New MG ZS due next year with petrol and electric power – report

The next generation of the MG ZS – the cheapest small SUV in Australia – is due to be unveiled in the first half of next year, with the option of electric power to follow, according to a new report.

UK publication Autocar reports confirmation from MG 'business unit' general manager Lu Jiajun that a new ZS petrol SUV will be shown in the first half of 2024, replacing today's model introduced in 2017.

It will reportedly be followed by an electric version, which Autocar speculates will migrate to the same MSP (or Nebula) electric-car platform as the new MG 4 electric hatch.

However the petrol version is unlikely to be as affordable as the current model, which is priced from $23,990 drive-away in ZS Excite form locally – or $26,990 drive-away for the better-equipped ZST Core.

The current MG ZS Excite is not fitted with key advanced safety technology, including autonomous emergency braking – which is now mandatory for all new-generation vehicles introduced in Australia.

The ZST receives this technology – as well as other advanced safety extras – so it is more expensive.

Australian arrival timing is yet to be outlined, however MG Australia boss Peter Ciao told media that – in addition to the new MG 3, an updated HS mid-size SUV and the Cyberster electric sports car – the company would launch "one more SUV" locally next year.

The Chinese-owned car maker has committed to updating and introducing new generations of its petrol-powered vehicles as "many global markets still favour traditional vehicles," the top MG executive reportedly said.

"MG’s plans roughly look like this: in the first half of the year, the existing [petrol] fuel vehicle products will be strengthened; in the second half of the year, we will focus on electric models."

Also due next year is the next generation of the MG 3 city hatch – reportedly planned to adopt hybrid power – as well as an interior overhaul for the MG 4, and a new Australia-bound flagship electric SUV to replace the Marvel R sold in Europe.

Autocar also references "a significant [facelift] of the petrol-engined 5 estate," though this may be referring to the MG 5 petrol sedan sold in Australia and China, as the only MG 5 wagon available globally is electric-only.

Little is known about the new MG ZS, however it is likely to adopt the company's latest petrol-car design language – as seen on the new MG 3 – and minimalist interior layout.

It remains to be seen if it uses a revised version of its predecessor's ageing underpinnings, or adopts an all-new architecture – which may increase costs further.

It was previously expected the new ZS would be electric-only – on the MG 4's platform – but it now appears this will not be the case.