New-gen MG ZS Hybrid+ priced

MG’s relentless assault on the new-car market Down Under continues with the arrival of the new generation, bigger ZS Hybrid+ small SUV on November 24.

Unusually, the SAIC-owned iconic nameplate launches with a HEV hybrid variant with the petrol-powered models scheduled in Q1 next year and a fully-electric vehicle based on the ZS in Q2.

The ZS Hybrid+, MG’s first hybrid in the segment, is available in two grades: Excite and from $33,990 and Essence from $36,990, both driveaway.

For context, the previous generation ZS Excite 1.5 petrol lists from $22,990 driveaway with the entry-level petrol ZST starting from $25,490 driveaway.  The fully-electric MGZS E lists from $39,990 driveaway but has been cheaper with incentives.

There was no indication of pricing for the upcoming petrol variants of the new gen’ ZS at the launch of the Hybrid+ model this week.

But given comments from various MG Motor Australia executives attending who were pushing the brand’s move into a more “premium” and less price-driven space, the new-gen ZS petrol will likely cost a lot more than the above. Time will tell.

In the meantime, MG Motor Australia boss Peter Ciao said the new ZS Hybrid+ represents a “massive leap forward” for the brand with a “far more exciting vehicle.”

It has some stove-hot competition in Hyundai’s Kona priced from $32,500 (plus costs) for the base petrol model; an ancient petrol Mitsubishi ASX from $24,490 (plus costs); and the Haval Jolion petrol from $26,990 driveaway with a hybrid Jolion pitched from $32,990 driveaway.

No prize for guessing who MG is targeting with its new ZS Hybrid+.

Taking a closer look at the new small SUV we find it’s a completely clean slate effort with only the nameplate carried over.

The stylish Euro-designed exterior features MG’s current family styling at the front and rear with a generic small SUV profile accentuated by style lines and creases.

New-design alloy wheels in 17-inch and 18-inch are fitted with the smaller on the Excite in a funky “teledial” retro style.

Inside, the screen-centric dash has a pair of 12.3-inch units, one (HD with four sections) for infotainment and the other for the driver’s virtual cluster topped by four hexagonal vents. There’s a grey denim-like fabric fascia underneath complemented by a flat top and bottom three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

Short cuts to various functions are available from a button on the steering wheel.

It’s in an appealing minimalist idiom with a scattering of hard buttons under the centre screen for often used functions and either cloth upholstery or pleather to improved seats, model dependent.

The new ZS is now a connected car using a system called iSmart that includes OTA updates, remote smartphone control of numerous features like start, a/c, locking, car find and others. The service is free for the first year.

It remains a five seater with the bigger dimensions providing an incremental gain in passenger and load (boot) space, the latter for example up 84 litres to 443 litres despite the 1.83kWh battery residing under the boot floor and rear pew.

Speaking of which, the battery has a fast charge capability and its own management system, cooling and alert to warn of thermal runaway. 

This is the second appearance of the hybrid powertrain in an MG after a debut in the new-gen’ MG3 light hatchback.

It’s centred on a  naturally-aspirated Atkinson Cycle petrol 1.5-litre four cylinder ICE used variously in series and parallel with an electric traction motor and a motor generator to drive the front axle, unusually through a three-speed planetary gearbox and not a CVT.

Other interesting engine details include its high 16:1 compression ratio, friction-reducing electric water pump, dual variable-valve timing and exhaust gas recirculation system.

The powertrain cycles through series and parallel operation via an electric control unit dependent on speed and load. Direct propulsion engages after 80km/h.

For all its tech, engine power is only 75kW, increasing to158kW with the electric motor, while torque is 128Nm increasing to 465Nm adding in the electric motor.

MG claims the ZS Hybrid+ uses a combined 4.7-litres/100km of 95 RON.

Three drive modes are available, Eco Normal and Sport along with three braking regen’ modes.

Suspension improvements to the strut front and torsion beam rear system include revised dampers, bushes, top mounts and bump stops all calibrated for a comfortable and controlled sporty feel, says MG.

Safety is bolstered with a comprehensive array of MG Pilot systems complementing an extensive suite of ADAS and primary and secondary safety that extends to the wide use of hot press high strength steel in the chassis.

The 1400kg model is currently undergoing Euro NCAP safety testing that will carry over to an ANCAP rating. Braked towing capacity is only 500kg.

In terms of kit, the Excite is equipped with goodies such as: LED lights front and rear, automatic headlights and high beam, adaptive cruise control, roof rails, glass printed antenna, rear spoiler, rain-sensing wipers, rear park sensors, heated exterior mirrors, tilt-only steering wheel adjust, six speaker audio, sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and four USB ports.

The higher spec’ Essence gains goodies like a panoramic sunroof, pleather upholstery, additional interior lighting, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats.

Seven colours are available, six metallic and one flat (white) the palette including a striking Emerald Green metallic.

As with all other MG cars sold here, the new ZS Hybrid + is covered by an industry-leading 10 year/250,000km warranty.

GoAuto will publish a road test of the new MG Hybrid+ soon.