MG ZS Petrol, Petrol-Hybrid – Kia Seltos Rival is Coming to India?
We reported earlier that MG Motor is planning to launch 4 all-new SUVs in India in the next couple of years. The brand is gearing up for the launch of the eZS electric SUV, which will be followed by a 7-seater Hector SUV. The all-electric MG eZS is expected to be launched in December, 2019. A new media report claims that MG Motor could also launch the petrol powered and petrol-hybrid variants of the ZS compact SUV in India.
According to the leaked Transport Department circular, MG Motors has received type approval for a petrol and hybrid model of the ZS. The petrol version of the SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre engine that is capable of producing 106bhp, while the hybrid unit is powered by a 111bhp, 1.0-litre petrol engine in combination with electric motor.
The automaker is also offering the ZS SUV in international markets with the same engine configuration. The 1.0-litre features turbocharging and direct injection technology. The documents also reveal that the MG ZS is a pre-facelift model and not the new updated unit.
MG Motor is also reportedly working on a 5-seater compact SUV, which could be based on the new Baojun RS-5. The new model will be produced at the SAIC’s Halol based plant, which also produces the Hector SUV. This model will directly rival the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and the Nissan Kicks.
The MG eZS electric SUV is powered by a water-cooled 44.5kWh lithium ion battery pack coupled to a 148bhp electric motor. It can accelerate to 100kmph from zero in just 8.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 140kmph. The electric SUV will offer an electric range of over 300km on a single charge. The SUV will directly challenge the newly launched Hyundai Kona EV.
