MG Motor South Africa has unleashed its latest contender in the compact SUV space: the new ZS Pro. At the heart of this launch is a 1,5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine, delivering 125 kW and 275 Nm of torque—numbers that certainly give it credence at power-sapping Reef altitude.
The ZS Pro line-up starts at R397 600 for the Comfort trim, with the more premium Luxury grade coming in at R431 500. This pricing squarely targets a market segment where value and features can make or break a vehicle’s success.
From a business perspective, MG’s decision to equip the ZS Pro with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger is a clear signal of intent: the brand is not interested in just showing up—they want to compete on performance and efficiency.
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The CVT automatic transmission, while sometimes divisive among enthusiasts, is a practical choice for city driving and daily commutes, offering smoothness and ease of use.
On a brief launch drive, I was impressed with the smoothness of the CVT and the fact MG has built in artificial ‘steps’ to make it feel more like a conventional auto box. Equally, although there is some turbo lag the throttle modulation issue that is common to all Chinese 1,5-litre models is much less pronounced and the car pulls off smoothly.
The claimed 0-100 km/h time of 8,5 seconds is competitive, and a combined fuel consumption of 6,9 l/100 km should appeal to cost-conscious buyers, especially with fuel prices being what they are. What is noteworthy is how the ZS Pro stacks up against established players.
With 125 kW and 275 Nm on tap, it outpaces key competitors like the Hyundai Kona 1.0T Turbo, Haval Jolion 1.5T Ultra, and Kia Seltos 1.5T—not by small margins, either. On the road it quickly got up to speed and there was still enough on offer to make overtaking straightforward.
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Fitted with a multi-function steering wheel with straight-edge top and bottom, the grip is comfortable and the response quick, sure and positive.
Sky Zhang, MG’s General Manager for South Africa, has made it clear the ZS Pro is more than just another product launch—it is a statement of commitment to the local market. By focusing on features and tech that appeal to upwardly mobile, tech-savvy consumers, MG is aiming to build loyalty and trust in a country where brand reputation can be hard-won.
Design and practicality have not been left behind either. The ZS Pro sports a refreshed exterior with a bold grille and distinctive LED lighting, which helps it stand out in a crowded segment. The increase in overall dimensions translates into a more spacious cabin—a real advantage for families or professionals who need room for both passengers and cargo.
With the rear seats folded, the boot expands to a generous 1 457 litres, making it one of the more versatile options in its class. Inside, the tech focus is obvious. The dual-screen setup—12,3 inches in Luxury and 10,25 in Comfort—puts connectivity front and centre, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (although by cable only at this point).
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The Luxury grade gets the full MG Pilot suite: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection—features that used to be reserved for far pricier vehicles. Even the entry-level Comfort model includes essentials like a reverse camera, parking sensors, Electronic Stability Program, and Hill Hold Control.
On the engineering front, the ZS Pro’s chassis is tuned by MG’s UK-based team, using a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear setup. This provides a solid balance between comfort and handling, which is crucial given the state of South African roads. It is a practical approach to local adaptation, rather than just importing a global model without tweaks.
MG is offering: a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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