“The ZS is the first of a raft of new models we will be launching. As an international bestseller with numerous awards across three continents under its belt, the ZS combines SUV practicality with a compact size and an affordable price tag. With over a million units sold, it features styling and driving controls refined in Britain to appeal to Western consumers, while boasting safety (standard with six airbags) and reliability in its DNA courtesy of its SAIC parent. This has resulted in a class-leading seven-year warranty that’s hailed as one of the best in the industry.”
The HS is the second model in MG’s SUV model lineup. Premiering at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, from a sizing and status perspective, the HS has a distinctly high-end appeal without the associated high price. In its previous incarnation, it built up an enviable reputation for reliability and low running costs; this latest generation adds style and refinement to the mix.
The HS features the now-characteristic ultra-slim ‘hammer-head shark’ front design that first appeared on the groundbreaking MG4, a model that garnered the trophy for the UK Car of the Year in 2023. It will be available with several powertrain options, including Hybrid variants. Initially, the HS will launch locally with the smooth and powerful 1.5-litre turbo engine as well as the just released 2.0-litre turbo powerplant. It was also just recently awarded five stars in the latest Euro NCAP test.
But the model that will reignite that classic MG passion is the remarkable all-electric Cyberster. It’s been described as a ‘thoroughly forward-thinking take’ on the traditional MG roadster and a fitting tribute to the pioneering sports cars that made MG a staple of the roadster market. As Zhang notes, “MG needed something very special to celebrate its centenary and the new Cyberster more than lives up to its sporting heritage”.
As to future model plans, Zhang is playing his cards close to his chest: “All I can say at this stage is that hatchbacks, hybrid and mainstream electric models are definitely on the cards for South Africa as we want our local customers to be able to access the latest in automotive innovation from MG. Watch this space!”
At A Glance:
ZS
A chunky sub-compact SUV with head-turning looks defined by a prominent mesh grille and flanked by feline-inspired headlight clusters featuring projector headlamps and LED DRLs. Rear elongated wedge-shaped taillights imbue the MG ZS with a well-planted stance, reinforced by standard 17-inch alloys (machined on the Luxury and silver finish on the Comfort). Passive safety is top-notch thanks to a full suite of six airbags.
- 2 variants – Comfort and Luxury
- 1.5-litre petrol
- 4-speed Auto
- 84kW / 150Nm
- Top speed 195km/h
- Boot space seats up / seats down – 359L / 1166L
- Fuel consumption 7.1 l/100km
- Full Active Safety package including ESC (Electronic Stability Control), EBA (Electronic Brake Assist), HLA (Hill Launch Assist) and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring)
- Full Passive Safety package including front and rear seatbelt warning reminders, 6 airbags (driver/passenger/side/curtain), rear ISOFIX and immobiliser
- 8-inch Touchscreen with reverse camera (Luxury), USB port, Bluetooth and Apple Carplay/Android Auto usability
- Comfort and Convenience features include rear PDC, remote central locking, speed-activated door locking, electric windows (one-touch for driver), electric and heated door mirrors, remote audio steering wheel controls, 4-speaker sound system on the Comfort and 6-speaker system with 3D sound for the Luxury, Cruise Control and AC
- Cloth Fabric upholstery on the Comfort and leatherette on the Luxury
- Side sill moulding, side garnish, spoiler and roof rails
- Class-leading 7-year / warranty (5 years / 200 000km vehicle & 7 years unlimited on engine)
- 5-year / 60 000km service plan
Now into its second generation, the striking all-new MG HS takes an evolutionary step forward aesthetically, practically and dynamically by delivering an extensive range of new features, increased cabin space and enhanced styling. Little details here make all the difference – from the LED headlights and taillights inspired by the famous Shard Building in London to the 19-inch multi-spoke machine-finished alloy wheels. While moving in an upmarket direction, the MG HS still delivers unbeatable value and safety (5-star Euro NCAP).
- 2 Grade variants – Comfort and Luxury – and 2 Engine choices
- 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol / 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT / new wet-clutch design for smoother shifts) / 125kW/275Nm
- 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol / 9-speed Auto Transmission (new high-efficiency oil pump) / 170kW/370Nm
- FWD
- Full Active Safety package including ESP (Electronic Stability), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution, CBC (Corner Brake Control), TCS (Traction Control), VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), HAZ (Hazard Control), HHC (Hill Hold Control), BDW (Brake Disc Washing), HAC (Hill Assist Control) and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring)
- Latest Driver Assistance Safety Aids include Front and Rear Collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Driver Monitoring System and Intelligent Cruise Assist
- Full Passive Safety package including front and rear seatbelt warning reminders, driver/passenger/side/curtain/far side airbags (7 in total), ISOFIX+Toptether anchorage (x3) and immobiliser
- On top of the extensive menu of comfort and convenience features standard on this model, some worthy of special mention are the 12.3-inch dual screen entertainment system, virtual cockpit, electronic parking brake, rain sensor wipers, 360-degree HD view camera, keyless entry, perforated leatherette upholstery, Adaptive Cruise Control as well as Apple Carplay/Android Auto
- If that’s not enough, the Luxury variant 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 and a wireless charger to name just a few of the extra niceties
- Class-leading 7-year/ unlimited km warranty (5 years / 200 000km vehicle & 7 years unlimited on engine)
- 5-year / 90 000km Service Plan
- 5-Star Euro NCAP (2024)
All superlatives apply to this breathtakingly beautiful scissor-doored roadster that’s as ‘electrifying’ to drive as it is to look at. A fitting halo model for a brand that hasn’t forgotten its racing pedigree. Exclusive in name and number – the MG Cyberster will be a rare and memorable sight on South African roads.
The only thing that really matters when it comes to the Cyberster are these numbers:
- Dual electric motors / AWD
- 375kW front, 250kW rear
- 725Nm (250Nm front, 475Nm rear)
- 0-100km/h in 3,2 seconds
- Top speed 208km/h
- Battery type – Lithium-ion
- Battery Capacity – 77kWh
- Maximum AC charge rate – 7kW
- Maximum DC charge rate – 144kW
- Driving range (WLTP) – 443km
- Energy consumption (WLTP) – 19,1kWh/100km
- Double wishbone front suspension
- 5-link rear suspension
- Launch Control
- Electronic Diff Lock
- One-pedal drive mode
- Four drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Custom, Super Sport)
- Four regenerative braking modes
- 20-inch machine-faceted alloys
- Class-leading 7-year / unlimited km warranty (5 years / 200 000km vehicle & 7 years / 250 000km on powertrain)
- 5-year / 100 000km Maintenance Plan
Price List, Warranties & Service
| Model | Retail incl Vat | Warranty | Service |
| ZS 1.5 Comfort A/T | R289 900,00 | 7 years (5 years/200,000km on vehicle & 7 years unlimited on engine) | 5-year/60,000km service plan
|
| ZS 1.5 Luxury A/T | R309 900,00 | ||
| HS Comfort 1.5T A/T | R499 900,00 | 7 years (5 years/200,000km on vehicle & 7 years unlimited on engine) | 5-year/90,000km service plan
|
| HS Luxury 1.5T A/T | R534 900,00 | ||
| HS Comfort 2.0T A/T | R629 900,00 | ||
| HS Luxury 2.0T A/T | R665 900,00 | ||
| Cyberster (EV) | R1 399 900,00 | 7 years (5 years/200,000km on vehicle & 7 years/250,000km on powertrain) | 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan |
