Morris Garage (MG) Motors is a British-bred car brand that is now owned by automotive company giant SAIC Motor Corporation. It is getting a lot of traction in the country lately thanks to its entry to the local subcompact crossover segment, the MG ZS.
The MG ZS is a 5-seater subcompact crossover that comes with good styling in both the exterior and interior. This is one of the primary reasons why the ZS subcompact crossover is the best-selling vehicle in MG’s local lineup.
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With its growing popularity in the local market, we think that it is just fair for MG to give the ZS updates. Fortunately, MG in Thailand already has a facelifted version that was launched at the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) this year.
Since MG Philippines hasn’t released any statement regarding the plans for the upcoming 2021 MG ZS, let’s first take a look at the refreshed Thai-spec MG ZS and see what are the changes made on the subcompact crossover.
2021 MG ZS: Exterior
Looking at the front, if you have seen an MG ZS before, then you would notice a slight update on the grille. The pattern is pretty much the same. However, the grille now appears to be larger and the chrome trims are now blacked-out. This update creates a sleeker and a bit sportier appeal.
The front lower bumper appears to be larger as well finished in black. Another noticeable change is the new fog lights that were scaled down so that the larger dimensions of the new housings should appear bigger.
The 2021 MG ZS subcompact crossover
The headlights come with a new design and are now slightly distanced from the front grille. With the new headlight design, the new shape of it is maximized and creates a sleek look as well. Overall, the front fascia is updated to appear sleeker and sportier.
If we look to the side of the 2021 MG ZS, no significant changes have been made except for the new 17-inch alloy wheels. The newly-added wheels helped the MG ZS to refrain from having a bland side profile. A small change yet adds to the overall new aesthetics of the subcompact crossover.
The twin exhausts are a good addition
The updates on the rear are really interesting. Let’s start with the most noticeable pieces, the twin exhaust. With these now in place, it is safe to say that MG wants to make the ZS look sportier. The new twin exhaust is complemented by a new chrome trim located on the bottom of the ZS’ fifth door.
There are features on the rear end of the ZS that are blacked-out such as the wing or spoiler, skid plate, and the lower rear bumper. With a blacked-out lower rear bumper, it helps emphasize the addition of the new twin exhaust.
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2021 MG ZS: Interior
The interior is largely a carryover except for the new two-tone interior finish. MG made huge updates on the MG ZS’ technology features which we will talk about in a minute. This means that the 2021 MG ZS will still have interior features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and the same dashboard layout.
A new premium interior scheme
Nonetheless, we still think that the interior of the MG ZS can still compete at a high level despite having no significant changes. If somehow the new two-tone interior layout is made available for the 2021 PH-spec MG ZS, then we think that is all the interior update it needs to make it at least noteworthy.
2021 MG ZS: Engine and performance
This could be good news or bad news for you. But the engine of the outgoing model is carried over to the facelift version. With that in mind, the 2021 Thai-spec MG ZS is still powered by the same 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine capable of making 118 hp and 150 Nm of torque.
The current MG ZS offered by MG Philippines
The transmission option, however, got a huge update. The 4-speed automatic transmission is now discontinued and is replaced with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an 8-speed manual mode. Since the MG ZS competes in the subcompact crossover, the CVT will help the ZS improve its reputation further as the new transmission provides a better fuel efficiency rating.
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2021 MG ZS: On-board tech and safety features
As said earlier, there are huge updates made on the 2021 MG ZS’ technology features. We’ll start off with the new and larger 10-inch infotainment screen that now supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The best feature about the infotainment screen is the I-Smart Intelligent System that can help users control the system with ease.
The new 10-inch infotainment screen
The 2021 MG ZS also got a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster that displays the necessary information in a more innovative fashion. Both the new systems for 2021 will create a more immersive driving experience for owners.
As for safety, the 2021 MG ZS is added new features with real-time tire pressure monitoring, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), stability control, and a 360-degree around-view monitor.
2021 MG ZS: Final thoughts
One of the toughest competitions of the MG ZS locally is the Geely Coolray. The Coolray subcompact crossover comes with good exterior styling and a handful of functionalities inside. With the new updates seen in Thailand, we think that it is enough for the MG ZS to keep up to speed.
The 2021 MG ZS in Scarlet Red
There is a good chance that the 2021 Thai-spec MG ZS facelift will be introduced locally as most updates seen in Thailand are introduced in the country sometime after. This means that it could only be a matter of time before we see the new 2021 ZS in local MG dealerships.
2021 MG ZS: Expected pricing
The 2021 MG ZS got huge updates on the technology features such as the new 10-inch infotainment screen and 7-inch digital instrument cluster. With that being said, it is not a surprise if MG Philippines decides to increase the price of the PH-spec MG ZS for sale.
However, we can expect that the price bump won’t be as large as the MG ZS uses its affordability as one of its selling points. The current 2020 MG ZS comes with a price tag of Php 818,888 for the base Style variant and goes up to Php 998,888 for the top-of-the-line Alpha variant.
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Know more about MG ZS 2024
The MG ZS 2024 is a 5-seater subcompact crossover that is available in the Philippines in three variants. MG ZS 2024 Philippines price is from Php 848,888 to Php 1,048,888. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-4 gasoline engine capable of making 112 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the flagship ZS-T gets a 1.3-liter inline-3 turbocharged gasoline engine good for 109 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. Included in the gearbox options are 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, and 6-speed automatic transmissions.
In terms of size, the ZS spans 4,314 mm in length, 1,809 mm in width, and 1,648 mm in height, with a wheelbase rated at 2,585 mm. In the local market, this British-bred subcompact crossover competes against the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Mazda CX-3, and Geely Coolray.
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MG ZS Launch
Morris Garage, or simply MG, introduced the MG ZS in October 2018. It was also the car company’s local relaunch under a new distributor, The Covenant Car Company Incorporated (TCCI). Later in 2021, MG brought in the MG ZS-T as the model's new top-spec trim.
Most might think that MG is a new player in the car industry but they have been releasing innovative models since 1924. The company, once known as the MG Car Company Limited, is presently owned by Nanjing Automobile Group since 2005. The said company supplies quality vehicles in China, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Chile, and Australia.
MG ZS Exterior
On the outside, MG ZS bears a sharp and sporty look and it assumes a 5-door subcompact crossover. The new top-spec ZS-T variant also gets new touches like its L-shaped LED daytime running lamps, a sleeker pair of LED headlamps, as well as a new set of 17-inch wheels.
When it comes to size, the new ZS-T is 4,323mm long, 1,809mm wide, and 1,653mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,580mm in length, and it has a ground clearance of 161mm.
MG ZS Interior
For the top-spec ZS-T and the ZS Alpha, their most notable interior feature is the presence of a sunroof. This makes the ZS 2024 one of the most affordable models that comes with the said feature.
Other than that, this MG model comes with a predominantly dark interior. The seats are clad in leather, combined with red contrast stitching.
Technology & Safety Features
The MG ZS Philippines is a front-wheel-drive, five-door, five-seater subcompact crossover. For suspensions, it uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a torsion beam for the rear.
Platform & Chassis
This front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicle is built using a hard safety cage made from tested steel. The front suspension is a Macpherson strut while a torsion beam is fixed on the rear.
MG ZS Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the updated MG ZS-T for the Philippines market is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-3 gasoline engine. At most, this new mill can produce up to 161 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque.
Other trims meanwhile are powered with a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-4 gasoline engine that can make up to 112 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque.
Depending on the variant, the ZS can either come with a four-speed automatic, five-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Available colors for the MG ZS are Moon White, Meteorite Black, Extreme Speed Red, Electro-Optic Orange, and Laser Blue. Meanwhile, the MG ZS-T is available in York White, Knife Silver, Obsidian Black, St. Moritz Blue, and Flame Red.
The model now competes more closely with one of the country's best-selling subcompact crossovers, the Geely Coolray.
MG ZS 2024 Price List
Let's check out the MG ZS 2024 price in September in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| MG ZS 1.5 Style MT | ₱848,888 |
| MG ZS 1.5 Style AT | ₱898,888 |
| MG ZS 1.5 Alpha AT | ₱1,048,888 |
MG ZS Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in a wide array of variants
- Sleek crossover look
- Panoramic stargazer sunroof
Cons
- Lower-end variants produce relatively low power outputs
- Long-term reliability is yet to be proven and tested
- MG ZS EV isn't available locally
MG ZS FAQs
1. Does MG ZS style have a sunroof?
Yes, the MG ZS has a sunroof.
2. What is the length of MG ZS 2024?
The length of ZS is 4,323 mm.
3. What type of car is the MG ZS?
The MG ZS is a subcompact crossover.
4. Is the MG ZS automatic?
Yes, the MG ZS comes in either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
5. How much does a 2024 MG ZS cost?
In the Philippines, the price of MG ZS 2024 ranges from 848,888 Php for entry-level to 1,048,888 Php for the top-of-the-line level.
₱ 848,888 - ₱ 1,198,888
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