MG is riding the wave with multiple launches planned for 2021. Yesterday itself, MG unveiled the ZS EV in the updated form. There were a fair few additions to the interior and features, along with a new battery pack and better range. ZS EV has been the second highest-selling EV in the country after the Tata Nexon EV. Fresh from this, MG has planned to go all out in 2021, with the Creta and Seltos-rival ZS in petrol guise, likely to launch very soon. Now, taking on the highest-selling SUV in the country in Creta is so mean task. Add to that, the competition from Kia Seltos and upcoming VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq directly assaulting the mid-size SUV segment. It certainly will be challenging for all these products to compete against the already so popular and feature-rich Creta and Seltos. But what transpires in this segment, remains to be seen. At the moment, however, we have some spy images of the ZS and let us talk through what is expected from the ZS.
Also read: Updated MG ZS EV unveiled – New prices, battery and features!
MG ZS – Exterior and Interior
Now, we have seen the concept ZS in flesh and in overall externals dimensions and interiors it will not be that far away from the ZS EV. Therefore, we have a fair bit of idea about what to expect from MG in terms of the looks. It will resemble both the internationally updated ZS and the ZS EV. This means that the LED Headlamps and DRLs will be a bit sharper and the bumpers will most likely be redesigned for the front as well for the rear. The typical MG front grille with chrome dots may be provided with the ZS like on the Hector. The alloys might well be along the lines of the concept at the Auto Expo 2020. The overall dimensions will be identical to the ZS EV.
Also read: Tata Nexon EV vs MG ZS EV – Subscription model comparison!
The interiors of the MG ZS petrol will not be much different than the ZS EV. There might be a larger 10.25-inch Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System on offer. It is very clear from the spy shots as well, that the ZS petrol will get a larger panoramic sunroof. As with the ZS EV, MG will equip the ICE variant with their connected car tech app with multiple functions as we have witnessed in the Hector. There might be differences on the dashboard of ZS in comparison to ZS EV. Apart from that, it will continue with Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Voice Command, as in the ZS EV.
Also read: MG Hector and Hector Plus (6 and 7-seater) launched! – All you need to know!
MG ZS – Engine, Prices and Competition
India will see the petrol-only variants because of BS6 emission regulations. The diesel engines are not affordable enough at the moment to feature in a car of this segment. Internationally, the ZS comes with 3 petrol engine options. There is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit which makes 106 hp and 141 Nm, 1.3-litre turbo petrol making 125 hp and 230 Nm and 1.0-litre turbo petrol producing 111 hp and 160 Nm. We can expect a naturally aspirated and a turbo engine for our market at the least. The transmission options might include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic option. Which engine-gearbox combinations make it to India, remains to be seen.
In the MG’s Indian lineup, the MG sits below the Hector range which makes it a direct rival of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. This is a highly competitive and popular segment in India currently, which is why MG is trying to get into this space. If MG succeeds in this segment, then the MG brand will have a very strong foundation in the Indian automobile market and the future will become easier here.
Image Source: Indianautosblog
