MG ZS (2018)

The MG ZS, as standard in Arctic White, also comes with a range of colours and metallic options - Laser Blue, Black Pearl, Cosmic Silver and Spiced Orange, as well as a specially-developed tri coat Dynamic Red paint option. Headlights are also a key design feature, with a massive 23 LEDs creating a design statement in each one and day/dusk sensors, even on the entry-level Explore model.

Class-leading space

With one of the most generous shoulder, leg and headroom capacities in its segment, the MG ZS offers a premium travelling experience for driver and passenger alike - providing around 55mm additional rear shoulder room and 80mm rear headroom than the segment average. An incredible 448 litres of boot capacity (some 60 litres larger than the typical Compact-SUV) - plus a split-level boot - provides plenty of room for prams, luggage, outdoor leisure equipment or the weekly shop, while keen cyclists and adventure sports fans will benefit from numerous compartments throughout the car which provide additional storage.

Cheaper than the equivalent Nissan Juke, the MG ZS offers similar internal space to the larger Qashqai. At 179mm longer, 44mm wider and 46mm taller than the Juke, this makes for a more generous cabin, that enables larger adults to sit comfortably, both front and rear. An additional 94 litres of boot space over the Juke makes it a more practical option too. The MG ZS also outperforms other rivals in the segment, with 98 litres of additional boot volume over the Mazda CX3, and 93 litres on top of the Ford EcoSport.

The MG ZS is also European Regulation R129 i-Size compatible in the rear of the car across all models - Explore, Excite and Exclusive, meaning it is suitable for all rear-facing car seats which rely on ISOFIX settings.

An engine for the future - 1.5 litre, five-speed manual and 1.0 litre automatic

Customers can choose from a 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech, four-cylinder engine with smooth and responsive five-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.0 GDI turbocharged, threecylinder version of the engine which complements the six-speed automatic gearbox option to produce a fast-paced and dynamic ride for drivers looking to experience a little extra.

With a larger fuel tank than the equivalent Nissan Juke, the MG ZS offers increased range, less need to fill the tank, lower CO2 emissions and an improved performance - with the MG ZS delivering 1-100kph in 10.9 seconds, compared to 12.0 seconds for its rival.

MG ZS heralds state-of-the-art design philosophy for MG

The launch of the MG ZS marks an exciting new era of design for the iconic brand, representing a major step-change and commitment to a new global MG design philosophy. Based on 'Emotional Dynamism', the MG ZS embodies a more expressive design language that emphasises the premium experience and commitment to quality of the ambitious brand. With a look that brings together the three key elements of 'Emotional', 'Humanised' and 'Agility', the MG ZS represents a desirable, accessible and dynamic approach to affordable motoring.

One of the key design features of the MG ZS is the compelling new face of MG, which features an enlarged, full frame grille, inspired by the famous brand's heritage, but executed in a contemporary way. It allows for a much bigger MG badge to take centre stage and showcase pride in the brand. This confident and refined front to the MG ZS is continued through a design flow that is never static, with the warmth and lack of flat surfaces indicative of a vehicle that is always poised to spring into action. Additional design features include machined alloy wheels, atypical of this type of vehicle, which provide a depth of movement and streamlined approach.

Carl Gotham, Design Director for MG Motor UK, said: "It's a really exciting time for MG, as it starts to roll out its new brand identity. 'Emotional Dynamism' brings a premium feel to the new Compact-SUV with exceptional attention to detail throughout, such as the distinctive detailing on the 'eye' headlights and signature tail lights. It has a level of detailing and range of impressive features you would not expect to find on a car of this size or price."

Inside the MG ZS, this commitment to design excellence is continued with touches that nod to a dynamic and exclusive space for the driver, while being accessible and family-friendly for any passengers. A consistent interior language features soft materials and colour contrast from a dark grey base to create a layered effect which carefully balances the driver experience with the need to create a social space with character. Driver comfort is key, with six-way adjustable seating in the Excite and Exclusive models. The use of 3D shapes, metallic and chrome finishes, carbonesque textures and the avoidance of flat design all adds to a vehicle that has real appeal.

With a new corporate MG steering wheel based on significant ergonomic research to ensure its architectural usability and interface with the rest of the car - leather effect in the top spec Exclusive model - drivers will feel in complete control of the space. High level detailing on the air vents and contrasting materials on the dashboard enhance the quality feel, while a trend for 'bigger' connectivity means 8" infotainment screens will become a signature of MG going forward. Designers haven't forgotten the practical elements either, with storage and stowage a key feature of the MG ZS - including a double cup holder, 1.5 litre bottle capacity in the doors and a split-level boot.

Especially for the launch of the MG ZS, the brand has invested in significant research and development of a richer and deeper tri coat red paint option, Dynamic Red, which will be available as an option across the range at just £695. Development of an intensely rich but robust red paint has been a long-standing challenge among car manufacturers, making the exhilarating new red of the MG ZS a triumph for the iconic British brand.

The Dynamic Red colour has been developed using advanced coating technology that allows MG to achieve a deep and translucent finish with just three layers of paint, a big step forward from original production techniques that relied on up to 10 applications. The colour is hard-wearing - but also achieves enhanced brilliance and beautiful depth. This creates further drama to the exterior.

When speaking about the development of the colour, Gotham said: "The MG ZS Dynamic Red creates a much greater sense of depth and compliments the surfaces by enhancing the vivid highlights and contrasting darker shadows. With colour playing an important role in the purchasing decision, we wanted to create something special, unique and original that reflects the passion, creativity and flair that has gone into designing the car."

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: "With the MG ZS, we have put design front and centre to create a car that looks as good as - if not better than - the premium brand equivalent. The colours that accompany the car were an important part of creating a bold statement, and the red tinted tri coat paint embodies the 'Emotional Dynamism' that is at the core of this Compact-SUV."

The MG ZS will be available as standard in Arctic White, with additional metallic colour options in Black Pearl, Cosmic Silver, Spiced Orange, Laser Blue and Dynamic Red.

Concluding his comments on design, Gotham said: "When designing the MG ZS, we had in mind the need to create a new language and direction for the brand. The MG vision is about manifesting 'Emotional Dynamism' by bringing together personality, practicality and technology in one compelling expression of future mobility based on established brand heritage. A statement of MG's intent, the MG ZS marks the first in a new generation of models embodying the brand's desire to deliver innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and value-for-money as standard."

The MG ZS - buy one car, get three driving modes free

Engineers at MG Motor UK have worked tirelessly to engineer the game-changing MG ZS Compact-SUV for a British audience. Completely reassessed and modified from the bottom-up, the dynamic ride, improved functionality and digital connectivity have been a key priority to ensure the MG ZS meets the sophisticated requirements of the UK market. Mature, refined and agile, the MG ZS is a car that has been developed by UK engineers, on UK roads for UK drivers.

Such attention to detail is shown in the introduction of key performance elements to the car. With three power-assisted steering modes on the Excite and Exclusive models - Urban, Normal and Dynamic - drivers can personalise the ride that is suited completely to their needs. Featuring characteristics that deliver a tangible difference in drive, the steering of MG ZS has been considered at every level to create a nimble and adaptive driving experience.

The Urban mode provides a lighter steering option that is designed for town-based journeys, parking and low-speed driving, while the Dynamic option allows the driver to do less to maximise vehicle performance, with an increased steering effort and higher damping effect to enhance the driver experience at higher speeds. The MG Normal mode creates a responsive drive that suits UK conditions and is completely in tune with suspension set-up and specific vehicle dynamics of the MG ZS.

The Normal mode demonstrates the fun, sportiness of the MG brand in everyday driving and has been tuned to deliver to the driver the most connectivity to the road in all conditions.

Engineers have also been able to reduce emissions and further improve ride dynamics by specifying exclusive 17" alloy wheels on the Excite and Exclusive models, which deliver an exceptional balance between ride comfort and dynamic performance. The UK-specific package of tyres, springs, dampers and the overall suspension has been tuned to suit UK driving styles and British roads, while maintaining an overall commitment to ride quality, handling balance and increased agility.

Chief Engineer on the project at MG Motor UK, Richard Batho, commented: "The MG ZS is mature, refined and agile. We have taken great pride in evolving this car, creating a model that suits the needs of UK drivers. We are particularly proud of the drive and quality of the MG ZS; we believe we've created a package that is a step up from anything we've produced before and incredibly competitive in the Compact- SUV space."

He continued: "With the MG ZS, we are showing the world what MG is capable of, making a clear statement of intent about our future engineering journey and confirming our commitment to creating stylish, high quality cars that are enjoyable to drive and exceptional value for money."

Fitted with a 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech, four-cylinder engine with smooth and responsive five-speed manual gearbox, or a 1.0 GDI turbocharged, three-cylinder, automatic version, the MG ZS offers a dynamic driving experience. The five-speed manual gearbox provides seamless transitions and smooth handling, while the six-speed automatic variant is designed to further increase driveability.

Tested to extremes - putting the MG ZS through its paces

MG Motor UK has employed its most rigorous test programme to date with the launch of the brand-new MG ZS Compact-SUV. With the car having already completed over one million hours and three million miles of strenuous structural integrity testing, it has since been subjected to additional UK and European assessment to deliver a car that is designed with the UK motorist in mind.

While British weather is unlikely to hit such extremes, the MG ZS was put through its paces in the largest cold weather test ever conducted by the MG team - with nine vehicles experiencing minus 35 degrees Celsius in Sweden. Hot weather tests took place in Spain at 42 degrees Celsius, including driving the car at maximum speeds, while assessments in Austria saw the car challenged to deliver strong performance at high altitudes.

Less exotic reviews took place in the typically wet Welsh countryside, while the MG ZS was also tasked with completing real-life scenarios such as the paper-shop test - driving 1.5 miles in less than five minutes and delivering an enjoyable drive in the process. Water spray, river fording and hill climbing were undertaken at HORIBA MIRA in Warwickshire, proving the MG ZS is adept to handling any eventuality to come its way.

Tim Wright, Department Head of Vehicle Test and Performance, said: "In a bid to develop a car that is suited to the needs of UK drivers, we really pushed ourselves with the MG ZS test programme. Taking on European climate extremes, challenging British roads, very wet Welsh weather and some highly inventive real-world scenarios, we're confident that the MG ZS will stand-up to any challenge thrown its way."

Having completed more than three million track and road miles and in excess of one million hours of testing, MG Motor UK is so assured in the quality of the MG ZS that it is launching the Compact-SUV with an industry-beating full 7 year/80,000-mile warranty. MG Motor UK is committed to delivering a car that will be with you for the journey for many years to come.