“Offering the right product at the right price is crucial in a highly competitive market like South Africa. In that regard, MG’s formula is just right,” states Sky Zhang, General Manager for MG Motor South Africa.

• MG ZS:

“The ZS is the first of a raft of new models we will be launching. As an international bestseller with numerous awards across three continents under its belt, the ZS combines SUV practicality with a compact size and an affordable price tag. With over a million units sold, it features styling and driving controls refined in Britain to appeal to Western consumers, while boasting safety (standard with six airbags) and reliability in its DNA courtesy of its SAIC parent. This has resulted in a class-leading seven-year warranty that’s hailed as one of the best in the industry.”

Engines…

The range will consist of two variants, the Comfort and the Luxury, both with a 1.5-litre petrol- engine with a 4-speed Auto ‘box. The engine is good for 84kW / 150Nm with boot space of 359L / 1 166L.

Prices…

ZA Comfort (R289 900) and the ZS Luxury (R309 900).

• MG HS:

The HS is the second model in MG’s SUV model line-up. Premiering at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, from a sizing and status perspective, the HS has a distinctly high-end appeal without the associated high price. In its previous incarnation, it built up an enviable reputation for reliability and low running costs; this latest generation adds style and refinement to the mix.

The HS features the now-characteristic ultra-slim ‘hammer-head shark’ front design that first appeared on the groundbreaking MG4. It will be available with several powertrain options, including Hybrid variants. Initially, the HS will launch locally with the smooth and powerful 1.5-litre turbo engine as well as the just released 2.0-litre turbo powerplant. It recently received five stars in the latest Euro NCAP test.

Engines…

There will be two versions with two engine choices, a 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol / 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) with 125kW and 275Nm. The 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol / 9-speed Auto Transmission will deliver 170kW and 370Nm.

Prices…

HS Comfort 1.5T (R499 900), the HS Luxury 1.5T (R534 900), the HS Comfort 2.0T (R629 900) and the HS Luxury 2.0T (R665 900).

• Cyberster:

But the model that will reignite that classic MG passion is the remarkable all-electric Cyberster. It’s been described as a ‘thoroughly forward-thinking take’ on the traditional MG roadster and a fitting tribute to the pioneering sports cars that made MG a staple of the roadster market. As Sky notes, “MG needed something very special to celebrate its centenary, and the new Cyberster more than lives up to its sporting heritage.”

Regarding future model plans, Zhang is playing his cards close to his chest: “All I can say at this stage is that hatchbacks, hybrid and mainstream electric models are definitely on the cards for South Africa as we want our local customers to be able to access the latest in automotive innovation from MG.”

Power…

The Cyberster’s power comes from Dual electric motors (it is all-wheel drive) with 375kW to the front and 250kW at the rear and torque of 725Nm (250Nm front, 475Nm rear). Like a true sport car MG claims a 0 to100km time of just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 208km/h.

The lithium-ion battery capacity is 77kWh with a maximum AC charge rate of 7kW and maximum DC charge rate of 144kW. The driving range (WLTP) is a claimed 443km with and energy consumption (WLTP) of 19.1kWh/100km.

Price…

For the sporty fully electric Cyberster, you will have to fork out R1 399 900.