If you'd ask me to use one word to describe the MG ZS, I probably would say "surprise", because you'd think a car looking sharply as this would easily break the million peso mark, but you'd be wrong. You also probably wouldn't know what an MG is but that wouldn't surprise me anymore. So let me start by giving you a brief background on the matter.
MG is a British icon for the better part of a century, the MG badge has been synonymous with cars that excite, inspire, and are a delight to drive. From the first Super Sports model that was produced in the UK in 1924, up to today's modern, global releases, MG vehicles tap into the natural joy that comes with driving. Having produced such distinctive British heritage, MG became the true definition of a true quintessential British sports car. Present times, MG is now owned by Chinese company SAIC Motor Corporation, an automotive design and manufacturing company headquartered in Shanghai.
MG has basically been selling cars in the Philippines for quite some time now, although it's been a slow process, you can very well see an increase abundance of MG cars on public roads, mainly the ZS. There’s no doubt the MG brand is making its presence known in the Philippines and whilst no one would argue it has a long way to go before it could ever be considered a mainstream player in the local landscape, there’s certainly plenty to appreciate about modern MG's, aside from the tempting drive-away prices on offer.
With compact SUVs now bigger business than ever, what better way for MG to increase its profile than to launch a rival to the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Rush and Honda BR-V? It's fair to say that, although many will recognise the history of the octagonal MG badge, the Chinese-owned brand has struggled for mainstream acceptance in recent years. With the ZS it hopes to firmly establish itself as a maker of cars with more to them than just a low sticker price. But is this family crossover truly cheerful as well as cheap? Starting at Php 818,000 it certainly is a good deal.
EXTERIOR
Designed by a team under SAIC design, this isn't a bad looking car, although it is utterly generic of these mid-sized SUVs. it's hard to overlook the similarity between the ZS' nose treatment and that of the Mazda CX-3, but this lack of originality isn't necessarily a bad thing. All too often car companies proceed too far down the road to wackiness; instead, the MG ZS is entirely contemporary, with strong hints of European design from the rear three-quarters. It's derivative, perhaps, but certainly doesn't look like it came from the bargain basement.
INTERIOR
Pleasingly, the interior marks considerable progress from earlier MG models, with an up-to-date look and sensible layout that incorporates all the features that crossover buyers expect. Inside it also feels large, airy and pleasant, even if the fabrics and materials feel slightly odd.
Cruise control and Bluetooth with Apple Car Play, for instance, are standard across the range, as are LED daytime running lights and tail-lights. The driving position isn't bad, but the steering wheel adjusts for rake but not reach. The seats are comfortable and views out are good, although not the extremities of the bodywork - Alpha trim provides a rear camera and parking sensors as standard.
There's decent storage space and in the back you'll fit three adults across, touching shoulders yes, but with plenty of head and leg room. At 448 litres the boot is big for the class, its floor has two positions and the rear seats fold 60/40 per cent on to their squabs so there's a not-quite-flat load bed and 1,375 litres of volume.
ENGINE
The ZS boasts a 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine that produces 114 HP and 150 Nm of torque. The engine is also mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission that shifts delicately in Drive, but in Sport mode, the torque converter clutch unlocks, allowing for more revs. Thus set, 0-100 kph comes up in 12.8 secs. Not bad, considering this crossover’s nearly 1.3 ton curb weight.
DRIVE
Ride and handling are a mixed bag. While the steering is quite direct and precise, there’s little outright finesse in the chassis. The suspension is not overly firm, yet often hops up and down over bumpy country roads and urban streets.
Road holding is adequate even if there is a fair bit of body roll and the ZS is a fairly solid-feeling thing to pilot down a twisty road. MG has also provided a Dynamic steering mode (there’s also an Urban and Normal setting) although most drivers will find that it feels artificially heavy.
The ride quality over small sharp bumps isn't bad, but mid-range bumps are felt and heard, and it never quite settles down on smooth motorway-quality roads, which can make it a bit tiring for long distances. I also have a bit of a chafe towards the squeaking coming from the panoramic sun roof.
VERDICT
The MG ZS is an undeniably cheap car and MG should be applauded for going headfirst into such a fiercely-contested sector of the market. Practicality and comfort are certainly in the ZS' favour, while attractive pricing and inoffensive looks do nothing to weaken its case. The ZS seems highly likely to double MG sales, although it will remain a bit of a player in this most popular market, even if it is a warning shot to other manufacturers who seek to rely solely on their good names.
MG has an enviable reliability record and its dealers look after their customers. The ZS is a perfectly acceptable and actually quite likeable car - the Chinese aren't coming, they are here right now and they're making pretty good cars.
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