COVER MG ZS driven

...Plus we get behind the wheel of Juke-rivalling SUV

ZS offers high spec, low price Power from punchy 1.0 turbo

BEFORE MG launches its all-electric sports car, it first needs to deal with the bread and butter of any mainstream product range: crossovers and SUVS.

The ZS is the once-iconic brand’s take on the Nissan Juke, and ahead of the car landing here this year – with a new, unconfirmed name – Auto Express has been granted early access to see if it can help rejuvenate MG.

Chinese owner SAIC has provided the backing to ensure the ZS has all the ingredients a successful crossover needs. There’s a punchy 1.0-litre engine, lots of kit and a competitive price. UK specs won’t be finalised until later, but bosses are confident a flagship ZS will undercut mid-level rivals like the Ford Ecosport by up to 20 per cent.

Most of the equipment on our top-spec Chinese test car is likely to feature for that price, too. This includes an eight-inch sat-nav, an electric sunroof, cruise control, alloys, a reversing camera and keyless start. The cabin is also a big step up from existing MGS for design, quality and fit and finish. A lot of the plastics are a bit scratchy, but it feels well screwed together and built to last, unlike the cabin in the larger GS SUV.

Ergonomics have improved as well. The dash isn’t littered with buttons and the new screen is bright and clear. The interface didn’t reflect what we’ll get, but if the UK set-up is as slick, it’ll be far better than any current MG’S.

The new three-cylinder turbo provides the shove, developing 124bhp and 170Nm of torque. But the sluggish auto it’s linked to doesn’t flatter this otherwise smooth, punchy engine. A manual will be offered in Britain.

Our time with the car was limited to SAIC’S Shanghai proving ground, but the comfortbiased set-up was evident. While it hangs on well in bends, there’s lots of roll. Still, the soft ride means the ZS should fare well in town.

It also squares up to rivals for practicality. The wheelbase is around 80mm longer than a Juke’s, giving more passenger space. And with the rear seats folded, MG claims a 1,166litre load bay, close to the Juke’s 1,189 litres.