The MG ZS is a subcompact SUV produced by the Chinese automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor under the British MG marque. Announced at the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show in China, the MG ZS is the second SUV to be produced under the MG marque after the MG GS. It is positioned below the larger HS, and above the smaller MG 3 hatchback. Since 2018, the ZS is available with a battery electric version called the ZS EV or in China, the EZS. In 2025, the hybrid version of the ZS was awarded Best Hybrid Car by British motoring magazine Carbuyer.
The ZS is currently the brand's best selling model in international markets. , global cumulative sales reached 999,612 units (including petrol and electric versions), higher than any other MG Motor models.
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First generation (ZS11; 2017) The ZS was launched in China in March 2017 and revealed at the 2017 Auto Shanghai Motor Show. It was also shown at the 2017 London Motor Show for the British market, and launched in Australia later that year.
The vehicle notably revives the name previously used for the MG ZS small family car which was produced by MG Rover between 2001 and 2005. Previously, MG planned to use the name MG XS for the vehicle in the United Kingdom to avoid confusion with the previous MG ZS, but this change of name was reverted shortly after its launch in the country. It was also introduced as the MG Astor in India in September 2021.
Sales of the ZS in the Chinese market ended since the 2022 model year, while exports are unaffected.
Facelift In September 2019, the facelifted ZS was revealed in China at the Chengdu Motor Show. It features a redesigned front fascia with reshaped headlamps. At the rear, it received a redesigned rear bumper and taillamps. The interior received updated dashboard with a larger 10.1 inch infotainment screen with new 'Zebra 3.0' software, a new full LCD instrument cluster, and the mechanical parking has been replaced with an electronic parking brake.
The facelifted ZS features optional Level 2 autonomous safety features, such as lane-keeping aid and lane departure prevention, and an updated engine and transmission line-up.
The facelifted ZS was revealed on 24 March 2020 in Thailand, featuring 1.5-litre SAIC NetBlue Blue Core Power Technology I4 engine, eight speed CVT stepless, along with a package of driver assistance systems, six airbags and a 360-degree view monitor.
On 3 July 2020, the facelifted ZS was launched in the United Kingdom. It was shown to have a revised grille, new LED headlights, sportier front bumper and new front fog lights. The 1.5-litre engine with the five-speed manual gearbox produces and of torque. takes 10.4 seconds, with a top speed of .
In September 2020, MG launched the ZS facelift as the MG ZST in Australia. The 'T' letter denotes the newly introduced 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine producing and with 6-speed automatic gearbox and MG Pilot safety features.
In September 2021, the facelift version was introduced in India as the MG Astor and will be sold alongside the ZS EV. Several adjustments were made for the Indian market, such as a redesigned grille.
In 2023, the MG ZS in facelift model were launched in the Taiwan market by importing to the country from China by China Motor Corporation, and later being locally assembled. The Taiwanese-market ZS engine is only 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine mated to a CVT. It has a Level 2 driver assistance (MG Pilot) equipment in a single specification.
Engines The ZS has two petrol engines options, an updated SMTC developed version of the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre as found in the MG3, known in this guise as the NSE Plus (formerly just NSE) the updated engine is tuned differently in each market based on locally applicable emission regulations.
In China, for example, the engine is tuned to deliver and torque. In the United Kingdom, where the emission regulations are more strict, the engine delivers and of torque.
The second engine is a new turbocharged three cylinder engine, developed by SAIC in conjunction with General Motors. In China, it produces and torque, but in the United Kingdom, it produces and torque.
+SpecsModelYearsEngineTransmissionPowerTorque0–100 km/h(62 mph)(Official)Top speedZS2017–present1.5L I45-speed manual at 6,000 rpm at 4,500 rpm11.9sCVT12.8sZST1.3L Turbo I36-speed automatic at 5,200–5,600 rpm at 1,800–4,400 rpm9.8s
Markets
Asia
India The vehicle made its Indian debut on 11 October 2021 as the MG Astor, a year after the ZS EV. Four trim levels are available: Style, Super, Smart, and Sharp. Engine options includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, or a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired only with a 6-speed automatic.
Indonesia The ZS was the first vehicle sold in Indonesia by MG under their newly established Indonesian subsidiary, MG Motor Indonesia. It was introduced in 5 March 2020, before went on sale in 24 March 2020. Imported from Thailand, initial variants for the ZS range were the Excite and Ignite. It is only available with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 4-speed automatic.
The facelifted range was introduced in 9 September 2021, and went on sale in 15 September 2021. For the facelift, the Activate and Magnify variants were added to the range, with the former variant replacing the Excite variant.
In November 2021, a limited edition variant called the Liverpool FC Limited Edition was introduced with only 200 units were made, following MG's official partnership with the Liverpool Football Club. It was launched at the 28th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.
In February 2023, MG introduced another limited edition variant for the ZS; Dark Midnight Edition. Based on the Magnify type with only 100 units were made, it features blacked-out grille, wheels and 'MG' logo badgings, and a standard bodykit. All Dark Midnight Edition variants sold were exclusively painted in the Black Pearl color. It was launched at the 30th Indonesia International Motor Show.
In August 2023, another limited edition variant was introduced for the ZS; XPower. Limited to 100 units, the XPower sported the bodykit from the Chinese market 2022 ZS Sport. It was launched at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.
Philippines The MG ZS was launched in the Philippines on 18 October 2018, as part of the MG's re-entry to the country under a new distributor The Covenant Car Company Incorporated (TCCI).
In October 2021, the facelifted ZS debuted in the Philippines, with the introduction of a flagship ZS Trophy variant. Three trim levels are available for the regular ZS: Style, Style Plus, and Alpha; powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
Taiwan The ZS was launched in Taiwan on 31 August 2023, by importing to the country from China by China Motor Corporation, and later the unit is locally assembled. Offered in a sole variant, it is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to a CVT and is equipped MG Pilot 2.0 autonomous driving features.
Thailand The ZS was launched in Thailand on 27 November 2017. The facelifted ZS range debuted in Thailand in March 2020. It is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with 4 trim levels: C+, D, X, and V.
Vietnam The ZS was launched in Vietnam on 17 July 2020, with three trim levels: Standard, Comfort and Luxury; it is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to a CVT.
In January 2021, the facelifted ZS debuted in Vietnam, with the Standard trim being dropped.
Europe The ZS made its UK introduction in November 2017, with three trim levels available: Explore, Excite and Exclusive. Engine options are a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to a 5-speed manual, and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to a 6-speed manual and automatic. The facelifted ZS went on sale in the UK in July 2020, with the base trim 'Explore' dropped.
Mexico The ZS was introduced alongside the MG 5 and HS in Mexico on 22 October 2020, marking the return of the MG marque to the Mexican market after 15 years. At launch, two trim levels are available: Style and Excite. All variants are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to either a 5-speed manual or CVT (4-speed automatic used on pre-facelift models).
In November 2022, the facelifted ZS debuted in Mexico, with a new top trim called Elegance, available with the colour pack.
Middle East The ZS was launched in the GCC countries in January 2018. It is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, it is available in three trim levels; STD, MID and LUX. The facelifted ZS was launched as the ZST in October 2020. The 1.3-litre turbocharged engine was added to the facelifted ZS, it is available in three trim levels; the 1.5-litre engine are STD and LUX and the 1.3-turbocharged engine is LUX.
Oceania
Australia The ZS was launched in Australia on 23 November 2017, with three trim levels available at launch: Core, Soul, and Essence, later on, the Core and Soul trim levels were renamed to Excite and Excite Plus trim levels. In October 2021, the ZS range was reduced to the sole Excite trim. Engine options includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol.
The ZST debuted in Australia on 1 September 2020, it is available in four trim levels: Core, Vibe, Excite, and Essence.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, the MG ZS was the best-selling small SUV in Australia.
New Zealand The ZS was launched in New Zealand on 25 February 2019, as part of MG's re-entry to New Zealand. At launch, two trim levels are available: Excite and Essence. Two engine options are available: a 1.5-litre petrol (for Excite) and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (for Essence).
The ZST debuted in New Zealand on 1 September 2020, with two trim levels: Excite and Essence.
South Africa The ZS was launched in South Africa on 17 December 2024, marking the return of the MG marque to the South African market after 8 years. At launch, two trim levels are available: Comfort and Luxury, it is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to a 4-speed automatic.
MG VS A hybrid electric version was released in Thailand in July 2022 as the MG VS HEV. The VS features a redesigned front fascia and an updated dashboard design adapted from the Chinese market Roewe Lomemo. Total system output is rated at . In Thailand, two trim levels are available for the VS: D and X. The VS was launched in Indonesia on 21 March 2024 in a sole variant, imported from Thailand, becoming the least expensive hybrid vehicle on sale in Indonesia.
MG EZS / ZS EV
An all electric version made its debut as EZS at the 2018 Guangzhou Auto Show, featuring a 44.5 kWh battery, and a front positioned motor producing or and to the front wheels. It is available in the United Kingdom, parts of Europe, Thailand, China, India, New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan. Except for China, the electric SUV is marketed as MG ZS EV, while the official name in China is the MG EZS. Despite launching in China in 2019, the MG EZS was discontinued later that year, while exports were unaffected.
It was revealed in Australia in November 2020 as the cheapest electric car in the market of all time. MG Australia predicted a sales target of 3,000 unit for the 2021 model year.
In late 2021, a facelift version arrived in Europe; and arrived in the UK in November 2021. Besides styling changes, it is also equipped with a larger 72.6-kWh battery. In some markets, MG introduced a smaller, 51 kWh LFP battery version. The ZS EV was also launched in India on 7 March 2022.
Markets
Asia
India The ZS EV debuted in India on 23 January 2020, with two trim levels: Excite and Exclusive. The facelifted ZS EV made its Indian debut in March 2022.
Indonesia