China’s SAIC is going to enter India via their UK based subsidiary – MG Motor. The first car they plan to launch here will be an SUV, most likely the MG ZS SUV. It has already been spied on Indian roads couple of times in the past, but this time, the car has been spied near ARAI in Pune, where all new cars come for homologation.
Though the test mule captured is heavily camouflaged, the ZS SUV has already been launched globally and we expect the India-bound version to look similar to the UK-spec variant. Internationally, it competes with the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Kia Stonic and the Seat Arona, while in India it will lock horns with the country’s best selling SUV – the Hyundai Creta.
As far as dimensions are concerned, the ZS is very close in size to Hyundai Creta. It measures 4.3 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width and 1.6 metres in height. The ZS has been designed in tune with MG’s ‘Emotional Dynamism’ design philosophy.
Globally, the ZS is offered with two engine options, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor and a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol unit, while power is delivered directly to the front wheels in all variants. The 1.0 litre petrol motor which produces 125 PS & 170 Nm of torque is mated exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5 litre engine unit which produces 120 PS & 150 Nm of torque is provided with 2 transmission options to choose from, a 4-speed AT and a 5-speed MT.
To make the SUV more relevant for the Indian market, we believe that a diesel motor shall also be present in the line-up, considering the long lasting love for diesel powered SUVs which the Indian buyers have.
Once launched, the ZS will be competing for a market share in a segment which includes some established names like the Hyundai Creta and the Jeep Compass and some upcoming products from Nissan, Volkswagen and Mahindra.
