Australian pricing and specifications for the 2018 MG ZS range have been revealed this week, with the Chinese-owned but British-badged SUV to kick off from AUD 20,990 before on-road costs. Set to compete with the likes of the Mazda CX-3 (from AUD 20,490) and Hyundai Kona (from AUD 24,500), the ZS will be offered in two variants; Soul and Essence – with the latter priced from AUD 23,990 plus ORCs.

Standard equipment in the entry-level Soul includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, bluetooth phone and audio streaming, rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, rear parking sensors, and a six-speaker audio system with Yamaha 3D Audio Digital sound processing.


Other features include cruise control, automatic halogen projector headlights with LED daytime-running lights, fog-lights, chrome exterior highlights, and faux leather trim. Power in the base car comes from a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 114 Hp of power and 150 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 9.1L/100km combined.

Stepping up to the Essence (AUD 23,990) adds a 110 Hp/160 Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol mated to a six-speed automatic shifter, along with keyless start and a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade. Claimed fuel consumption for the turbo model is 8.4L/100km combined.


The ZS also features a class-competitive luggage capacity of 359L with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1166L to the roofline with the second row folded. For reference, the Hyundai Kona’s boot measures 360L/1143L.

In addition to announcing local details for its new compact SUV, MG has announced a seven year, unlimited kilometre factory warranty with seven years roadside assistance, applicable to the ZS and all MY17.5 GS models. The program matches the time period and kilometre coverage of Kia’s industry-leading scheme, though MG is yet to provide details of a capped-price servicing program over the same time frame.