One of the first Chinese carmakers to make itself a legitimate competitor was MG in the years before COVID-19. It upped its sales with the ZS, a feature-packed subcompact crossover that offered excellent value for money.
Now, as MG continues to update its local offerings under its new management, the ZS gets a full-on makeover with this next-generation model. It’s got fresh looks, updated tech, and a new hybrid powertrain as an option. It’s set to launch on July 3, and we got the chance to take it out for a spin prior to the launch.
First drive: 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+
look will tell you that the ZS is all grown up. It boasts more aggressive styling than ever, featuring MG’s modern design language that we can see from the likes of the One. A wide grille adorns the front fascia, with a chrome trim outlining the hood flanked by sleek-looking headlamps. At the rear, it gets a beefier look than before, with chunky plastic cladding on the bumper out back.
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On the inside, it’s also been completely overhauled. In this top-of-the-line variant, it’s stitched with leather and soft-touch materials with a few accentuating silver trims here and there. A large infotainment system is mounted front and center, paired with a digital instrument cluster in front of the steering wheel.
The main story here is the engine. We were told that there will be three variants available, all with 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines. The base will be naturally aspirated and have 108hp and 141Nm, the mid variant will be turbocharged and churn out 168hp and 275Nm, while this top-spec hybrid will be paired with an electric motor and put out a total of 194hp and 250Nm. Transmission options are namely: an eight-speed CVT for the NA engine, a seven-speed CVT for the turbopetrol, and a three-speed hybrid gearbox for, well, the hybrid.
Prices, however, are still unavailable. Rest assured, we’ll bring you the rest of the details as well as photos of the full lineup once the all-new MG ZS is launched on July 3.
