MG is back in South Africa, with the local arm of the British automaker, which is now owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC, announcing its initial model range. Here’s what you can expect…
MG Cyberster
Before we get to the other two models in MG’s initial local product portfolio, let’s take a look at the British marque’s halo offering — the Cyberster. Striking, isn’t it? What’s more, locally, it is exclusively available in range-topping level of specification.
Indeed, whereas the Cyberster is also offered with a single, rear-mounted (250 kW/475 N.m) electric motor, which drives the aft axle, in select overseas markets, in Mzansi, it is exclusively available in (more powerful!) dual electric motor guise. Generating 375 kW and 725 N.m of torque, MG claims this (all-wheel-drive) model sprints to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 3.2 seconds, two seconds quicker than its rear-wheel-drive sibling, before topping out at 208 km/h.
According to the brand, the 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with which this Cyberster is equipped allows for an emissions-free range of 443 km (on the WLTP cycle) on a single full charge. The energy consumption is rated at 19.1 kWh/100 km. The Cyberster is priced from R1 399 900.
MG HS
MG’s foray into the local midsize-SUV segment, the HS model line-up comprises a quartet of variants, available with the choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engine options: a 125 kW/275 N.m 1.5-litre unit sending drive to the front axle via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a 170 kW/370 N.m 2.0-litre powertrain coupled with a nine-speed self-shifter. Two levels of specification are on offer, Comfort and Luxury. The HS range is priced from R499 900 to R665 900.
MG ZS
Billed as a chunky compact crossover/SUV, the MG ZS is the opening gambit to MG’s local product portfolio. Comprising a duo of models, the ZS range is priced from R289 900 (for the Comfort derivative) to R309 900 (for the variant specified in Luxury trim grade). A single engine option — exclusively coupled with a four-speed automatic cog swapper, which drives the front wheels — is employed across the line-up. The 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol unit produces 84 kW and 150 N.m of torque. MG claims an average fuel consumption figure of 7.1 L/100 km.
