All-new MG ZS Pro Luxury Driven

The MG ZS Pro is a newcomer to the South African new car market. It is part of the growing portfolio on offer from the rejuvenated MG brand.

MG Motors made a re-entry into the South African market early in 2025. The British marque had been absent for a number of years in the local context. However, the new parent company, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, or SAIC Motor, wanted a slice of the ever-accepting SA new-car sales pie. As a result it launched its rejuvenated line-up with three, never-seen-in-SA models.

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The list included a the range-leading Cyberster, which is a powerful EV roadster. A large SUV called the HS led the family car listing. Entry point into (new) MG ownership was provided by the ZS. A hatchback called the MG3, launched a few months ago, added more variety to the mix. And the most recent addition is called the ZS Pro. The latter is the subject of this review.

Sharper looks

The MG ZS Pro is essentially the second generation of the ZS nameplate. The ZS was the first of its name. However, it has been discontinued in most markets. But MG Motor SA wanted to offer a small crossover at an extremely competitive (sub-R300k) price, and the first-gen version was just that. The Pro version is a ‘replacement’ for the ZS, which, we guess, will be phased out eventually.

With the familial lines in mind one can see the resemblance between the two models. The ZS Pro is the more modern looking of the pair, with rakish lines and a sharper headlamp motif. The large central air intake and large ‘MG’ octagon badge on the nose help to announce itself over other Chinese products. Swage lines down the flanks are unique. We see a hint of Hyundai iX35 about the taillamps. The ZS Pro is also closer in appearance to the larger HS. The newer car is sharper and more tailored in its overall aesthetic. It won’t stand out too much from the sea of small SUVs on our roads today, but the overall appearance is appealing.

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Modernised Interior

The modernised aesthetic continues into the cabin. The cabin design feels well resolved and clean. Dark colours are the order of the day, from the facia to the faux leather upholstery. Ahead of the driver is a ‘multi-sided’ steering wheel that shrouds a digital instrument cluster. The driver can set it to display info as required, although we couldn’t quite get it to stick to our preferred screen. MG’s design team has chosen to fit the touchscreen infotainment system flush with the facia. It is a look we prefer over those systems that sit proud of the dashboard.

The touchscreen contains all controls, including the HVAC system. Incidentally, the aircon system is electronically controlled, but it isn’t a climate control set-up. So you can’t set it and leave it to manage the cabin temp. Thankfully, accessing most functionality is a quick process that doesn’t require too much digging within the menus. Physical buttons for the volume are sited just below. The systems does possess Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. In addition there are various USB (A and C) ports front and rear of the cabin.

Roomier than Expected

As we do with all cars on review, we set the electrically adjustable driver’s chair to our ideal driving position and jumped into the seat directly behind. The MG ZS Pro surprised with a great deal of legroom, feeling more spacious than its exterior dimensions suggest. That sense of space is amplified by the standard (in Luxury trim) panoramic roof. The MG ZS Pro has grown 45 mm in length and 30 mm in width with an extra 20 mm of wheelbase. As a result it feels significantly larger that the ZS. Even the boot volume feels substantial.

One Powertrain

MG offers the ZS Pro with a 1,5-litre turbocharged engine. It is similar to the engine fitted to the larger HS SUV. This is in contrast to the naturally aspirated unit in the ZS. However, it is worth noting that the engine is mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the Pro, as opposed to the dual-clutch unit in the HS. The engine does a good job of powering the compact body. Throttle and brake pedal responses are well calibrated and progressive in operation. In-gear acceleration feels more than adequate, although we could do with less ‘drone’ from the CVT under full throttle overtakes. MG quotes a mixed cycle fuel figure of 6,9L/100 km. We achieved 7,8, admittedly a lot of that was us in a hurry.

One of the more pleasantly surprising aspects of the ZS Pro is its cushy ride quality. The range-leading ‘Luxury’ rides on 18-inch alloys. The car seemed to absorb pretty much every road imperfection in its stride without transmitting the bulk into the cabin. It’s a real testament to a car’s dynamic repertoire when you don’t notice the ride quality.

Summary

MG has made a great re-entry to the SA market, providing a variety of models for new buyers and old fans to shoose from. We took note of many ZS versions on the roads while driving the ZS Pro. This speaks to a level of acceptance from the market. The ZS is the budget option, whereas the Pro takes the nameplate decidedly upmarket.

It is a good product that is competitively priced against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Honda HR-V and VW T-Cross. While these are price competitors, the MG ZS does feel larger in size, offers more standard specification and loads more power from a larger engine. As a result the MG ZS Pro is a compelling alternative to these established brands.

Model: MG ZS Pro Luxury
Price: R431 500
Engine: 1,5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol
Transmission: CVT, FWD
Max power: 125 kW
Max torque: 275 N.m
0-100 km/h: 8,5 sec
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 6,9 L/100 km (7,8 during review period)