The new MG ZST is set to be a contender in the small SUV segment.

The MG brand was established approximately a century ago. This British automotive marque began producing two-seater sports cars as far back as the 1920s. They soon expanded to develop both saloons and coupés with engines up to three litres in size. They eventually launched their very first SUV vehicle, The MG GS, in April of 2015, a vehicle we at FACT got to experience soon after its release. We were also fortunate enough to put the MG RX8 through its paces last year. Both these cars proved themselves to be very capable and comfortable. Fast forward to the current day and MG are now releasing their latest SUV creation, The MG ZS, an offering that is already proving to be very popular. Thanks to the great team at Al-Zayani Motors, the MG we were provided with was an upgraded, turbo version, namely the MG ZST and we were highly grateful for the privilege.

The robust character of this latest MG SUV is flaunted through its contemporary exterior design. This new model has been upgraded and now features major style enhancements. Viewing the ZST from head on, we appreciated the prominent nature of the front end, housing a new hexagonal grille and redesigned LED headlights. The black finish applied to these headlights, as well as to the grille, fog lamp trim, rear-view mirrors, side skirts and wheels provides a sporty finish to this SUV. At the flanks, the well-balanced lines of the vehicle flow from front to back, complemented by the 17-inch alloy wheels that are fitted as standard. At the rear, the LED light clusters have also undergone a facelift and contribute to the youthful look of this modern-day MG.

Moving inside, we were greeted by the comfortable front seats that we found to be both supportive and wellpositioned. A surprising amount of space is on offer in the cockpit, with plenty of room for both front seat occupants. The interior has been refreshed since previous generations and a key selling point of the new MG ZS range is the availability of features normally found in premium vehicles that are included at no extra cost. We admired the extensive use of soft-touch materials that are utilised throughout the SUV. The two-tone colour design is highlighted by the red stitching and carbon-fibre-look interior trim, whilst the new dashboard design adds to the classy feel of the cabin. A huge panoramic sunroof is available on the LUX model ZST, a perfect addition to any vehicle in hotter climates. In the rear, three passengers can fit comfortably with sufficient head, shoulder and knee room as well as rear air conditioning vents to ensure everyone stays cool.

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The designers of the ZST have ensured this car is fully equipped to cover all the driver’s needs. A 10.1-inch HD touchscreen with CarPlay and Android Auto is included as standard and we found the infotainment system easy to navigate. There is also a state-of-the-art virtual instrument panel for the driver and a 360° surround parking camera that eliminates all blind spots. In fact, MG has included a multitude of safety features in this vehicle including curtain airbags to ensure the safety of all occupants. Cruise control, an electric parking brake and a push start button are just a handful of the thoughtful inclusions.

Once out on the roads, we found the 1.3-litre Turbo engine of the MG ZST to be proficient, delivering 160hp and a maximum torque of 230Nm. This combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox enables the car to accelerate smoothly from 0-100km/h in a respectable 9.8 seconds and to deliver a top speed of 185km/h. This setup complements the fuel efficient 1.5-litre powerplant that delivers 6.2-litres per 100km. Everything about the ZST seems to operate very efficiently, including the responsive braking system. The car easily negotiates all corners and bends, even at higher speeds.

All-in-all the general responsiveness of the ZST as well as the quality of its design and parts ensured we once again had a very positive MG experience. We can highly recommend anyone looking for a new SUV to give it a try. ✤

GO: CALL AL-ZAYANI MOTORS ON 1770 3703 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN.