Petrol-powered MG ZS To Launch Next Year, To Rival Kia Seltos

MG’s second product in the Indian market was also their very-first EV offering in the nation – ZS EV aka eZS. It was launched at an ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 20.88 lakh. The car grew over the EV buyers of the country quite fast as MG has received more than 3,500 bookings for the EV till date. The manufacturer is now planning to launch an ICE-powered version of the SUV in the country to rival the likes of Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. The new model could come as early next year. The manufacturer showcased the facelifted version of the ZS SUV at the recently concluded 2020 Auto Expo, which further confirms the news.

Also Read - MG Gloster Full-size SUV Spied With Quad Exhausts.

Bringing in the ICE powered version of the ZS would not be a job super tough for the Chinese-owned British brand. The carmaker currently sells the ZS with a petrol power plant internationally. However, the India-spec car is expected to come with 1.0L turbocharged petrol motor as seen on the UK-spec car. It will boast of a peak power output of 111 PS and a max. torque of 160 Nm. The transmission duties are expected to be performed by a 6-speed automatic transmission only. The UK-spec ZS with this 1.0L turbo-petrol set-up can clock a 0-100 kmph timing of 12.4 seconds and a top speed of 180kmph.

Apart from the drivetrain, the car would also see a little change on the outside as well. Since the petrol-powered ZS would be the facelifted version of the car, which was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. It would miss out on a charging port seen on the front grille and chunky alloy wheels for a sportier design. Also, gone would be the ‘electric’ badging that can be seen on the eZS.

Also Read - MG ZS EV To Get Cheaper.

The ZS would come loaded to the brims just like its electric twin and the larger Hector. The car will, however, miss out certain features that are available on the EV. It currently retails at a starting price of 13,150 Euros in the UK, which is equivalent to Rs. 12.41 lakh. Thus, the ICE version of the ZS is expected to be launched at a starting price of just a shade under Rs. 10.00 lakh. Once launched, it will compete with the Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and the likes.