A couple of prototypes of the upcoming 2025 MG ZS have been spotted in Sydney, and one wears an EV sticker on the number plate confirming hybrid power is on the cards.
Spotted by a DE fan (thanks Aidan), the two prototypes wear typical disorienting camouflage body wrap. Underneath that though we can expect a completely refreshed design likely taking the same styling language as the latest MG3 hatchback. Official design patents surfacing earlier also preview the design.
The front grille almost extends the full width of the vehicle, there’s a distinct bonnet lip in the middle, with more curves and body lines down the sides. And then around at the back, thinner taillights and a cleaner bumper bar theme are introduced. If anything, the new model looks more conservative but more modern than the sharper and perhaps more muscular outgoing model.
Thanks to images taken underneath we can see the 2025 MG ZS will continue with front-wheel drive and a basic torsion-beam rear suspension arrangement. Both examples spotted feature a real exhaust system, but the one without the ‘EV’ sticker on the number plate (mandatory for NSW-registered hybrids and EVs) features a horizontal rear muffler, while the hybrid uses a single outlet and longitudinal muffler.
No official confirmation or details on the new model have been released yet, but the hybrid is expected to adopt the 1.5L four-cylinder system from the latest MG3. In that it produces 155kW, which certainly seems like a fitting figure for a small SUV as well.
The 1.3-litre turbo-petrol option is expected to carry over from the existing ZST, and a fully electric model is also in pipeline.
Another big change is the interior. Thanks to these images we get a clear view of the new-look dash, which cascades down to form the centre fascia that also houses a new, fully embedded touch-screen (unlike the stuck on tablet-style setup of today’s ZS).
There’s also a futuristic new gear shifter design, and what looks to be a wireless phone charging pad. However, taking a close look, it doesn’t seem like it is a wireless charger, but it could be missing on this prototype or it might be reserved for higher variants.
Steering wheel buttons and controls appear to mimic those seen on the MG3 and MG4, and it looks like MG might be offering a more luxurious white/bone leather trim package, at least on some variants or as an option.
Other interesting highlights from these prototypes include what seem to be electric-folding side mirrors, new-look 18-inch alloy wheels, and these prototypes wear 215/50 Linglong tyres. Hopefully MG Australia switches these to some decent units, like the outgoing ZST which features Michelin Primacy 3 tyres.
A full debut is set to take place later this year with Australian entry some time in 2025. The MG ZS has been a very popular model locally, scoring the highest sells overall in its class in 2023, according to VFACTS figures. And so far this year (through June), MG has delivered 11,809 ZS units in Australia, placing it in number one spot quite easily – the runner-up is the Hyundai Kona with 8948 sales.