As stocks runs out on the outgoing MG ZS Excite 1.5, its replacement looms large in the form of the 2025 MG ZS Excite 1.5L petrol, 1.5L Essence and 1.5T Essence Turbo.
The MG ZS has been the best-selling small SUV for a number of years now, which is attributable to its low price, extensive warranty and standard equipment list. With new competition from the Haval Jolion from $29,990, and Chery Tiggo 4 from $23,990, MG won’t want to concede any market share to its other Chinese arch rivals.
The Tiggo 4 Pro is breathing down its neck with 819 sales in December 2024, while the Jolion actually leapfrogged it with 1691 units in December versus 1167 new registrations. For the full year, MG stood in front with 22,629 ZS sales, defeating 14,238 Jolion sales.
Using the same fresh exterior and interior design as the new ZS Hybrid+ introduced late last year, the entry level models use a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder generating 81kW and 140Nm. Paired with a CVT automatic, consumption is rated at 6.7L/100km, which betters the 7.1L/100km of its four-speed auto predecessor.
Fans of the old ZST Excite and Essence will be pleased to know there is a turbocharged option, now a 1.5-litre (up from 1.3T) and four-cylinders, producing 125kW and 275Nm (up from 115kW/230Nm). Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
The Excite and Essence feature a 10.25-inch touch-screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, push button start, and MG’s i-Smart safety package. Going for the Essence adds a surround-view camera system, 17-inch wheels (from 16in), 12.3-inch touch-screen, and PVC faux leather trim. The Essence Turbo then adds 18-inch wheels. Boot space is rated at 443L and expands to 1457L with the rear seats folded down.
A 10-year/250,000km warranty is part of the equation as before. Prices start from the following (drive-away), with deliveries set to kick off in February.
2025 MG ZS Excite 1.5L: $26,990
2025 MG ZS Essence 1.5L: $29,990
2025 MG ZS Essence 1.5L Turbo: $31,990
