MG ZS Pro: The Comeback Kid with Something to Prove -

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By Prashirwin Naidu

The new MG ZS Pro took me down memory lane.

I was around four years old in the early 2000s when my father, motoring journalist Edwin Naidu, had an MG MGF on test during his Sunday Drive days. The memory is faint, but I can still recall being completely star-struck by that soft-top convertible, classy, sporty, and elegant in every way.

Fast-forward to 2025, and MG, like a phoenix, has risen from the ashes. The brand that once defined British flair is now thriving under Chinese ownership, bringing to market stylish, tech-laden vehicles such as the all-electric Cyberster roadster.

This time, though, I wasn’t behind the wheel of that swanky convertible. Instead, I got to experience something far more down-to-earth: the new MG ZS Pro, a compact SUV with ambitions to shake up a very crowded segment.

At first glance, the ZS Pro looks modern and refined, though I couldn’t help noticing some design déjà vu, the rear, for instance, bears a resemblance to the BMW X1. Not that it’s a bad thing.

Many of today’s carmakers borrow from the best, blending touches of German precision and Japanese practicality. If you can’t beat them, join them and perhaps even improve on them.

There are two versions on offer: the entry-level Comfort at R397,600 and the range-topping Luxury model, which we drove, at R431,500. The Comfort trim already comes well-equipped with 17-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with reverse camera, a 7-inch semi-digital cluster, cruise control, single-zone climate control, and push-button start. It also includes key safety features like ESP stability control, traction control, and front and side airbags.

The Luxury grade ups the ante with striking 18-inch “telephone dial” alloys reminiscent of Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio, a panoramic sunroof, and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen.

The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable, and both front seats are heated, although the passenger side misses out on electronic adjustment. Other niceties include a 360-degree camera, intelligent headlight control, and folding mirrors. The interior feels smart and solidly built, with enough flair to make it stand out in its price bracket.

Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 125 kW and 275 Nm, driving the front wheels through a CVT gearbox. Now, CVTs aren’t usually the enthusiast’s choice, but MG has added simulated stepped shifts that make it feel closer to a traditional automatic, a small but clever touch.

Our launch route from Fourways MG to Magaliesberg was the perfect mix of city streets and twisty countryside roads. The ZS Pro felt composed and confident, its steering light yet precise. It won’t set your pulse racing, but it’s competent, compliant, and genuinely pleasant to drive, which is exactly what most buyers in this class want.

The Luxury model also takes safety seriously, offering six airbags and a suite of driver-assist technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. MG’s 5-year/60,000 km service plan and 7-year/200,000 km warranty further sweeten the deal.

Competition in this space is fierce, with the MG ZS Pro going up against strong contenders like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Haval Jolion Pro, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, and Volkswagen T-Cross. A hybrid version is available in overseas markets, though its local introduction has yet to be confirmed.

Overall, the MG ZS Pro is a pleasant surprise, stylish, well-equipped, and competitively priced. It may not revolutionise the segment, but it signals a confident return for a brand that refuses to fade away.

More importantly, it’s proof that “Chinese-built” no longer means “second class.” The quality, design, and refinement here show just how far MG has come.
It’s good to have MG back and this time, it feels like they’re here to stay.

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