MG returns with sensible(ish) ambitions

MG returns with sensible(ish) ambitions

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In an increasingly crowded South African automotive market, standing out from the competition is no easy feat. The industry has witnessed a surge of newcomers attempting to carve out their niche, but among the many Chinese manufacturers vying for attention, one brand needs very little introduction: MG.

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A quintessential British brand, MG was founded in 1924 and was famed for its compact convertible sportscars. Over the decades, the brand changed hands multiple times before being acquired in 2007 by the Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor Group. As China's largest car manufacturer, SAIC Motor produces well over a million passenger vehicles annually, with total production across all segments exceeding five million per year. The company consistently ranks among the top 100 in the Global Fortune 500, thanks to its strategic partnerships and extensive portfolio of motoring brands.

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Towards the end of last year, MG invited us to China as part of its expansion into the South African market, following successful launches in regions such as Australia and the UK. During our visit to their design studio in Shanghai, it became abundantly clear that the "new MG" is serious about making a global impact. The brand has attracted top industry talent, including Oleg Son, formerly the head of design for Kia in China.

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MG Cyberster

Leading MG’s product lineup is the striking Cyberster, a contemporary tribute to the brand’s iconic roadsters. This fully electric, two-door convertible sportscar features dramatic electric scissor doors and is precisely the kind of flagship vehicle needed to re-establish MG as a serious contender in the global market. A brief test drive confirmed that the Cyberster is worthy of its status; the acceleration is expectedly blistering, and handling is remarkably agile around the technical obstacle course set up for us. With dual electric motors producing 375kW and 725Nm of torque, the Cyberster rockets from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds. This unique offering for the South African market is sure to turn heads. Pricing is set at R1,399,900.

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MG ZS

At the Zhengzhou factory, MG produces a comprehensive range of vehicles, and their selections for the South African market have been deliberate. The MG ZS, a compact crossover, serves as the current entry point into the brand. Though nearing the end of its lifecycle, the ZS has already surpassed one million global sales. It offers excellent value at just R289,900, powered by a 1.5-litre engine producing 84kW and 150Nm of torque. It has a claimed combined fuel consumption of 7.1l/100km. Standard features include an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as rear park distance control, while the Luxury variant also benefits from a reverse camera. Additionally, the ZS comes with an industry-leading 7-year/200,000km warranty on the full vehicle and a 5-year/60,000km service plan. A refreshed Pro model, featuring a modernised design and hybrid powertrains, will arrive later.

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MG HS

The MG HS, a mid-sized SUV, further illustrates the brand’s contemporary design philosophy. It sports a sleek exterior and a well-appointed cabin where MG's design team has focused on high-quality and varying textures to enhance the vehicle’s premium feel. Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission, delivering 125kW and 275Nm of torque. It has a claimed fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km. The HS is generously equipped with features such as a wireless charging pad, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated and electronically adjustable front seats, an electrically powered boot lid, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. These are operated via dual 12.3-inch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. MG’s Pilot safety suite is also included, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a driver drowsiness detection system, all contributing to the HS’s 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Pricing for the 1.5-litre models start at R499,900, while the 2.0-litre variant, which produces 170kW and 370Nm, starts at R629,900. These also include the industry-leading 7-year/200,000km warranty on the full vehicle and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.

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MG3

A significant upcoming addition to the range is the MG3, a small hatchback poised to disrupt the competitive compact hatch segment. It aims to challenge established models such as the Volkswagen Polo. Powertrain options include a 1.5-litre engine with 80kW in the base model and a 143kW hybrid variant. Inside, the MG3 sets a high standard with a premium interior that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, competitors. A flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, along with a modern dual-screen infotainment and instrument cluster layout, ensures a high-tech and modern interior experience. This model is likely to receive a lot of attention, especially since the new wave of Chinese brands has yet to make a strong push in this segment.

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SAIC Motor’s limited presence in South Africa thus far has been through the LDV brand, which was brought in by a private distributor; however, this has provided valuable market insights. As a result, the company plans to introduce its Maxus brand locally in the near future. Both Maxus and LDV primarily produce commercial vehicles, some of which compete directly with models like the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner. These vehicles are all but confirmed for the South African market, further strengthening SAIC’s foothold in key automotive segments.

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MG’s return to South Africa may not be immediately striking, but SAIC’s commitment as China’s largest automotive group signals immense potential. Touring their vast factory in Zhengzhou, one of the world’s most significant manufacturing hubs, underscored the sheer scale of their operations. The plant broke ground in early 2017 and had vehicles rolling off the production line within months, a testament to SAIC’s efficiency. It’s clear that the earlier arrival of other Chinese brands has paved the way for MG and SAIC’s other divisions to enter and further challenge established players, increasing competition in our market.

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While MG’s lineup, aside from the Cyberster, may not always be the most exciting, the brand is delivering exactly what today’s customers want: practical, well-equipped, and competitively priced vehicles. With substantial resources and clear ambition, SAIC and MG are set to leave a lasting impact on the South African automotive landscape.

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Words: Muhammad Bhyat

‍Images: MG