The new MG ZS will make you love affordable hybrids!

MG has teased its new SUV ZS, which will be officially presented on August 28th. Hybrid, and nothing but hybrid at a very low price.

The ZS is a unique case in the current MG range, as it encompasses two vehicles with radically different philosophies under the same name. First, there is the gasoline-engine ZS which can be found for less than 15,000 euros in Europe, particularly in Spain. An absolutely incredible value for money that has allowed it to outpace well-established models like the Renault Clio and the Dacia Sandero in several markets.

Next, there is the fully electric MG ZS EV currently offered by MG France at 259 euros per month with no down payment. At this price, you get a “small” 51 kWh battery that ensures up to 320 km of range. With 176 horsepower underfoot and 280 Nm of torque, it offers excellent dynamics thanks to its weight of 1570 kg, a particularly impressive score for an electric SUV, which is also derived from a thermal model. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and boasts a generous top speed of 175 km/h, which is more than sufficient nowadays.

The best of both worlds

You understand, the current ZS is, on one side, a nice thermal SUV at a ridiculously low price, and on the other, a reasonable and particularly relevant electric offering. So MG seems to have thought: “What if we took the best of each to create a single model?” The badge “ZS HEV” leaves no doubt that the new model will be hybrid, logically equipped with the same powertrain as the MG3 Hybrid+. This opens up the possibility of a purely thermal version for markets that only swear by internal combustion.

Under the hood, we will find a small 1.5 l gasoline engine with 75 kW (102 hp) paired with a 100 kW (137 hp) electric motor. This architecture slightly shifts the balance between the two powertrains that previously favored the thermal one. Ultimately, a generous output of 195 hp is provided.

We thus have a more economical and modern MG ZS EHV than the MG ZS, and more powerful and cheaper than the MG ZS EV. Thank you, hybridization! We will know a bit more on August 28th, but shall we bet on a price of 200 euros per month?

ALSO READ: New MG EHS, the best of hybrid at a low price