MG ZS 2019: This year’s subcompact crossover SUV of 2019

Updated Dec 24, 2019 | Same topic: Highlights of the Week

Here's why we think that the MG ZS deserves to be called the best subcompact crossover SUV of 2019.

MG ZS 2019: This year’s subcompact crossover SUV

Now we’ve said that the MG ZS can be a contender for 2019 best subcompact crossover. Now for this article, we here at Philkotse are declaring the MG ZS as this year’s winner for that market segment.

Why? Well…

MG ZS 2019: A value proposition that anyone can’t ignore!

With its base model starting at an incredible Php 818,000, the MG ZS, particularly the MT Style offers a lot of features for its price.

First, it’s interior. Just look at it.

MG ZS interior

It's dark throughout so presumably, it'll be easier to clean. Also, note how well arranged it is

For the price you’re paying, the MG ZS Style MT gets leather seats, a load of soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard. For the higher-spec 1.5-liter a brilliant 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, MP3 playback and a decent sounding 4 speakers, a push-button start, a one-touch driver side control for the windows, and cruise control.

>>> Click here to have the best MG ZS 2019.

MG ZS 2019: Not that powerful but really fuel-efficient

Apart from the really excellent materials and build quality in the interior, the MG ZS’s engine is a plucky 1.5-liter DOHC gasoline engine that can produce 112 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque.

MG ZS front view

We particularly like the grille or rather the "starlight grille" of the MG ZS

While it's not built for speed, the MG ZS can return an impressive 11.5 km/L on average in the city. One the expressway, it can do about 16.4 km/L.

Also, it’s one of the few in its class that still has a variant with a manual transmission. While a great many people will prefer the automatic for driving in the Philippines especially on our tight roads, the manual still holds a special place in our hearts because it involves the driver more in the operation of the vehicle. In short, it’s loads of fun and it turns out that Morris Garages still remembers to put the FUN in driving.

>>> Update the newest ZS and other MG models price list in the Philippines.

MG ZS rear end

See that logo? Flip that thing and it'll open the trunk. Neat feature!

For more car of the year articles, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about MG ZS 2024

MG ZS

The MG ZS 2025 is a 5-seater subcompact crossover that is available in the Philippines in three variants. MG ZS 2025 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.

MG ZS-T Trophy - Turbo Time! | Philkotse Reviews

>>> New and used Mg ZS 2025 for sale in the Philippines

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 exterior

MG ZS rear end

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 2025 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.

MG ZS dashboard

MG ZS seating

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 2025 Price List

Let's check out the MG ZS 2025 price 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 2025?

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 2025 MG ZS cost?

In the Philippines, the price of MG ZS 2025 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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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