MG ZS freshens up with new look and tech
Mid-life overhaul of small SUV to include mild exterior makeover, new powertrain and next-gen infotainmentThe MG ZS small SUV has received a makeover for 2020 in a bid to keep it fresh against rivals like the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona.
As part of the mid-life refresh, designers have introduced a pair of revised LED headlights, a tweaked grille and new front bumper, plus a redesigned rear bumper that gains a bash plate and a pair of fake exhaust outlets.
Finally, a set of new 17-inch alloy wheels have also been added, along with a new Battersea Blue paint colour that replaces the old car's Laser Blue hue.
Inside, the most significant update is the pensioning off of the current model's 8.0-inch infotainment touch-screen, which has been replaced with a larger 10.1-inch unit that can now support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Changes to boost the impression of quality inside include a soft-touch plastic dashboard and a new centre armrest between the front seats to improve comfort.
As standard, in some markets, the Chinese-owned British brand has made heated and power-folding mirrors, roof rails and cruise control standard kit.
Range-topping models, meanwhile, gain a premium sound system, heated seats, a digital instrument cluster, sat-nav, a 360-degree parking camera and leather upholstery.
Another big change for European buyers is the axing of the GM-sourced 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine , which is offered with 82kW/160Nm outputs in premium versions in Australia.
In its place is a 78kW/141Nm naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 84kW/150Nm in our entry-level MG ZS Excite variant.
Against the clock, the new 1.5-litre MG ZS can sprint to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds, before topping out at 175km/h. Fuel consumption, meanwhile, climbs to 6.8L/100km – 0.1L/100km worse than before.
A range of comprehensive chassis tweaks have also been made to improve both ride, handling and steering response.
It's thought the updates will also apply to the pure-electric MG ZS EV.
There's no word yet on what's happening to the MG ZS in the Australian market.
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