India-bound MG ZS petrol facelift spied testing

Updated ZS offered with a pair of turbo-petrol engines in international markets; India launch likely in 2021.

Published On Sep 10, 2020 11:45:00 AM

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India-bound MG ZS petrol facelift spied testing

The updated MG ZS was shown to the Indian public for the first time at Auto Expo 2020, with the carmaker looking to launch the petrol-powered ZS in India. Now, a test mule of the car has been spotted on Indian roads.

Petrol MG ZS to get notable styling differences over the ZS EV
Engine options likely to include 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol mills

What are the cosmetic changes to the facelifted MG ZS petrol?

To start with, the petrol ZS will feature some noticeable cosmetic differences over the ZS EV that’s on sale at the moment. For one, it is the facelifted model, while the ZS EV is still based on the older pre-facelift model.

Compared to the ZS EV, the updated ZS petrol sports a sharper look, with more angular headlamps, revised tail-lamps and different bumpers. The alloys too are different, with the ZS EV’s units getting a unique design.

Inside the cabin, some of the control surfaces on the dashboard will be different, though the overall design will remain similar to the EV. The international car is additionally offered with a digital instrument display in place of analogue dials, as on the ZS EV, though it will remain to be seen if this will only be offered on higher variants. As with the EV, we can expect the petrol ZS to also come with a panoramic sunroof as evidenced by the spy image.

What will power the MG ZS petrol?

The petrol ZS is available with three engine options – two turbo-petrol and a naturally aspirated unit, depending on the market. The naturally aspirated petrol is a 1.5-litre unit that develops 106hp and 141Nm of torque.

Moving to the turbo-petrols, the ZS is offered with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit good for 111hp and 160Nm and a larger 1.3-litre mill that is available in two states of tune – 125hp and 230Nm, or a peppier 163hp iteration.

An official circular last year revealed that MG had received type approval for the petrol ZS equipped with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mills, though this was for the pre-facelift model. It remains to be seen which engine options are likely to be offered on the facelifted model.

When is it expected to launch?

For 2020, MG’s next launch is of its full-size SUV, the Gloster. The petrol ZS is only expected to arrive sometime in 2021. Aside from the ZS, the carmaker is also considering bringing the 360M MPV – an Maruti Ertiga rival – and a small electric vehicle based on the E200 EV – both showcased at the Auto Expo 2020.

Also see:

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MG Hector Plus prices hiked by up to Rs 46,000

MG Gloster interior revealed in new spy pictures

MG pre-owned vehicle dealership network launched in India