MG has given the best look yet at its next-generation ZS small SUV.
Earlier this month, homologation documents submitted to the Australian government were released, revealing many technical details of the upcoming affordable SUV.
Now the Chinese brand has released some teaser images of the discounted SUV before it is officially unveiled next week.
The images show that the ZS will receive similar styling updates as the recently introduced MG HS mid-size SUV and MG3 small hatchback.
It features a narrower front end and a fresh grille design, complemented by dynamic headlights and new alloy wheels.
The teaser follows the statement by Akshat Ahuja, Senior Product and Strategy Manager at MG Motor Australia AutoGuide Earlier this year, the company announced that the ZS would be launched with a major upgrade.
“ZS is definitely not far away,” said Ahuja. “It will be a completely new generation. It will carry the same new design language as the MG3. So a completely new exterior and interior, as well as a massive technological upgrade.”
“It is therefore a significant improvement over the current ZS and development will not be long in coming.”
The big news is that the ZS will feature the same hybrid technology as the new MG3 hatchback, plus there will be two petrol engine options.
This means that the same combination of 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor is used.
In the ZS it is a total of 158 kW, compared to the 155 kW of the 3 Series.
The petrol variants are powered by either a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine or a 1.5-litre turbo engine, both of which are coupled to a CVT automatic transmission.
Performance figures for the petrol engines have not yet been confirmed, but the 1.5-litre non-turbo engine in the current version produces 84 kW and 150 Nm.
The price is the biggest remaining question mark.
The outgoing ZS is one of the most affordable SUVs on the market, with prices starting at $23,990 (including VAT).
The next generation ZS will introduce a number of technology and safety upgrades in addition to the new hybrid setup, which will be reflected in a significantly higher starting price.
MG 3 received a similar update earlier this year and the price increased by about $7,000.
However, the offer also comes with a few additional bonuses.
MG has just announced that it will offer a warranty on its vehicles for 10 years or 250,000 km, whichever comes first.
This warranty is better than any other brand and unlike Mitsubishi’s 10-year conditional warranty, MG owners can have their car serviced anywhere, not just at the dealer.
