Once a brand synonymous with sprightly British sportscars, MG has re-emerged onto the South African scene under the wing of SAIC Motor, China’s largest automaker. This rebirth brings with it a fresh line-up of competitively priced SUVs aimed squarely at value-conscious buyers. We recently had the chance to put the MG HS and ZS through their paces in the scenic Western Cape, and if first impressions are anything to go by, the brand is back with serious intent.
MG ZS – Big value in a compact package
The MG ZS is positioned as an accessible, feature-packed crossover that’s ideal for young families or first-time SUV buyers. The global success of the ZS is hard to ignore, having surpassed one million sales worldwide.
From a design perspective, the ZS incorporates unique styling elements inspired by MG’s British roots. The so-called London Eye headlamps and distinctive shoulder line are a nod to the brand’s sporty heritage, while the compact yet practical dimensions make it well-suited to city life.
Under the bonnet, the ZS is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 84kW and 150Nm of torque. It’s paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox – a somewhat old-school choice in a world of CVTs and turbocharging, but one that ensures proven reliability. Steering is adjustable via three selectable modes (Urban, Normal, and Dynamic), giving drivers some flexibility in how they want their ZS to feel on the road.
Feature-wise, the ZS punches well above its weight. Standard kit includes a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera (on the Luxury model), cruise control, and automatic headlights. Safety is also well covered, with six airbags and a comprehensive stability control suite courtesy of Bosch’s latest ESP system.
Space is another strong suit of the ZS, with generous knee room in the back and a decent 359-litre boot that expands to 1 166 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Whether for school runs or weekend getaways, the ZS offers a solid blend of practicality and comfort.
MG HS – The premium contender
While the ZS caters to the budget-conscious crowd, the MG HS takes things up a notch with a more premium offering. Described by MG as a fusion of performance and beauty, this mid-size SUV is a significant step up in terms of refinement, technology, and driving dynamics.
Visually, the HS makes an immediate impact with its bold grille, sleek LED headlights, and muscular proportions. The sculpted bodywork is enhanced by gloss black and carbon-fibre-style accents, while the Luxury model rolls on striking 19-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin is where the HS truly shines. It features a modern, upmarket design with soft-touch materials, simulated leather upholstery, and quilted detailing on the door panels. The centrepiece is the Dual 12.3-inch Floating Technology Screens, which control everything from infotainment to vehicle settings. Standard features include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, and an electronic parking brake. The Luxury model ups the ante with a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and an 8-speaker premium sound system.
Under the skin, the HS is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering a healthy 125kW and 275Nm. Unlike the somewhat dated auto box of the ZS, the HS gets a slick seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which significantly improves shift speed. Ride quality is another highlight, with a finely tuned suspension that provides a comfortable yet composed driving experience.
Safety is also a strong point, with the HS earning a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It boasts an extensive suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward-collision warning system. Seven airbags round off an impressive safety package.
The verdict
Between the two, I found the HS to be the more appealing option. The more modern turbo engine, smoother transmission, and premium interior made for a more polished driving experience. However, for those looking for a practical, no-fuss urban crossover, the ZS is hard to fault at its price point.
MG isn’t just relying on nostalgia to win over South African buyers; it’s also coming in with highly competitive pricing. When stacked against other Chinese competitors like Haval and Chery, the ZS and HS offer a compelling mix of affordability and features. More importantly, both models come with MG’s industry-leading 7-year/200,000 km warranty, which should provide peace of mind to prospective buyers.
Model line-up & pricing
- MG ZS 1.5 Auto Comfort: R289 900
- MG ZS 1.5 Auto Luxury: R309 900
- MG HS 1.5T 7DCT Comfort: R499 900
- MG HS 1.5T 7DCT Luxury: R534 900
*Included in the purchase price, the ZS comes with a 5-year/60 000km service plan and the HS with a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
