The new MG ZS is launching first as a hybrid, but petrol engines are around the corner and one packs more of a punch than before.
Petrol-powered ZS models are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2025, following showroom arrivals of the ZS Hybrid+ range this month.
Government approval documents show the ZS range will be offered with three powertrains in total, including the 158kW/465Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid that has already been detailed.
Slotting in underneath this will be an 81kW naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder, as well as a 125kW turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder.
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2025 MG ZS Hybrid+
The documents show both will use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), though torque outputs aren’t listed. Braked and unbraked towing capacity is 500kg across the range.
According to the documents, the naturally aspirated engine will be offered across two variants, while the turbo will be offered in a single variant.
Model codes on the documents suggest both engines could be offered in top-spec Essence trim, while the entry-level engine will additionally be offered in Core or Excite trim.
The new-generation ZS replaces not only the outgoing ZS, but also the ZST that was launched in 2020 as a more expensive, visually updated model with a much more comprehensive array of safety equipment.
The outgoing ZS is offered exclusively with a 84kW/150Nm naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four mated to a four-speed auto, while the ZST swaps the four-speed for a CVT while also offering an available 1.3-litre turbo three-pot with 115kW and 230Nm.
The new base engine, therefore, loses a little bit of power while the new turbo engine gains a cylinder and another 10kW.
MG’s HS also uses a turbo 1.5-litre four with 125kW. This larger SUV produces 275Nm of torque, though it features a seven-speed dual-clutch auto instead of a CVT.
The ZS’ new entry-level engine may be shared with the MG 3, with which it shares a platform. In the hatchback, the 1.5-litre also produces 81kW, as well as 142Nm of torque.
It remains to be seen how close the new ZS will come to the old one in price.
The ZS Excite is priced at $22,990 before on-road costs, while the ZST range opens at $25,490 before on-roads. The new ZS Hybrid+ range, in contrast, opens at $33,990 drive-away.
The new-generation MG 3, launched earlier this year, brought with it a major upgrade in terms of technology and standard safety kit but also a significant price increase over the old model.
MG says there’s enough stock of the outgoing ZS and ZST to tide it over until the new petrol-powered models arrive.
“Production has ceased of the ZS and the ZST. We still have stock around that will see us through to probably – depending on the demand obviously – January and February next year,” MG Motor Australia chief commercial officer Giles Belcher told Australian media earlier this month.
Outgoing ZS 
Outgoing ZST
“So we expect a pretty seamless changeover from petrol to petrol.”
While the new ZS is replacing the outgoing ZS and ZST, the current ZS EV is also being replaced in 2025 but by an entirely different vehicle.
Due in the second quarter of 2025, MG’s new ES5 SUV will be its small electric SUV offering in Australia. This shares its dedicated EV platform with the MG 4.
MORE: Everything MG ZS
