STAYING RELEVANT
MG has revised its hot-selling ZS with tweaked looks, a smarter interior and a new gearbox – all at class-beating prices like before
WHAT’S NEW?
MG Sales (Thailand) has released a new version of its popular ZS with minor changes after selling its current generation since 2017.
The main visual change for the mid-life update is the front end which sees a redesigned grille, bumper and LED lights, and a latter also applied on the rear. The 17in wheel design is new, too.
The interior remains basically the same but the instrument panel has been upgraded to the digital type. Like before, the central infotainment system has voice control that can be operated in Thai as well.
Although the ZS is still powered by the same 114hp E85-capable 1.5-litre petrol engine, the 4-speed torque-converter automatic has been replaced with a CVT type with 8-speed manual mode. MG claims better responsiveness with the new gearbox.
There are three grades for the revised ZS with a price increase of 10k ranging from 689,000-789,000 baht. Due to these low prices, the ZS has emerged as one of the best-selling B-segment SUVs in Thailand and has helped the brand boost its market share substantially.
Other players like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota C-HR compete in the 900,000 to 1.2-million baht price bracket. There’s also the just-launched Nissan Kicks with hybrid power.
This revision by MG doesn’t extend to the all-electric ZS EV which was introduced to the market last year. The Chinese-made battery-electric vehicle currently retails for 1.19 million baht in just one grade.
WHAT’S COOL?
Thanks to an upgraded transmission, some sense of lethargy from the non-turbo 1.5-litre has gone because the gearbox now has a tendency to keep the engine higher up the revs when squeezing more throttle for the better responsiveness MG is claiming.
It’s not the old generation CVT auto with that “elastic” feel; this one has the “stepped” perception of torque-converters that can also be found in the latest Hondas and Toyotas. While the chassis remains unchanged, some small differences in the aspect ratio and tread width of the same 17in tyres have slightly improved the secondary ride. Yes, its improvement can be felt over sharp bumps.
We never really had a problem with the cockpit of the pre-facelift ZS, which is why the digital panel is a welcome addition paying benefits of modernity, clarity and adjustability.
Japanese brands are quite stingy with this particular feature. And yes, if you want a car that can speak Thai with you, there’s still no choice but the MG.
One strong point is inherent but significant: spacious and well-furnished interiors which Thais have greatly come to like.
WHAT’S NOT?
Despite putting in some effort trying to enhance performance, this carried-over petrol engine is still quite breathless at highway speeds. Moreover, the CVT can also be too eager in staying at higher revs or erratic in trying to keep a smooth driveline.
MG still believes the benefits outweigh the downsides which is why they think customers won’t mind the inferior fuel economy and CO2 figures: 15.6kpl and 148g/ km vs the 16.1kpl and 144g/km figures of the previous model.
The ZS remains an attractively-priced SUV, but just be aware that the three trims available do have some significant differences in the kit. As some examples: the basic spec doesn’t get 17in wheels or that digital instrument panel. Moreover, the number of airbags only start to increase when you climb the spec ranks.
This is just a mid-life effort, so you can’t expect the ZS to be totally transformed in appearance later. And despite looking neat in its own right, the competition is filled with some bold designs like the C-HR, CX-30 and Kicks.
BUY OR BYE?
While most of the improvements of this so-called minor-changed ZS look minimal, they are actually quite significant when it comes to satisfying Thai palates.
MG clearly knows that many potential buyers are ready to sacrifice on some driving performance for a lowered retail price, especially among urbanites who don’t place much priority on it.
In other markets, the ZS has a 1.0-litre petrol-turbo unit but is claimed to have detrimental effects in retail pricing (an entire powertrain can take up to half a vehicle’s costs).
So while MG has been producing some better results in higher SUV segments, like where the HS is nicely priced and powered, it still remains to be seen if it can apply some magic in the 700-800k segment.
That’s because other areas of the ZS appear sufficient and competitive enough, especially with a roomy body. In other words, an SUV-sized Honda HR-V that is priced far less.