MG Motor seems to be establishing itself at a strong pace in the Mzansi market. With a plan to open around a total of 50 dealerships by the end of this year, the Chinese company’s ambitions are set to be properly tested in the next few years. That’s good news, because it means MG has seen some traction and is keen to plant a few more roots in this country. Their latest product to hit the market is the ZS Pro, a compact family SUV priced very competitively.
I got to drive the ZS Pro in the Gauteng and North West region during its media launch earlier today. From the new plush flagship dealership nestled in Fourways, my driving partner Bryan Kayavhu from Driven magazine, and I made our way through some Johannesburg traffic, out towards the Cradle of Mankind, then to the Lanseria Airport area, and back to Fourways. Definitely some of the prettier scenic routes. However, it would not be Mzansi had we not met with our fair share of uneven road surfaces, and plenty of potholes.
The perfect scene to test the ZS Pro’s road compliance then. Before we get there, perhaps it would be amiss of me not to briefly describe the car’s looks. MG reckons the designers got it right and avoided the recent “generic look” brought through by Chinese automotive products into the market. I partially agree. It is a pleasant-looking car for sure, with a different front end featuring slanting LED headlights (MG calls them “Predator Eye headlights”) and a gaping, wide lower grille. The side profile shows a sturdy stance, with several highlights that include indicator lights on the side mirrors, faux chrome strips on the lower window seals and bottom door ends, and black bumper cladding.
At the rear there are large arrow-shaped lights, a cap roof spoiler and some more black bumper cladding. Buyers will have a choice of either 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model they choose.
Inside the MG ZS Pro has been fitted with what appears to be high quality materials that are soft to the touch, especially on the dashboard and door panels. The infotainment system is based on either a 26cm or 32cm touch screen system with all the expected features in place, including radio, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, Android Auto and the ADAs safety systems controls. In the centre console is the rather large gear lever for the CVT gearbox, a wireless charging pad, engine start/stop button, two cup holders and two USB ports for different types of chargers. All well-placed, and easy to reach.
As far as the powertrain is concerned, MG has used a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces some 125kW of power and 275Nm of torque. As previously stated, it is paired with a CVT transmission. MG claims a 0 – 100km/h sprint run of 8.5 seconds, with average fuel consumption said to be 6.9 litres per 100km.
During our launch drive the powertrain components worked well together, with the CVT not exhibiting much droning at all. The ride felt comfortable, and power delivery was consistent across the power band, with a minimum amount of turbo lag to be felt.
Said Sky Zhang, General Manager of MG Motor South Africa: “We’ve listened to our customers, and we are confident that South Africans will appreciate how the all-new ZS Pro’s premium value positioning brings together stand-out design, advanced safety, and the spirit of adventure that MG drivers across the globe love. This new model presents the next step toward our goal of offering South African consumers a vehicle that will exceed expectations.”
MG will be looking to add more products to its line-up over the coming year, adding to the entry-level MG3 hatch, the baseline ZS SUV, the mid-sized HS SUV and the flagship Cyberstar electric sports coupe. With the ZS Pro they are targeting the likes of Toyota Corolla Cross and GWM Haval Jolion. Formidable company indeed, but this MG product should be able to hold its own.
MG ZS Pro Price
ZS Comfort – R397 600
ZS Luxury – R431 500
