MG announces South African model line-up, with prices starting under R300,000

That MG is relaunching the brand in South Africa is no secret considering the number of prominently branded dealerships that have sprung up countrywide, but the question has been just what is the new company going to offer the market.

MG’s initial offerings in South Africa include the ZS and HS models.

The ZS, a subcompact SUV, has already proven its mettle as an international bestseller with more than 1-million units sold, enjoying huge popularity in Australia and the UK where it actually increased sales during the Covid lockdown. It is priced from R289,900 - see full pricing at the bottom of the story.

Available in Comfort and Luxury variants, the ZS features a 1.5-litre petrol engine, advanced safety features including six crash bags and a modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and it comes with a seven-year warranty.

Media drives in China are confined to short routes off public roads and the quick drive at the test facility (in the company of some very heavily disguised models from other manufacturers) did not allow for checks on things such as fuel consumption and true performance. 

The car is neatly packaged and well laid out and the 84kW engine with 150Nm of torque performed within expectations and comparably to the various other Chinese brands also offering a 1.5-litre engine. MG puts overall consumption at 7.1 l/100 km which, again, fits within the standards for the segment.

Joining the ZS is the MG HS, a mid-size SUV that premiered at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and, although the model will initially launch with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, a 2.0-litre turbo variant will follow. Pricing starts at R499,900.

The HS also boasts a luxurious interior with features such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. The full Passive Safety package includes front and rear seatbelt warning reminders, driver/passenger/side/curtain/far side crash bags (seven in total), ISOFIX+Toptether anchorage (x3) and immobiliser.

This turbo engine offers 125kW with 175Nm of torque and a claimed average consumption of 6.9 l/100 km and the drive quickly showed the turbo would be the ideal choice for the Highveld altitude, giving that little extra ‘oomph’.

More than a century after its inception, MG is poised to reintroduce itself to the South African market, a move that reflects its remarkable evolution from British motoring pioneer to a global automotive powerhouse.

It was just over 100 years ago that Morris Garages (MG) gave the world its first taste of affordable sports cars. Under the visionary guidance of Cecil Kimber, the brand’s General Manager, MG transformed ordinary Morris models into high-performance vehicles with sleek, sporty designs. The first of these was the 14/28 Super Sports, a car that boasted a top speed of 65mph (104,6km/h) and captured the hearts of motoring enthusiasts. MG’s legacy of accessible performance cars was born, and the brand’s journey was set into motion.

Entering 2025, the marque is stronger than ever, riding high on a wave of global success. This resurgence can be largely credited to SAIC Motor, the Shanghai-based automotive giant that acquired MG in 2007. 

SAIC’s stewardship injected new life into MG, providing the research and development capabilities necessary to take the brand to new heights.

Today, MG cars are designed and developed by SAIC, with production centred in China and supplemented by facilities in Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan to serve regional markets.

Despite this global spread, MG’s British roots remain a vital part of its identity. In 2018, the SAIC Design Advanced London studio opened in the heart of the UK’s capital, serving as a hub for cutting-edge design and concept development. The studio uses state-of-the-art digital modelling to refine MG’s future offerings before committing to physical prototypes.

According to Sky Zhang, General Manager for MG Motor South Africa, the brand is confident of replicating its international success locally. “We are launching with 30 dealers and have plans to expand further over the next two years,” Zhang revealed. “Driving tastes vary significantly across regions, and we’ve made a point of tailoring our vehicles to meet these specific needs. 

“This approach ensures MG is not just another affordable car but a brand with a unique identity that resonates with mainstream markets.”

A National Parts Distribution Centre in Isando, Kempton Park, has already been set up, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality parts to minimise downtime for customers.

Looking ahead, MG has ambitious plans for South Africa, including the introduction of hatchbacks, hybrids, and mainstream electric models. “We want South African customers to have access to the latest automotive innovations from MG,” Zhang hinted, urging fans to ‘watch this space’.”

MG PRICING IN SOUTH AFRICA

ZS 1.5 Comfort A/T - R289,900

ZS 1.5 Luxury A/T - R309,900

HS Comfort 1.5T A/T - R499,900

HS Luxury 1.5T A/T - R534,900

HS Comfort 2.0T A/T - R629,900

HS Luxury 2.0T A/T - R665,900

Cyberster (EV) - R1,399,900