The Arrival of 2025 MG ZS: A Sneak Peek into the Future of Automobiles

We’re almost there! The highly anticipated 2025 MG ZS is set to make its grand entrance next week. The Chinese automaker has already stirred up excitement by teasing a glimpse of its next-generation best-seller on social media ahead of its debut on August 28.

For the first time ever, MG Motor Australia gave us a sneak peek of the car’s front end, revealing the new ZS without any camouflage on its official Facebook page.

First Impressions: A Radical Redesign

The design of the new ZS is a game-changer. It breaks away from the design language of the current ZS and the facelifted ZST, adopting elements we’ve recently seen in the new HS and the compact MG 3 hatchback.

MG’s social media teaser video provides an even more detailed look at the new SUV, revealing its tail light and rear bumper design. Much like the current ZST, the new design incorporates exhaust tips into the lower valance, although it remains to be seen if they’re functional.

While there have been no interior images revealed yet, a heavily disguised ZS was recently spotted in Sydney, giving us a hint of massive updates inside the cabin. The new interior features a squared-off steering wheel, a T-bar shifter, and separated air vents positioned above a larger infotainment touchscreen.

Power Under the Hood: A Trio of 1.5-Litre Petrol Engines

Earlier this month, government documents unveiled that three 1.5-litre petrol engines have been approved for Australia: a naturally aspirated option, a turbocharged version, and a hybrid engine.

According to these documents, both non-hybrid powertrains will be paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The hybrid option, which is set to be sold as the MG ZS Hybrid+, is expected to consist of a 75kW petrol engine and a 100kW electric motor, combining for total system outputs of 158kW.

The same engine and electric motor combination have been used in the new MG 3 Hybrid+, where it generates up to 155kW in total and powers the front wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, the approval documents do not provide any additional details about the outputs of the ZS’s non-hybrid engines.

Non-Turbo 1.5-Litre Engine: A Proven Powerhouse

Currently, a non-turbo 1.5-litre engine powers the new MG 3 and MG 5 and is also available in the existing MG ZS and facelifted ZST. This engine produces between 81 and 84kW of power, and 142 and 150Nm of torque.

MG also offers a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine in the MG 5 and the outgoing HS, which develops 119kW and 250Nm in both models.

Launch Date: The Countdown Begins

The new MG ZS is scheduled to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2024 (October-December) with petrol power, before electric and hybrid variants follow in 2025.