After an 8-year hiatus, the MG brand is officially back in South Africa. Here’s a closer look at the 100-year-old automaker’s initial model line-up for the local market…
It’s finally official: MG has returned to South Africa, with a trio of models confirmed for the local market – and yet more planned.
The Chinese-backed brand is set to kick off its retail operations in the final few days of 2024, the year in which it celebrates its centenary. Founded 100 years ago as “Morris Garages” in the United Kingdom, MG is run by Chinese group SAIC Motor, a state-owned manufacturer that is also responsible for the LDV marque.
So, what can we expect? Well, MG Motor South Africa says sales of the ZS and HS crossovers will start before the end of the year, with the Cyberster – the brand’s fully electric roadster – also confirmed for the local market. From what we understand, the MG3 hatch is likewise very much on the cards for Mzansi, with the automaker furthermore saying “hatchbacks, hybrid[s] and mainstream electric models” are coming.
Fascinatingly, the ZS – which measures slightly shorter from nose to tail than the likes of the Haval Jolion and Omoda C5 – will launch in 1st-generation form (perhaps wearing the “Core” suffix), offered locally in Comfort and Luxury grades. Both derivatives employ a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 84 kW and 150 Nm to the front wheels through 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. Both trim levels feature electronic stability control, 6 airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors. The Comfort grade comes with a 4-speaker sound system and cloth-trimmed seats, while the Luxury model upgrades to 6 speakers and leatherette upholstery.
The 2nd-generation MG ZS, however, is tipped to arrive in South Africa at some point in the opening half of 2025, likely wearing the “ZS Pro” badge and set to be sold alongside the older model. Though local details on the new ZS have yet to be released, it’s perhaps worth noting this model is offered exclusively in hybrid form in markets such as the UK and Australia.
What about the HS? Well, Mzansi will receive the new (2nd-generation) version, with initial SA-spec derivatives powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor (with a 2.0-litre turbo set to follow “shortly afterwards”). This 1.5-litre unit offers 125 kW and 275 Nm, peak outputs that are delivered to the front axle via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. Maximum speed is a claimed 195 kph, while combined consumption is listed as 6.9 L/100 km.
As with smaller ZS, the MG HS – which is similar in size to the Haval H6 – will be offered locally in both Comfort and Luxury trim levels. In addition to the basic safety kit (including 7 airbags and rear parking sensors), this model furthermore boasts driver-assistance technology such as front-and-rear collision warning, lane-departure warning, emergency lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert (and braking), a driver-monitoring system and intelligent cruise assist.
Inside the HS, you’ll find items like 12.3-inch dual screens, a 360-degree camera system and perforated leatherette upholstery. The Luxury variant furthermore scores a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, an 8-speaker audio system (2 more than the Comfort), front parking sensors, electrically adjustable (and heated) front seats, dual-zone climate control and a wireless smartphone charger.
- ALSO READ: MG HS international launch review
Meanwhile, the low-volume Cyberster will slot in at the very summit of MG’s local range. Interestingly, it seems only the full-fat, all-wheel-drive version (there’s also a lower-powered, rear-driven iteration) will be sold in South Africa, offering a whopping 375 kW and 725 Nm courtesy of dual electric motors.
Energy comes from a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that accepts a maximum AC charge rate of 7 kW and maximum DC charge rate of 144 kW. MG claims a single-charge WLTP range of 443 km, a 0-100 kph time of just 3.2 seconds (using launch control) and a top speed of 208 kph.
- ALSO READ: MG Cyberster (2024) Price & Specs
All MG models in South Africa will feature a 5-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty. The ZS and HS will furthermore come with a 7-year/unlimited km warranty on the engine, while the Cyberster’s electric powertrain will be covered by a 7-year/ 250 000 km warranty.
The ZS will feature a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, while the HS will upgrade to a 5-year/90 000 km arrangement and the Cyberster to a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
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. Sky Zhang, General Manager for MG Motor South Africa, says the brand will relaunch with 30 dealers and has “plans for more over the next 2 years”, adding that a national parts distribution centre has already been established in Kempton Park.
“MG is 100% committed to the South African market. Backed by SAIC Motor, the largest automotive manufacturer in China and ranked among the Fortune Global 500, MG has a robust foundation for sustainable growth. The brand’s arrival in South Africa is a strategic long-term investment,” said Zhang.
MG range pricing in South Africa
MG ZS 1.5 Comfort 4AT – R289 900
MG ZS 1.5 Luxury 4AT – R309 900
MG HS 1.5T Comfort 7DCT – R499 900
MG HS 1.5T Luxury 7DCT – R534 900
MG HS 2.0T Comfort 9AT – R629 900
MG HS 2.0T Luxury 9AT – R665 900
MG Cyberster – R1 399 900
All MG models feature a 5-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty. The ZS and HS furthermore come with a 7-year/unlimited km warranty on the engine, while the Cyberster’s electric powertrain will be covered by a 7-year/ 250 000 km warranty.
The ZS features a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, while the HS upgrades to a 5-year/90 000 km arrangement and the Cyberster to a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
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