Mere months after its predecessor went on sale in South Africa, the second-generation MG ZS Pro has arrived, and it’s a markedly improved product. We test the ZS Pro.
When we first drove the ZS for the April 2025 issue, we were left somewhat underwhelmed by MG’s entry-level model. Although it was single-handedly largely responsible for the brand’s resurgence abroad, and came in at an attractive price point, it did feel like an older product in a market where its contemporaries were a bit more modern – not at all surprising for a model that debuted in 2017.
Unknown to us at the time of its arrival, the original ZS was an exercise in pricing and the MG marque establishing a foothold in the budget segment of the South African new-car market. Even though the brand will continue offering the older model alongside its successor, it will eventually be phased out as more of MG’s updated offerings and new powertrains arrive over the next few years. The difference between the two is significant enough that the older model could be mistaken for a continuation model, much like Volkswagen has done with the likes of the Polo Vivo, with older design cues and an outdated, yet reliable, powertrain.
MG ZS Pro 1.5T Luxury specifications
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- Price: R431 500
- Powertrain: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Transmission: CVT
- Driven wheels: front
- Power: 125 kW @ 5 000 r/min
- Torque: 275 kW @ 3 000 r/min
The most noticeable difference between the two is the shift in styling cues on the new ZS Pro. Whereas the much older ZS exhibited elements of models from other brands (there is a definite hint of Mazda about the nose and tail), the ZS Pro is more original and takes many cues from its siblings, the HS and Cyberster.
There’s a new front end, with revised headlamps and grille, while the profile on this model is enhanced via 18-inch wheels on (17-inchers are standard on the Comfort spec). The taillamps are also all-new units. Inside, the facia has been dramatically updated with an original design that incorporates dual 12.3-inch screens tasked with instrument and infotainment duties. The system is generally fluid and intuitive, and includes a 360- degree parking camera feed. A minor let-down is that smartphone mirroring is only possible with the use of a data cable, and not wireless.
Passive safety is on par for the segment, with six airbags on this Luxury model (four on the ZS Pro Comfort) but it’s the active safety systems as part of the MG Pilot ADAS suite that garner some attention in Luxury spec. This includes the likes of adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, intelligent high-beam control, intelligent speed assist (road sign recognition) and tyre pressure monitoring.
MG ZS Pro 1.5T Luxury performance
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- 0-100 km/h acceleration: 7.81 seconds
- 100-0 km/h braking: 2.86 seconds/39.57 metres
Under the bonnet, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine from the previous ZS makes way for a turbopetrol unit of the same capacity that sends drive to the front wheels via a CVT instead of the four-speed automatic used on the preceding model. The bump in power is immediately apparent, with an elastic band-like punch from mid-range.
Despite some whine at higher engine speeds, the CVT with its eight ‘steps’ isn’t a chore to live with and the calibration between throttle pedal and transfer of torque is one of the better examples we’ve experienced on a Chinese vehicle in recent tests.
MG ZS Pro 1.5T Luxury fuel consumption
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- Claimed: 6.90 L/100 km
- CAR fuel index: 8.28 L/100 km
- Fuel route: 7.24 L/100 km
- Fuel range (fuel index): 664 km
With the same outputs as its larger HS sibling, the ZS Pro 1.5T managed a 0-100 km/h sprint of 7.81 seconds (nearly a second faster than the HS), with overtaking acceleration from 80-120 km/h taking place in a respectable 5.37 seconds. On our mixed-use fuel route run, the ZS Pro returned an average fuel consumption of 7.24 L/100 km.
Although the ZS Pro’s perceived quality is a significant step up from before, with very little noise and vibration from inside the cabin, one area where it still lags behind some of the competition is the infiltration of noise from the outside – wind noise in particular – especially around the A-pillars.
Perfectly suited for urban conditions, especially with its comprehensive active safety suite, the steering and suspension makes easy work of bumps and imperfect road conditions despite the fitment of large alloys and low-profile rubber. At speed, however, particularly overtaking at around the national limit, the ride becomes a bit skittish and the steering a little lifeless.
MG ZS Pro 1.5T Luxury interior dimensions
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- Front headroom: 800-875 mm
- Second-row headroom/kneeroom: 865/630 mm
- Boot/utility space: 288/776 litres
TEST SUMMARY
The ZS Pro could have been the model that reintroduced the brand to South Africans but, for the reasons mentioned above, MG Motor South Africa brought the older ZS here as well. Although regarded as a successor to the ZS, the price difference between the two would suggest it’s an almost completely different model.
Nonetheless, the newer car arrives in a particularly competitive segment – one that’s awash with products from a wide variety of brands. Stacked with standard safety features, the MG ZS Pro is very compelling and comes with some peace of mind in the shape of a seven-year/200 000 km warranty and five-year/60 000 km service plan.
MG ZS Pro 1.5T Luxury test score: 76/100
Published in the December 2025 issue of CAR magazine.
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