MG ZS spied on test in India for the first time

05/07/2018 - 13:13 MG ZS, Spy pictures, MG Sagar Parikh

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.

MG ZS right side spy shot India — The MG ZS is a B-SUV that competes with the likes of Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V globally.

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 92 kW (125 PS) and 170 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre engine delivers 88 kW (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.

MG ZS rear three quarters spy shot India — Gathering from media reports, the MG ZS is not an India-bound model.

Also Read: India-bound MG Motors' flagship SUV MG HS to be unveiled in August

MG will launch the Baojun 530-based SUV as its first model in India in the second quarter of 2019 (April-June 2019). The company is looking at a localisation level of over 80%, which could mean competitive pricing of well under INR 20 lakh (ex-showroom).