MG ZS (2024) Price & Specs

The MG ZS arrives in South Africa as the freshly relaunched brand’s most affordable crossover, kicking off at under R300k. Is this MG’s answer to the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro?

MG has officially returned to South Africa and its volume driver is expected to be this: the MG ZS. So, how much does this compact crossover cost in Mzansi?

Well, before we take a look at local pricing, it’s worth pointing out the ZS available at launch in South Africa is the 1st-generation model, which has been in production since 2017. The 2nd-gen version, however, is tipped to arrive in the opening half of 2025, likely wearing the “ZS Pro” badge and positioned above the older model (which we expect to soldier on as the “ZS Core”).

With that out of the way, back to the topic at hand. In South Africa, the original ZS launches in 2 flavours: the MG ZS 1.5 Comfort 4AT for R289 900 and the MG ZS 1.5 Luxury 4AT for R309 900. That sees this model debut with a foot in the highly competitive sub-R300k segment and the other just outside it.

So, where does this model fit into Mzansi’s broader crossover market? Well, measuring 4 314 mm from snout to rump, it’s very similar in length to the popular Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (which currently runs from R269 900 to R415 900). Though it interestingly undercuts the slightly larger Haval Jolion (currently priced from R345 950), it also finds itself competing with a throng of smaller Indian-built crossovers, based on price alone.

Both ZS derivatives employ a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 84 kW and 150 Nm to the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. MG Motor SA claims a top speed of 195 kph and a combined fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km in each case. Luggage space is listed as 357 litres, expandable to 1 166 litres with the rear bench dropped.

The Comfort and Luxury trim levels both feature electronic stability control, 6 airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors as standard. The Comfort grade, however, comes with a 4-speaker sound system and cloth-trimmed seats, while the Luxury model upgrades to 6 speakers and leatherette upholstery. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, with the Luxury grade furthermore featuring a reverse-view camera.

MG Motor SA is set to kick off its retail operations in the final few days of 2024, the year in which the brand celebrates its centenary. Founded 100 years ago as “Morris Garages” in the United Kingdom, MG is these days run by Chinese group SAIC Motor, a state-owned manufacturer that is also responsible for the LDV marque.

Officially under the stewardship of Shanghai-based SAIC Motor since around 2007, MG began its previous re-entry to South Africa late in 2011, though again exited the local market in 2016. Now, some 8 years later, it’s back, describing itself as “100% committed to the South African market”.

How much does the MG ZS cost in South Africa?

MG ZS 1.5 Comfort 4AT – R289 900

MG ZS 1.5 Luxury 4AT – R309 900

The prices above include a 5-year/200 000 km warranty on the vehicle and a 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty on the engine, plus a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.