2022 MG ZS-T debuts with new face, more tech, turbo power

Updated Oct 05, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

MG's subcompact crossover range now has a new top-spec variant in the Philippines. 

The ZS is MG Philippines’ most successful model to date since the carmaker introduced it to Filipino buyers in 2018, echoing the subcompact crossover’s esteemed status in other markets. Delivering a rich feature set and competitive pricing, the ZS became a hit with customers, with the marque’s British heritage serving as the icing on the cake.   

2022 MG ZS T front profile shot

The facelifted model on overseas markets arrives here as a top-spec variant for the ZS line

Three years after its local debut, the facelifted ZS breaks cover, in the form of the ZST Trophy variant. The automaker clearly was being careful not to mess around too much with the model’s proven formula, but it also brings enough tweaks to give the crossover a sportier character compared to its rather serious-looking predecessor.  

Exterior

There are minimal deviations from the other variants where the dimensions are concerned, with the Trophy standing just 9mm longer and 5mm higher while retaining the width and wheelbase. The most striking features are found outside on the fascia, as the new trim ditches the Stardust grille in favor of a larger Obsidian Matrix one set against a mesh design, complemented by an upsized lower air intake sporting a honeycomb pattern. 

MG ZST fascia

As the latest flagship trim level, the ZST Trophy sports a different fascia

Even the London Eye halogen projector headlamps have been streamlined and upgraded to full LEDs, and the fog lamps at the lower corners now get revised housings while still hovering over the faux skid plate. Visual elements on the profile remain the same, apart from the more dynamic-looking 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels. The changes continue at the back, where a pair of sleeker LED taillamps surround the tailgate. Despite the restyled integrated rear bumper giving the impression of twin exhaust tips surrounding the diffuser, the new Trophy actually sports a single tailpipe.  

Interior 

 Accommodations aboard the latest ZST Trophy are still good for up to five occupants, with leather-style seats featuring red stitching. Front seats feature built-in heating, with drivers getting 6-way power adjustment and front passengers having 4-way manual adjustment. There’s also ample cargo space behind the 60/40 split-fold rear bench. The cabin now features more soft-touch surfaces that enhance the vehicle’s premium impression. 

MG ZST interior

Retaining the wheelbase means that the new ZS variant still has the same interior space for up to five occupants

A panoramic sunroof continues to dominate the ceiling, letting enough ambient light through the glass to highlight the two-tone interior palette. The Trophy retains the flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel wrapped in leather, accompanied by multiple control stalks that many drivers find more intuitive than conventional setups. A deeper center console now surrounds the gearshift lever, with restyled physical buttons above doing away with the knobs on the outgoing version.

Tech & Safety   

Chief among the tech upgrades is a 10-inch multimedia touchscreen unit in the middle of the dashboard, trumping the 8-inch display on the older model. More smartphone users now get to benefit from the onboard connectivity as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now supported. A total of five USB ports are ready for use. The previously analog instrument panel has now kept up with the times, arriving in fully digital form. 

MG ZST 360 camera
A 360-degree camera array now comes to the ZS range

Default safety features such as six airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, stability control, and hill hold control have been carried over from the rest of the range. These are now enhanced by a 360-degree surround camera array complementing the parking sensors, as well as driver-assist features including lane change assist, rear cross-traffic assist, and rear driving assist. The conventional hand-actuated parking brake makes an exit in favor of an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function.   

Engine & Drivetrain

Buyers can now benefit from a new Euro 6-compliant turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder gasoline mill with dual-port injection, rated at 161 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque that represents a significant power increase over the old engine.

MG ZST transmission

The gearbox on the new ZST gains two more forward gears

A 6-speed automatic transmission with Sports and manual modes takes the place of the standard 4-speed torque converter slushbox. 

Pricing

2022 MG ZS T rear shot

2022 MG ZS-T

For the upgrades it brings, the 2022 MG ZST Trophy variant comes with a sticker price of Php 1,158,888. This includes the MG Care suite of aftersales services which include the standard warranty of five years or 100,000 kilometers, 24/7 roadside assistance, and MG’s Mobile Garage service. See it in the metal at all authorized MG dealerships.  

Get wind of more new additions to your favorite car models at Philkotse.com.

Know more about MG ZS 2024

MG ZS

The MG ZS 2023 is a 5-seater subcompact crossover that is available in the Philippines in four variants. MG ZS 2023 Philippines price is from Php 848,888 to Php 1,198,888. 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.

₱ 848,888 - ₱ 1,198,888

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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

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