SAIC has released a number of teaser images of the all-new hybrid MG ZS, which will debut in Europe and Australia on August 28. The new car is expected to launch overseas in October.
Unlike the first-generation ZS compact SUV, the second-generation car will only be available as a hybrid. The current car comes as an ICE or an EV. The EV version of the ZS will likely be replaced with the MG S5 car, which has already been spotted testing in Europe.
From the teaser images, we can see that the car in front resembles the second-generation MG 3 supermini, which was launched earlier this year. Utilizing MG’s latest family style design language, the ZS comes with a large air intake grille and an aggressive-looking double mouth surround. The shape of the headlight clusters looks largely the same as those on the MG 3. From the side, the second-generation ZS looks quite similar to the first generation. It is unlikely, though, that the new car is simply an extensive facelift of the old car given the age of that model, production of it began in 2017. At the rear, the taillights are similar to those seen on the MG 3, and LED units giving the car a distinctive look when lit up at night. The exhaust pipes are integrated into the rear fender with two trapezoidal housings. The car has muscular rear haunches and a spoiler that finishes off the roof line, making it look sporty.
Although the powertrain has yet to be announced, given the relationship between the second-generation ZS and the MG 3 we can expect the new car to share the supermini’s set up. This means the hybrid system will be based around a 1.5 liter petrol engine, which has a maximum power of 75 kW and can produce up to 128 Nm of torque. The electric motor provides up to 100 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque, providing a maximum combination of 143 kW and 425 Nm. Also likely to be carried over is the 1.83 kWh capacity battery.
This is the latest model to show a growing divergence between the cars MG sells in China and those sold overseas. Initially, it was just a case of MG models overseas being rebadged versions of cars from different SAIC brands in China. One of the best examples is the MG5 in Europe, is a rebaged version of the Roewe Ei5 is in China. However, more recently, this has changed, and the MG cars available in Europe are not available in China. This was first seen with the second generation MG 3 supermini, which as yet has not launched in China, and equally with the second generation MG HS, which also is not sold in China. It seems that the second-generation MG ZS will also join this list.
SAIC will be hoping that the new hybrid MG ZS will help stem rapidly declining sales for the company’s own brand offerings.
Source: Autohome, MG
