Upcoming MG ZS Petrol Gets 5 Star A-NCAP Crash-test Rating, Will Rival Hyundai Creta

MG Motors entered the Indian auto market in 2019 with their Hector SUV and quickly followed it up by an electric car, the ZS EV. MG is now preparing to launch the IC-engined ZS to further expand its portfolio. The ZS has been already spotted testing on Indian road a few times now which indicates that the launch is quite imminent. Also, ASEAN NCAP tested the 2020 model of the MG ZS SUV and it received the full 5-star safety rating. Upon its launch, the ZS petrol will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in a rapidly growing market. Today we came across this video on YouTube which showcases the crash test of the soon to launch MG ZS petrol.

The video has been uploaded by the ASEAN NCAP channel, and it shows the MG ZS petrol going through all the crash tests for safety ratings. The Indian consumer is finally understanding the importance of safety features when buying a new vehicle, and the MG ZS’ clear safety advantage could prove to a big USP for the vehicle. The MG ZS scored 44.82 points in adult safety rating while scoring 20.92 points for child safety. It has to be noted that the model which ASEAN NCAP has tested model is currently on sale in Vietnam and Thailand only. The ZS in India which will be manufactured in MG’s Gujarat facility may have a different safety rating but should be similar going by the Vietnam model’s 5 stars.

The MG ZS got a facelift in 2020 which was introduced in the UK, and it looks like this updated model will be the one to launch in India. Unlike other manufacturers which are still selling models a generation or two older than their global counterparts, the spy shots indicate that MG will be launching the facelifted model. MG also showcased the ZS petrol’s facelifted model during the 2020 Auto Expo. The test mule was shod with re-designed alloy wheels and compared to the ZS EV model, the ZS petrol will come with a more aggressive look. Also, the facelifted model could come with a large infotainment system, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, etc for the top models.

The MG ZS will be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine which makes 120 PS/150 Nm of peak power and torque. There’s 1.3-litre turbo-petrol motor on the cards, which might be offered as well. It is capable of churning out max power and torque outputs of 163 PS/250 Nm respectively. It could be mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic unit. It is safe to assume that its launch isn’t far away, and the MG ZS should be here in India by the year-end.