MG ZS, with a starting price of 599,000 Thai Baht, is a cost-effective choice for non-electric car buyers

Currently, the Chinese-branded models sold in the Thai market are very few traditional fuel-fired car models, mainly the early entry into the Thai market MG selling fuel-fired cars. In terms of price, some of MG's fuel-fired models are still at a certain advantage compared to the new energy models of brands such as BYD, Aion, and DEEPAL.

The MG ZS is probably the most attention-grabbing fuel SUV model. It is worth to mentioning that MG ZS also has an EV version for sale, but in terms of sales and attention, the fuel version of the MG ZS is still more popular at present, and of course, its price is also cheaper. Let's take a look at this car.

MG ZS Models and Pricing:

-MG ZS Model D: 599,000 Thai baht

-MG ZS Model X: 649,000 Thai baht

-MG ZS Model V: 689,000 Thai baht

-MG ZS Model 100 TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION: 659,900 Thai baht

I. Power and configuration

The power system adopted by the four model versions currently on sale is completely consistent, all equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, matched with a CVT gearbox simulating 8 gear positions. The characteristic of this power system is to ensure the smoothness of power output, without overly emphasizing acceleration performance. After all, the body weight of the MG ZS reaches 1290 kg, considering the full load situation of the vehicle for family travel, this power system can't provide a very strong power experience, but it can indeed bring lower fuel consumption. The CVT gearbox simulates gear positions, indicating that it has a manual shift mode.

The maximum power of the 1.5L engine is 84kW (114PS), and the peak torque is 150N·m. The compression ratio of the engine has reached 11.5:1. In addition, the four models are equipped with front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. The use of torsion beam suspension can improve the rear space of the vehicle, but in terms of comfort, compared to independent suspension, torsion beam suspension is actually more demanding on adjustment.

In addition, the MG ZS uses electric power steering, which provides three different modes: normal, city, and dynamic. In the city mode, the steering wheel feels lighter, while in the dynamic mode, the steering wheel becomes heavier to create different driving experiences. The turning radius of the MG ZS is only 5.6 meters, which gives it high maneuverability.

With the power system consistent, the main differences between the four sub-models are reflected in the configuration. The following lists the differences in configuration between the four sub-models.

Looking at the configuration differences, it can be seen that the differences between each sub-model are relatively small, the most obvious difference is that the Model V is equipped with MG's i-SMART system, this system covers vehicle safety (electronic fence, remote vehicle diagnostic), intelligent voice control and the function of remotely turning on the air conditioning, etc., the vehicle system can also be upgraded online, support online music and intelligent navigation of the vehicle system, etc.

There are two points worth noting about the configuration of the MG ZS, one is that there is not much difference in the interior configuration of different sub-models, and all are equipped with leather seats. The main difference is whether the 6-way adjustment of the driver's seat is manual or electric. The other is that the MG ZS series does not offer an automatic driving assistance system, which makes its high-end models less attractive in terms of configuration.

II. Exterior and Interior Design

The exterior design of the MG ZS has a very clear MG family style, the hexagonal front grille has a very strong sporty style, which is one of the reasons why many MG models look more sporty and youthful. However, compared with MG's sedans, such as the MG 5 and MG 4, MG is a bit more restrained in the design of SUVs. The MG ZS is mainly characterized by fashionable and full lines, presenting harmonious body proportions and a styling that most people can accept. The official emphasizes the embodiment of intelligence in design, but from the actual shape, it is hard to feel significant intelligence.

The dimensions of the body are 4323×1809×1653mm, the wheelbase is 2585mm, which belongs to the category of small SUVs, this poses a certain test to its practicality of space. The vehicle's minimum ground clearance is 170mm, the wheel hubs are made of 17-inch aluminum alloy, the tire size is 215/55 R17. The cheapest Model D uses 16-inch hubs, and the tire size is 215/60 R16.

The interior design of the MG ZS is quite conventional, featuring a combination of a 7-inch dashboard and a 10-inch central control screen. The central control screen adopts the built-in design instead of the more popular floating design. You can see some sporty elements in the details, such as the flat-bottom steering wheel design, the dynamic-looking dashboard frame, and the round vent design. The left and right sides of the steering wheel are designed with perforations, such details are quite commendable. However, at the same time, the MG ZS is rather conservative in its seat design and it would probably be a good idea if the front seats adopt an integrated design.

III. Space

The MG ZS is not large, but the space in the back row is quite good. An adult male with a height of 175cm can sit in the back row with plenty of leg and headroom left. However, due to the narrow body of the car and a significant hump in the middle of the floor, it can feel cramped when accommodating three people in the back row.

The back row does not provide independent air outlets, but there are two USB ports. If the MG ZS could provide air outlets in the back row and an armrest in the middle of the back seat, the overall riding experience would be more perfect.

Conclusion:

The core appeal of MG ZS lies in its high cost-performance ratio. In fact, its smaller configuration difference makes more buyers prefer to buy the cheaper low-end model. Imagine, spend 599,000 baht to buy an SUV that is sufficient in space, fashionable in design, and fuel-efficient and comfortable, isn't this attractive enough?