- MG is developing a next-generation ZS small SUV with a sportier design and a more modern interior.
- The new ZS is expected to offer a variety of powertrains, including petrol, hybrid, and electric options.
- It’s expected to debut later this year and will compete with the Kia Seltos, Nissan Qashqai, and Hyundai Kona.
MG’s ZS small SUV is proving to be a huge hit with European buyers, even topping the charts as the best-selling car in Spain in December last year. It has also been highly popular in Australia, where it claimed the top spot in its segment in 2023. Offering excellent value for money, the ZS has certainly captured the market’s attention.
However, the current model is getting long in the tooth, and patent images of its successor indicate a new generation ZS is just around the corner.
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A rival to the Kia Seltos, the next ZS is part of MG’s ambitious plan to launch eight new models by 2028, reflecting the Chinese automaker’s commitment to market expansion. Let’s explore everything we know to date further.
Restrained Design
The ZS’s styling ethos mirrors that of the new MG 3 hatch. It features a completely reimagined front fascia with a redesigned grille and a sportier bumper. The LED headlamps are sleeker, while the bonnet now appears longer, giving the crossover a more robust and aggressive stance.
Moving to the side, the profile is more upright, aiding visibility and interior volume. It has a distinctive shoulder line curving upwards towards the rear, accentuating its dynamic posture and making it look more agile and ready for action.
From the patent images, we see that the rear remains sharp and modern, featuring wraparound LED taillights, a redesigned tailgate, and a sportier bumper. These elements create a cohesive and more striking rear profile that complements the new MG ZS’s overall contemporary aesthetic.
A Nicer Cabin
Details about the next-generation MG ZS’s interior remain under wraps, but it’s expected to mirror the smaller MG 3 Hatch. Buyers can look forward to a higher-quality cabin featuring a digital instrument cluster and a generous 10.25-inch infotainment system with built-in satellite navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
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Advanced driver assistance features will include autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist. Platform-wise, it’s likely based on the Modular Scalable Platform that underpins the MG 4, yielding packaging and safety benefits.
Diverse and Electrified Powertrains
Although MG Motors has not released specific powertrain details for the new ZS, the crossover will offer various options to cater to different markets and preferences. These include petrol, electric, and hybrid variants.
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For reference, the current EV version employs a 50.3 kWh battery pack and a 130kW/280Nm single motor setup powering the front wheels. The hybrid is expected to use a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with 101 hp (75kW) of power and 128Nm of torque, mated with a 100kW/250Nm electric motor for a total system output of 192 hp (143kW).
Rivals and Reveal
The small SUV segment is highly competitive, and the ZS will compete with rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Captur, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and more.
A global debut of the all-new MG ZS is anticipated later this year.
