There was period when Morris Garages (MG) was one of the most active carmakers in the world. They produced and sold cars of all shapes and sizes, though they never really did crossovers or SUVs. Eventually, this famed British marquee shutdown because of mounting losses and lackluster sales. Fast-forward to the mid-2000s and MG was bought by a Chinese company. A few years later, it again changed hands and as of today, is still owned by SAIC Motor. With new money and a fresh start, MG decided to catch up with the growing trend of the crossover/mini SUV. And so in 2015, the British carmaker launched the MG ZS.
The MG ZS is a compact SUV/CUV and it shares much of its basic architecture with the MG GS. Within the new MG lineup of vehicles, the ZS sits one level below the larger and more expensive RX5. The new 2019 MG ZS is almost identical in every way to the 2015 model. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as the ZS has a very European design to it, and with its neat styling and competitive pricing, this is one of the better deals in the market right now. In the UAE, the 2019 MG ZS rivals the Chery Tiggo3, Changan CS75, and JAC S3.
Exterior
The compact MG ZS is one of the most stylish models in the brand’s lineup. Its sculpted bodywork and pleasing design cues all contribute to its overall exterior styling. Despite its relatively diminutive proportions, the ZS pulls of its SUV-like stance without much fuss. The front fascia of the MG ZS is dominated by a large grille with its intricate pattern and prominent ‘MG’ logo, sleek headlamps with attractive LED daytime-runners, clamshell-design hood with strong creases, and a chiseled bumper with halogen foglamps, center air dam, and imitation skid plate.
The side profile of the MG ZS draws eyes with its various ridges, lines, and bulges. It also features black lower-body cladding, flared wheel arches, chic but small 16-inch alloy wheels, large roof rails, and some chrome finish along the doors. The back end gets a roof-mounted spoiler, steeply-sloped rear window, well-contoured liftgate, bulging 3D-design LED taillights, and a sporty bumper with some chrome garnish, static reflectors, fake vents, and an air diffuser. The 2019 ZS measures 4.314 meters in length, 1.809 meters in width, 1.624 meters in height, and has a wheelbase of 2.585 meters. It also boasts a respectable cargo capacity of almost 450 liters.
Interior
The interior styling of the 2019 MG ZS isn’t spectacular or mind-blowing in its layout or design. However, it does have some good touches such as a dual-tone dashboard with faux metal and carbon-fiber accents to break the monotony of cheap, black plastic. The styling is pretty ordinary but up-to-date. The outright quality of trim, touch-points, and dash material is bad, but not horrendous. The space isn’t outstanding, though it will be roomy enough for four adults.
The MG ZS offers cruise control, climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, parking sensors with rear camera, leather seats, electric door mirrors, an 8-inch touch-infotainment display, and a 6-speaker sound system with Bluetooth. There are also 4 airbags, anti-lock brakes, hill assist, and stability and traction program.
Engine and performance
The 2019 MG ZS gets a 1.5-liter four-banger with 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque. It’s paired to a 4-speed automatic that sends power to the front wheels, only. The ZS can do 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds, hit a top speed of 170 km/h, and average 5.8 L/100 km.
Verdict
The 2019 MG ZS costs from AED 54,500 to AED 60,500, while insurance cost between AED 1,361 and AED 2,208.
