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Carsales Staff26 May 2021
NEWS

MG ZST range expanded

Popular small SUV range gets two new ZST variants with a lower starting price, but they lack turbo power

The strong-selling MG ZS small SUV range has been bolstered by the addition of two new ZST variants, lowering the price of the more sophisticated ZST model to $25,490 drive-away.

However, there are $500 price hikes for the pre-existing two ZST variants (Excite and Essence), and the new ZST variants (Core and Vibe) miss out on their more powerful 115kW/230Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.

Instead, the new MG ZST Core and Vibe, which replace the MG ZS Excite Plus and Essence (powered by a 82kW/160Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and six-speed auto), come with the same non-turbo 84kW/150Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the entry-level ZS Excite, which continues to open the range at $21,990 drive-away.

To distinguish the two ZST engine variants, badging for the Core and Vibe is different to the Excite and Essence, with the ‘T’ part of the badge coloured black for naturally-aspirated variants and red for turbo versions.

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The MG ZS EV continues to top a six-variant MG ZS range, which remains exclusively front-wheel drive and auto-only. The new ZST Core and Vibe variants are available to order now, ahead of first deliveries in June, and if all that confuses you, check out the price table below.

Aided by keen pricing and MG Motor Australia’s seven-year/unlimited-km warranty, the MG ZS has been a smash hit since it arrived in Australia in late 2017, where the former British brand was relaunched under the stewardship of Chinese auto conglomerate SAIC via the MG 3 and MG 6 in 2016.

While the MG 3 has gone to the top of the light-car sales chart, the ZS baby SUV now accounts for 12.4 per cent of the mainstream small SUV segment and is out-sold only by the Mitsubishi ASX.

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The MG ZS is based on the same platform as the MG GS mid-size SUV, which was replaced by the MG HS in 2019, while the newer ZST introduced in September 2020 incorporates fundamental upgrades that would normally constitute a major midlife makeover.

Although all ZS variants except the five-star EV come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating from 2017, they all come standard with the comprehensive MG Pilot safety and a 10.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Like the base MG ZS Excite, the new MG ZST Core and Vibe both come with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that consumes 6.9L/100km but is matched with a continuously variable transmission rather than a four-speed auto to drive the front wheels.

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Both new ZST models score an MG ‘Exclusive’ high-gloss grille and high-gloss fog light surrounds, door mirrors with integrated turn signal, side sill extensions and rear diffuser.

They also come standard with keyless entry and push-button start, 17-inch alloy wheels, 360-degree camera, LED headlights and tail-lights, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger, centre front armrest, four-speaker sound, leather steering wheel trim and

In addition, the new ZST Vibe features two-tone machined alloy wheels, six-speaker sound, rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, inbuilt satellite-navigation, PVC seat trim and high-gloss black bumper inserts and side sills.

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As a reminder, apart from a more powerful 1.3-litre turbo engine consuming 7.1L/100km, the pre-existing ZST Excite adds red brake calipers and ‘leatherette’ seat and armrest trim.

And the top-shelf ZST Essence gains a panoramic ‘Stargazer’ sunroof, full digital instrument cluster, red embossed MG logos on the front head restraints, heated front seats, power driver’s seat adjustment and 17-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels with a different design.

Brighton Blue, Diamond Red and Sloane Silver paint colours cost $500 extra.

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“It’s pleasing to see the strong reception of the MG ZST since arriving in Australian showrooms late last year,” said MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO, Peter Ciao.

“Our current line-up has been widely embraced and rated by our customers as a premium and stylish compact SUV that’s built to standout on Australian roads.

“The introduction of the MG ZST Core and Vibe will offer a new level of refinement and value to the segment. We’ve listened to our customers and provided an impressive list of features in the new MG ZST variants that are usually only available in the premium segment.”  

How much does the 2021 MG ZS cost?
ZS Excite 1.5 (a) – $21,990 (unchanged)
ZST Core 1.5 (a) – $25,490 (replaces ZS Excite Plus 1.0)
ZST Vibe 1.5 (a) – $26,990 (replaces ZS Essence 1.0)
ZST Excite 1.3 (a) – $29,990 (up $500)
ZST Essence 1.3 (a) – $32,990 (up $500)
ZS EV (a) – $43,990 (unchanged)

* All prices are drive-away (including on-road costs)

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