The 2025 MG ZS has been revealed with a fresh design, new tech, more equipment, better safety tech and is set to offer a hybrid powertrain option for the first time.
This second-generation MG ZS replaces the current generation MG ZS small-SUV which has been in production since 2017, and received a facelift in 2020 with the arrival of the ZST. Both models will be replaced by the upcoming model.
The current MG ZS might be getting on in age these days, but some keen driveaway pricing has propelled it to be Australia’s best-selling small-SUV. Set to hit our shores towards the end of 2024, this new iteration certainly seems to move the popular SUV more upmarket, and the option of a hybrid drivetrain will be a welcome addition for those wanting to cut down on fuel bills. The new generation ZS also sports a new look both inside and out and mirrors the new HS with its design.
The hybrid, set to be known as ZS Hybrid+ will compete with the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, and GWM Haval Jolion hybrids. It combines a 75kW 1.5-litre non-turbo petrol engine with a 100kW/250Nm electric motor, claiming a total system output of 144kW.
Even though MG has not officially unveiled them, the petrol-only ZS models are expected to hit the Australian market first, before the end of the year, followed by the Hybrid+ and a successor to the current electric ZS EV in 2025. Government approval documents have indicated that a pair of non-hybrid engines will be available to power non electrified models in the ZS range, in both turbocharged and non-turbocharged forms.
The existing ZS Excite, ZST Core, and ZST Vibe models should arrive with a 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder engine while the new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine will take over from the current three-cylinder ZST Excite and Essence.
These petrol models will be matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which takes over from the four-speed torque-converter automatic in the non-turbo ZS Excite and the six-speed version in the turbocharged ZST variants.
The upcoming ZS EV’s successor will likely be a separate model, called the MG S5, sharing the dedicated MSP electric-car platform with the MG 4 hatch.
While the current MG ZS was a price leader for the brand with some ultra-low (for 2024) pricing, the introduction of mandatory autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for new vehicles in Australia might see the new ZS increase from the current base model priced at $23,990 drive-away, and it will likely offer more standard features and be a larger size than its predecessor.
The entry-level ZS in the United Kingdom comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, integrated satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, full-LED exterior lighting, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry.
Additionally, it boasts a comprehensive array of active safety features, including that much needed AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic jam assist.
Higher-end models include 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, leather-like upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 360-degree camera.
Safety is further enhanced by six airbags, seat belt reminders for all seats, three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The current ZS lacks rear seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, which contributed to its four-star ANCAP rating in 2017, under less stringent criteria. There’s no doubt MG is hoping for a full fat 5-star ANCAP rating with the new model.
In the UK, the ZS Hybrid+ is priced at £GB1,105 ($AU2,150) more than the outgoing petrol-only automatic variant, starting at £GB21,995 ($AU42,830). This shows that price rises might indeed be modest, but only time will tell what MG has in store for our market.
The MG ZS’ closest competitor will perhaps be the GWM Haval Jolion in Australia, with the Jolion’s prices starting around $27,000 drive-away for the petrol model and $33,000 for the hybrid.
Further details about the 2025 MG ZS will be revealed as its Australian launch approaches, anticipated before year’s end. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto as we hear more about this new small-SUV.
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