India-bound MG Motor's Ford EcoSport/Tata Nexon rival spied in Thailand

01/07/2017 - 14:47 MG ZS, Spy pictures, MG Sagar Parikh

An ideal contender for the sub-10 lakh SUV segment of India.

After its Chinese launch last November, the MG ZS is set for a global rollout this year. Having finished its UK debut as the 'MG XS' at the 2017 London Motor Show in last month, it has begun testing in Thailand. Headlightmag forum member Uzsa recently spotted prototypes on test in Thailand.

MG ZS (MG XS) rear spy shot Thailand — The MG ZS follows the MG GS - the brand's first SUV - to compete with the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai ix25 (Hyundai Creta) and the Renault Duster.

The MG ZS follows the MG GS - the brand's first SUV, to compete with the Ford EcoSport, Toyota Rush, Renault Duster, Hyundai ix25 (Hyundai Creta) and other B-Segment SUVs. The mini-SUV is based on a shortened version of the MG GS' platform.

Measuring 4,314 mm in length, 1,809 mm in width and 1,624 mm/1,648 mm in width and a 2,585 mm-long wheelbase, the MG ZS offers two engine options: 1.5-litre NSE Plus and 1.0-litre TGI SUPER. The 1.5-litre engine is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit developing 88 kW (117.96 hp) and 150 Nm of torque, while the smaller 1.0-litre engine is a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit good for 92 kW (123.32 hp) and 170 Nm of torque. A 168 1.5-litre turbocharged engine option was announced with the SUV last year but hasn't made it to the market.

Automatic headlamps, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, heated ORVMs, panoramic sunroof, engine push-start, leather steering wheel, cruise control, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, 4G and WiFi and 6-speaker sound system are some of the key features of the MG ZS.

MG ZS (MG XS) rear three quarters spy shot — The MG ZS is offered with two engine options: 1.5-litre NSE Plus and 1.0-litre TGI SUPER. A 168 hp 1.5-litre engine will feature in the list later.

Also Read: SAIC establishes MG Motor India, to commence operations in 2019

No specific details about the Thai arrival of the MG ZS (MG XS) is available yet, but the 2017 Thai Motor Show scheduled to open on November 30, 2017, is a likely venue for a debut. UK sales of the XS will commence this winter, i.e. in December.

UK sales of the XS will commence this winter, i.e. in December. The compact SUV is a potential product for India, where the company begins operations in 2019.

[Image Source: Headlightmag]