All-new MG ZS arriving on August 28th with hybrid power

• All-new generation of MG ZS small SUV
• No longer available as an EV
• Full reveal on 28th August

We’ve been given our first teaser of the all-new MG ZS, the upcoming small SUV from the British-Chinese car maker. The shadowy picture of the new model recently appeared online, along with an official reveal date of the 28th of August, meaning we have just one week to wait until MG pulls off the covers.

While many specific details are yet to be confirmed, we know that the new model will replace the petrol powered MG ZS when it arrives later this year. The MG ZS EV, the firm’s only electric SUV, is set to be replaced by a separate model at a later date. Both cars will join MG’s recent run of new models, including the MG HS, MG3 and Cyberster.

What do we know so far about the new MG ZS?

We can’t see much in the teaser image other than the front end design of the new MG ZS. It’s a similar look to the MG3 hatchback and MG HS SUV, complete with a wide, gaping grille and pointy headlights. What appears to be a faux skid plate sits below the front bumper in a contrasting silver colour, perhaps helping the small SUV appear a bit more rugged. The rest of the car will be revealed later this month, but we think the new ZS is shaping up to be a sharper looking machine than before. 

Elsewhere in the image is a very telling clue about the engine fitted to the new MG ZS. The front plate proudly reads “ZS HEV”, confirming that the new model will be a hybrid electric vehicle. This aligns with our recent conversation with MG UK’s Head of Product and Planning, David Allison, who revealed that the new ZS would share its self-charging hybrid engine with the MG3 Hybrid.

The hatchback’s hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre petrol engine, paired to an electric motor and 1.83kWh battery. An identical setup is expected to find its way into the ZS, although it remains to be seen whether the MG3’s 192bhp and 64.2mpg figures will be carried over, too. We do know that a pure-petrol MG ZS will be offered further down the line, most likely at a more affordable price point.

Unlike the current MG ZS, an all-electric version won’t be offered. Instead, all ZS models will use a combustion engine of some sort, whether they’re hybrid or pure-petrol. However, a replacement for the electric MG ZS EV is in the works, rumoured to be based on the popular MG4 hatchback.

The interior of the new MG ZS is still a mystery, but it will introduce a clean-sheet design with a host of tech upgrades over the outgoing car – we’ll have to wait until the 28th of August for our first look.

How much will the new MG ZS cost and when can I buy one?

Prices will be unveiled in due course, but the MG ZS has always been the brand’s most affordable SUV, competing with the likes of the Dacia Duster and Citroen C3 Aircross. We don’t expect that ethos to change, but a price rise is likely due to the new hybrid tech. The outgoing petrol-powered MG HS starts from just over £18,000, so the new hybrid model will probably creep closer to £25,000. The new petrol ZS could cost somewhere around £20,000.

The full reveal of the MG ZS is scheduled for August 28th, and the first examples are expected to reach UK dealerships by October this year.

The new MG ZS is expected to offer great value for money – find out about the best cheap cars you buy today…