome trim further elevate the interior.

In addition to the extensive menu of comfort and convenience features standard on both model variants, some worthy of special mention are the virtual cockpit, electronic parking brake, rain sensor wipers, 360-degree HD view camera with an intuitive transparent chassis feature, keyless entry, Adaptive Cruise Control (incorporating Intelligent Cruise Assistant) as well as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

 

If that’s not enough, the Luxury grade gets even more kit in the form of an electric panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, 8-speaker audio system (compared to 6 on the Comfort), front parking sensors (in addition to rear sensors which both models receive), electric adjustment with seat heating for the front seats, dual-zone climate control, power tailgate and a wireless charger to name just a few of the extra niceties.

 

Power

Powering the HS is a highly-revised turbocharged engine – not a direct carry-over from the previous generation. Offering more power and marginal efficiency improvements compared to the previous car, the engine puts out 125kW and 275Nm of torque. It comes paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic featuring wet-clutch technology (independent lubrication control system) for smoother shifts compared with the outgoing model). Overall fuel economy is rated at 6.9L / 100km in the combined cycle.

 

Final Word

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, says Mr Sky Zhang, General Manager of MG Motor South Africa. 

Pricing:

(Includes a class-leading 7-year/200,000km warranty on the full vehicle and a 5-year/90,000km service plan. Both are transferrable should the vehicle be sold within that period.)

HS1.5 T 7DCT Comfort – R499,900

HS 1.5T 7DCT Luxury – R534,900