Here’s how MG is making its marque in the 21st century.
MG is quite the brand on the move right now, both here and in Australia, where it stands to make significant gains against super-giant Toyota in the Yaris/Light car segment.
But that’s in Australia, where Toyota is doing some rather odd things. Not the same in New Zealand, but that doesn’t mean MG isn’t making tracks in this country.
In fact, figures show MG with over 1000 units registered YTD making it one of the top performers in the three-digit registrations list, of which there are 16 players out of 49 manufacturers represented.
To be in among that list, you must be doing something right, and MG certainly seems to be doing it, and with a high degree of consistency as evidenced by the number of products which have allowed the brand to rocket up the registration tables.
So what is it about the ZS T which makes it the favourite of NZ Company Vehicle? At time of writing, we hadn’t driven the PHEV.
We had driven the pure electric model and it does represent the best value for money EV in the country while being a very pleasant, practical and enjoyable drive, but for the traditionalist driver, the ZS T ticks all the boxes.
In addition to being quiet, athletic and well-specified, the ZS T is a particularly well sorted small to mid-sized (physically speaking. In terms of engine, it is a small) SUV, which doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t – and is priced accordingly.
I think perhaps the model designation was the thing which caught me. This is the ZS T, and all a writer need do is insert a little vowel and you get an MG ZeST, which aptly describes the performance of the engine.
The MG is powered by a feisty little 1.3-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, aided and abetted by a turbocharger to make the most of the athletic acceleration rather than contributing to the maximum power and torque output of the triple banger.
Actually, looking at the torque figures, the maximum torque output is reached at the stupidly low engine speed of 1800rpm across a wide band to 4400rpm, which means the driving force is on tap pretty much from the moment the throttle foot goes down.
What’s even better, the engaging response from the ZS T engine is available throughout all of the six gears making up the transmission and for drivers, you happily get to experience this at random times – when you think about it.
The ZS T also gave NZ Company Vehicle its first introduction to the MG Pilot system. This is a collection of driver safety aids which may come as a surprise, given the vehicle’s RRP.
MG Pilot incorporates adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, intelligent speed limiter, traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, speed assistance system, active emergency braking lane keep assist, blind spot detection and intelligent headlamp control.
It does have to be said that some elements of MG Pilot are a little – hmm, over-enthusiastic – but it’s better to be safe than sorry as the saying goes.
And the MG Pilot is an additional safety net, bolstering the already impressive complement of safety features which has seen the MG ZS T start its ANCAP rating in 2017 with four stars.
It hasn’t been re-tested, but for the 2017 report, the vehicle didn’t have MG Pilot, which addresses the largest number of safety feature omissions.
While MG Pilot may be the superstar, but it is backed up with the standard fare of six airbags, ABS, emergency brake assist, ESP, active cornering braking control, and hill launch assist.
So, it has everything you might expect of a contemporary, and familiar brand of SUV. What about the ride quality?
The ZS T handles extremely well with a well-considered wheelbase and track providing a very stable platform for the well bolstered and roomy seats which take nothing away from the cargo carrying capacity of the family-friendly SUV.
Oh, and we shouldn’t forget to mention the panoramic sunroof, which amplifies the feeling of space in a well-appointed cabin.
Alright, it’s not an MG as your father or grandfather might have known it, but the ZS T – along with its stablemates – is looking to champion the brand into the 21st century and for me, personally, the ZS T is the MG for traditionalists moving forward.
Specifications:
BODY TYPE 5 door SUV
DRIVE Front wheel / 6 speed auto
ENGINE TYPE 3-cylinder, direct injection, turbo petrol
ENGINE CAPACITY 1298cc
MAX POWER 115kW
MAX TORQUE 230Nm
L/100KM (COMBINED) 6.8
CO2 EMISSIONS Euro 5
LOAD CAPACITY 359 to 1187 litres
ANCAP RATING Not tested
PRICE $33,990
