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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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