MG Motors imported a unit of the ZS to India to
showcase it to prospective dealers. Yesterday, Team-BHP reader Raaj Patel
spotted the MG ZS undergoing road testing in Gujarat, where the company has
acquired GM’s Halol plant for its operations.
Reports say that the MG ZS is not an India-bound
model, but there has been no official comment. Another unconfirmed vehicle that
MG is testing is the MG RX5 (Roewe RX5). Reports imply strongly that the MG
headed to Indian shores is a rebadged Baojun 530, which is a SAIC-GM-Wuling
model. MG will re-engineer it to adapt to local requirements.
The MG ZS is a sub-compact SUV positioned in the
B-segment. It competes with the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Kia Stonic and the Seat
Arona. The small SUV's dimensions are close to those of the Hyundai Creta. It
is 4.3 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.6 metres high. The ZS embodies MG's
'Emotional Dynamism' design philosophy and targets young urban SUV buyers,
unlike the Baojun offering that sells mainly in low-tier Chinese cities.
Globally, MG offers the ZS with two engines, a
1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol
unit. There's no diesel engine option. The 1.0-litre engine produces 125
PS and 170 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre engine delivers 120 PS and 150 Nm of torque. Buyers going for the naturally aspirated engine can
select from a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The turbo engine comes exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In
all cases, power goes to the front wheels.
Enlarged, full frame grille, projector headlamps
with LED DRL and distinctive detailing on the 'eye', all-around body cladding,
silver skid plates, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels and split tail lamps give the
MG ZS an athletic appearance overall.
Inside, the driver and passengers enjoy amenities
like adjustable front seats (driver: 6-way, passenger: 4-way), panoramic
sunroof, 8-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, six speakers and more.
Features like six airbags, reverse parking sensors, reversing camera, TPMS and
ESP ensure that the drive and parking are safe and convenient.
