MG HS SUV now a sub-£22k hybrid

MG has started taking orders for the second-generation version of its popular MG ZS SUV, which will now be a hybrid model priced from under £22,000.

The ZS, MG’s second largest-selling car in its previous combustion-engined form and not to be confused with the brand’s ZS EV full-electric model, has undergone a major revamp, with a new exterior and interior design and a substantial update in its technology.

The hybrid powertrain combines a 102hp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 136hp/250Nm traction motor for a combined output of 196hp. The 1.83kWh high-voltage battery is recharged by a 45kW generator.

All of which means a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, and savings in fuel consumption and emissions – WLTP-certified combined cycle economy is 55.4mpg with CO₂ emissions of 115g/km, which means a benefit-in-kind tax rate of 28% in the next two years.

The new ZS is on sale in two trim levels dubbed SE and Trophy, with the SE starting from at £21,995 – significantly undercutting several hybrid rivals, and the range-topping Trophy priced from £24,495. Both include MG’s 7-year/80,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty.

Standard equipment on both models includes full LED lighting front and rear, a 12.3-inch HD infotainment display with navigation and live services, a 7-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry.

Both also get the MG Pilot safety and driver assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist.

Extras on the Trophy include a bespoke 18-inch alloy wheel design, rear privacy glass, leather-style upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel,  a six-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a 360-degree surround view camera.