MG reveals ZS baby SUV

Chinese car-maker MG has released official images of its first compact SUV, the ZS.

Confirmed to arrive in Australian showrooms from late next year, the ZS looms as a follow-up act to the already-announced GS SUV, and will rival the likes of the Nissan JUKE and Mazda CX-3.

Unveiled in China, the ZS was confirmed with a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine featuring stop-start technology and direct injection. SAIC's "world-class" NetBlue engine -- badged as '16T' -- will produce 93kW and 170Nm, or around the same performance of other naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engiones.

Importantly, the ZS purportedly represents a new wave of technology for MG, fitted with internet-connected functions and increased voice control. Users will be provided with an independent ID to log into the car’s ‘intelligent internet system’, the car-maker says.

“The MG ZS also uses natural semantic technology, which allows users to open and close the sunroof, regulate the temperature, playback music and request navigation, all by a simple oral command – hands free to allow drivers to focus on driving, ensuring a safer ride,” an MG release said.

MG is yet to show off the interior of the ZS – it has already had several bites at unveiling the ZS through sketches – so stay tuned on that front.

Returning to local showrooms as a subsidiary of Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC), China’s biggest auto manufacturer, the British-designed, Chinese-owned and produced vehicle brand wants to become a mainstream industry player in Australia.

MG’s recent Australian return follows the acquisition of Australian rights from previous distributor Longwell Motor, whose earlier 2013 launch was aborted amid poor sales and limited dealership reach.

SAIC already exports its range of LDV commercial vehicles to Australia via Ateco Automotive, but has set up its first Australian subsidiary for the MG operation.

Anchoring MG’s relaunch this month will be the MG3 city car and the Toyota Corolla-sized MG6 small car, which will be sold predominantly through a network of dealership on the east Australian coast.

Those two offerings will be joined by the Chinese manufacturer’s mid-size GS SUV, which is due on sale here at the beginning of next year. MG says the ZS will expand its Australian range to four models in the fourth quarter of 2017.