MG ZS Pro launched in South Africa: Here's what you get for your money

Chinese-owned British brand MG is plugging an important gap in its line-up with the introduction of the new ZS Pro compact SUV, which is launching in South Africa this week.

The MG ZS Pro doesn’t replace the current ZS model, which soldiers on as a value leader with its starting price of R289,900. Instead it slots between the older model and the more premium HS SUV, which starts at R499,900.

So how much for the new model? The new ZS Pro will be available in two variants, with the 1.5T Comfort retailing at R397,600 and the 1.5T Luxury coming in at R431,500.

The ZS Pro is significantly larger than the ZS, with overall length having grown from 4,314mm to 4,430mm, making it larger than the Chery Tiggo Cross but marginally smaller than the Toyota Corolla Cross and Haval Jolion. MG claims a boot volume of 443 litres.

Both ZS Pro models are powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that produces 125kW and 275Nm, with power going to the front wheels through a CVT gearbox with ‘stepped’ gear change simulations. A hybrid version is available in overseas markets, but that has not been confirmed for South Africa.

The Comfort base version ships with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera, a 7.0-inch partially digital instrument cluster, cruise control, single-zone climate control, and push-button start. Key safety features include front and side airbags, ESP stability control, and traction control.

Moving up to the Luxury model, standard features now comprise 18-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch touchscreen, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, 360-view camera, intelligent headlight control, and folding door mirrors. 

The top spec also adds driver assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information system, Lane Keeping System, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Warranty and service plan information have not been released as yet, but the MG ZS Pro is likely to mimic other MG models in offering a seven-year or 200,000km warranty.

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