Global car brand launches new hybrid model set to rival Nissan and Renault – & it will be among the cheapest in the UK
A GLOBAL car brand is launching a new hybrid model set to rival cars from Nissan and Renault – and it will be among the cheapest in the UK.
The compact SUV promises to undercut its competitors on price without compromising on quality.
American giant MG has announced the release of the next generation of the ZS crossover for 2024.
Just like its sister models, the HS and the 3, it has had a powertrain revamp to introduce a plug-in hybrid variant.
However, unlike those two, the ZS will no longer be offered with petrol power.
Instead, it will only come in hybrid or fully electric specs.
The new motor is expected to slot into the market opposite models like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.
However, the good news for drivers is that it is set to undercut its rivals quite significantly, with a promised price of £21,995.
That would make it the third cheapest hybrid model in the UK and in the top 20 cheapest for all cars.
It will feature the same four-cylinder engine and electric motor mix used in the 3 hybrid, generating a combined 194 horsepower.
This produces a claimed fuel economy of an impressive 55.4mpg, making the new ZS cheap to run too.
Its predecessor was one of MG’s top sellers in recent years, but the brand remains confident the hybrid version can live up to its legacy.
Guy Pigounakis, MG UK’s commercial director, told Autocar: “Where we have lots of platforms and lots of powertrain combinations globally that we can pick and mix from, we feel like we will take full advantage of that as long as we can until the market settles and we’ve got clear direction as to which way we need to go.
“We could be 100% electric by 2030, no problem at all.”
However, he did add that MG would not scrap all of its internal combustion models overnight, saying: “We’re bringing in more petrol cars.”
The MG ZS hybrid is confirmed to be hitting UK showrooms in October this year.
It comes after another major brand released three new luxury models in a push to rival Audi in the EV space.