As MG continues to redefine the SUV segment, the all-new MG ZS Hybrid+ offers a compelling mix of cutting-edge hybrid technology, some premium features and unbeatable value.
MG Motor UK is on a roll. Having launched five new models in just six months, the brand is continuing to make waves.
David Allison, head of product and planning at MG Motor UK, hails its latest addition to the range – the all-new MG ZS Hybrid+ as a B-segment SUV that promises to raise expectations what with its cutting-edge hybrid technology and competitive pricing that will make other car makers wince at the sheer audacity.
MG’s 2024 Product Push
The number of MG’s recent launches have been impressive. “We’ve introduced five new models in the last six months,” says Allison. “In fact, 60% of our eight-car lineup has been launched in 2024 alone.”
The year kicked off in April with the launch of the MG3, which has quickly become the brand’s best-selling retail car, securing a 4% share of the supermini market. Now, MG has shifted its focus to its best-selling SUV.
“The all-new ZS is a direct replacement for the first-generation ZS, which has sold over 100,000 units since its launch in late 2017,” Allison explains. “It’s part of our strategy to replace pure petrol power with hybrid, using the same Hybrid+ powertrain we debuted in the MG3.”
ZS Evolution – What’s Changed?
Allison insists the new ZS is a complete reinvention: “Pretty much everything has changed -except the name.” Boasting MG’s updated design language, the front end adopts a bold look with slim LED headlights and a wide-angle grille.
The MG logo now sits on the bonnet, and the car confidently rides on 17-inch alloy wheels – 18-inch in the Trophy higher-spec version. The rear end is equipped with new slim LED tail lights and six vibrant new colour options.
And yet, the new model is no superficial make-over.
“We’ve increased the cabin dimensions, offering more room inside and a more practical luggage space along with a number of new features,” he adds.
Inside, the ZS doesn’t disappoint either. A 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch high-definition virtual driver display, and MG’s iSMART phone connectivity come as standard, allowing drivers to set climate controls and even heating the seats remotely.
Hybrid+ Class-Leading Powertrain
The latest ZS also introduces a sophisticated powertrain, combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a high-performance traction motor, all channelled through a dedicated three-speed transmission.
In fact, performance is where the ZS will truly stand out, achieving 0-62 mph in just 8.7 seconds, with mid-range acceleration between 50-70 mph in just 7.2 seconds.
The 1.83kWh high-voltage battery is recharged by a high-efficiency 45kW generator supported by three levels of regenerative braking to offer significant potential fuel economy of 55.4mpg (WLTP Combined) and impressively low CO2 emissions of 115g/km. That’s 30% better than the previous generation although, admittedly, achieved in optimal urban settings.
Comfort, Tech, Practicality
The new ZS is larger than its predecessor by 10cm, making it one of the roomiest B-segment SUVs on the market. “It’s a little wider, a little taller, and the wheelbase is 30mm longer, enhancing cabin comfort,” Allison says.
While the boot space is slightly reduced due to the hybrid drive system, the overall luggage capacity increases by 82 litres when the rear seats are folded down. MG has also incorporated a clever two-section boot floor as standard.
Technology will play a key role in the new ZS’s appeal too. Both models come with MG Pilot, the brand’s advanced driver assistance system and the car boasts an infotainment screen with crisp visuals to 360-degree surround views and ultra rapid responsiveness thanks to the cutting-edge processing capability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard on both SE and Trophy variants.
Despite the focus on tech, MG has retained physical buttons for essential controls. “We still like to push things at MG,” says Allison. “We’ve kept shortcut buttons below the infotainment screen for things like heating, ventilation, and volume controls.”
Competitive Pricing
Despite the extensive upgrades, the ZS is priced at a level where customers may suspect a mistake at the printers when the marketing brochure was sent to press. “The car starts from £21,995, with just a £2,500 difference between the entry-level SE and the higher-spec Trophy priced from £24,495,” says Allison. MG continues on the best-in-class value track with a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty.
What really stands out, however, is how MG has kept the price increase over the previous generation minimal. “The new ZS is only £1,105 more than the last-generation automatic transmission model, but you’re getting so much more: more space, more tech and a hybrid powertrain,” says Allison.
“This is exactly what we want to promote here with the new ZS. Our aim was the ability to offer a B segment SUV with hybrid technology for the same price or less than most of our competitors will offer on pure combustion engine cars,” says Allison.
In terms of B segment rivals, Allison is confident that the new ZS will outperform its hybrid competitors, such as the Renault Captur and Toyota Yaris Cross.
MG also expects, as is common with all of its model ranges, that the higher grade trim will account for about 80% of the sales mix as most people tend to go for as much value as they can get.
Allison also highlights the ZS’s affordability in terms of finance plans. “Based on a three-year PCP deal with a £3,000 deposit and 10,000 miles per annum, there’s a 20% price advantage compared to the nearest alternatives,” Allison explains. “Over three years, that’s a saving of nearly £3,000 when compared to an equivalent rival model.”
A Bright Future for the ZS
With nearly 25,000 units of the previous-generation ZS sold last year, Allison is confident that the all-new ZS will continue MG’s momentum and is confident that this new model, with all its upgrades, will be just as successful.
Even so, he notes the challenges the car maker will face due to the transition to new vehicle models, particularly the lack of availability of its top-selling models.
“If you look at figures, we’re going to have a comparatively poor September compared to September last year, and that’s because we have literally run out of the current model ZSs.
“There are none left, and the new ZS doesn’t go on sale till October and we’ve only just started delivering the HS, because again, we ran out of all of the old ones during August. Those two biggest-selling cars account for over 50% of our holding.”
He stresses the fact that while MG still views itself as a conquest brand, the emergence of repeat MG car buyers is something it plans to exploit with the new ZS positioning MG to offer existing customers a fresh option.
“You might have someone who bought the original ZS or HS. The new ZS is nearly the same size as the old HS so that customer might think ‘I can downsize a bit and save some money.’”
Remaining A Conquest Brand
In the next few years, the product chief says MG aims to maintain a balance between conquesting and retaining customers who have bought in the last two to three years judging that it will ensure growth both for the car maker and its dealer partners.
Allison expects ZS sales for the final quarter of the year to land between 1,500 and 2,000 units. “We don’t see a rush of pre-orders with MG. Customers like to test drive the cars first so we order lots of stock in anticipation, knowing people will like them once they’ve tried them.”
Regarding loyalty offers, he points out that for now, MG is focused on EVs, although the strategy will expand next year as the customer base grows. “In 2025, we’ll have a larger pool of finance customers giving us more opportunities to target them for upgrades.”
Allison also trails the upcoming replacement for the ZS EV, which will be based on the MG4 platform. “It won’t be called the ZS EV but will have a new name, offering a more SUV-like body style than the MG4.”
The dealer network, which now stands at 160 sites, won’t see much change but will evolve as needed with MG taking steps to support dealer profitability, including increasing free stock days and offering compelling incentives on EVs.
Marketing for the new ZS will be primarily a slow-burn digital affair, at least in the early stages, while MG beds in the HS and continues to focus on promoting EVs. Allison is not too concerned, however. “Brand awareness is improving. When I joined four years ago, you rarely saw an MG on the road – now they’re everywhere.”