MG Philippines has been quiet lately. They may have reached a sales milestone this year, but they haven’t launched anything new since the MG 5 sub-compact sedan way back in 2019. Well, that’s all about to change as they’ve inadvertently previewed the refreshed 2022 MG ZS. And get this, it’s getting some turbocharged goodness.
Globally, the refreshed MG ZS has been around since early last year so it’s quite surprising that it took this long for MG Philippines to get it. Regardless, it’s arriving real soon, and it has been substantially changed. It drops the “London Eye” headlights and upright “Stardust” grille for something much sharper and shapelier.
Inside, it’s been substantially changed with better material finishing, and a new floating 10.1-inch infotainment system.
MG Philippines has remained mum on the complete specs of the 2022 MG ZS, but based on their very own website (Update: the page is now being directed to 404 - Page Not Found), it’s been confirmed that the country will be getting the new top-of-the-line Trophy variant. Denoting the sportiest trim in the MG line-up, it’s distinguishable by its high-gloss black mirrors, red brake calipers, and two-tone 17-inch “Tomahawk” wheels with 215/55R17 tires.
Possible interior features include sporty two-tone black and red leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with engine push start-stop, and a powered driver’s seat although no interior shot has been posted.
What is confirmed is that MG Philippines will use a brand-new 1.3-liter direct injection turbocharged 3-cylinder engine making 162 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque. Coupled to a 6-speed Aisin automatic, MG says it’s good for about 15.15 km/L.
It’s also said to feature a “host of advanced driver assist” systems. If it echoes the MG Pilot system found in the MG ZS Trophy in China, the Philippine market MG ZS will stand to benefit from features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. It also gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, a 360-degree camera, and tire pressure monitors.
It’s very likely that MG Philippines will also keep the normally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine for lower variants. This version makes 118 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. However, for 2022, it does swap its 4-speed automatic for a CVT.
No pricing has been announced yet, but given that the top-of-the-line MG ZS Alpha already retails for P 998,888, the ZS Trophy will likely retail for about P 1.1 million. If that is the case, it will give the other sub-compact SUV entrants such as the Volkswagen T-Cross and the Geely Coolray a run for their money.
The horsepower is impressive for a crossover but the torque is somewhat dissapointing..
ReplyDeleteTorque is just on par with Coolray and Territory. This is no hot hatch, but it'll suffice. Also, if MG ZS Trophy variant is indeed coming with the new engine and an impressive list of safety features, then it'll might go in Vitara AWD Pricing, and closer to Azkarra. (Specs comparison and MG ZS Trophy will stand out, except for AWD probably.)
ReplyDeleteMG should bring this and up thier game while they are on the top, and compete with the likes of Coolray and Territory in terms of features, performance, and luxury..
ReplyDeleteWow! MG is really challenging the Geely Coolray head on. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteBoth have 5-star safety ratings from the ASEAN NCAP 😊👏👏👏
As for the Ford Territory, unfortunately it only got a 3-star safety rating from the China NCAP ☹️
- Comment from Mark J 😊
DeleteHopefully a turbocharged version of the VW T Cross will also become available here in the Phils. 😊
ReplyDeleteThe T Cross has 5-star safety ratings from the Euro, Australasian, and Latin NCAPs. Kudos! 😊👏👏👏
- Mark J