MG is back in South Africa as of this month. We reported in an earlier article (link here) that the former British, now Chinese, brand would be making a return to our market and it has now happened. MG, or Morris Garages, was once a staple of the British automotive landscape. But, as with many of its counterparts, it floundered and was eventually sold off to the state-owned SAIC. The brand has since been revitalised and new products are rolled out with regularity. The local arm has already confirmed three models that will spearhead its return to SA.

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The brand returns to the local market with three new models and a dealer network of decent size. According to Mr Sky Zhang, the general manager for MG Motor South Africa, “We are confident MG will perform just as well in the local market, which is why we are launching initially with 25 dealers – and with plans for more over the next two years.

“MG is 100% committed to the South African market. The brand’s arrival in South Africa is a strategic long-term investment. SAIC’s infrastructure and resources are dedicated to ensuring local stability, from comprehensive service and support networks to a firm investment in local job creation and partnerships. Our goal is to make MG a reliable presence in South Africa and provide our customers with peace of mind, knowing that they can count on MG for years to come,” Zhang notes.

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Entry Level

Many Chinese brands have entered the SA market with pure SUV/crossover portfolios. MG starts in the same way, offering two crossovers to start the ball rolling. The first of these is the ZS Core. The ZS is the smaller of the two crossovers on sale immediately. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 1,5-litre petrol engine that is mated with a four-speed automatic transmission.

MG is offering this ‘Core’ version locally, which is the previous generation of the ZS nameplate. MG is pulling the same trick as VW and Toyota, think Citi Golf and Tazz, have in the past by continuing to sell a slightly older model at a competitve price. In time, another ZS model referred to as ‘Pro’ will be offered. Prices of the Core start at R289 900, placing it among popular sellers such as the Hyundai Venue and Chery Tiggo4. All models come with a seven-year/warranty (five years/200 000 km vehicle and seven years unlimited on engine) as well as a five-year/60 000 km service plan.

Click here to read about all the Chinese passenger car brands available in SA right now.

Moving Up

One step up from the ZS is the HS crossover. This is a slightly larger prospect, think Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo7. The newer model is powered either a 1,5- or 2,0-litre turbopetrol engine. The smaller engine produces 125 kW/275 N.m and the larger unit develops 170 kW/370 N.m. Drive is sent to the front axle in both cases.

Expect the HS to be packed to the hilt with standard kit, as with others in this segment that also come from China. Some additional niceties include a panoramic roof, heated front seats and adaptive cruise control. Prices here range start at R499 900 and climb to R665 900. The HS has the same warranty as its smaller sibling. Furthermore it adds a five-year/90 000 km service plan.

EV Sportscar

The MG Cyberster is the most exciting of the new products on offer from the brand. We covered this model when it was just a concept (link here) a few years ago. Thankfully, the company has not strayed too far from the concept car. The roadster has a low-slung body and dramatic, ‘scissor-style’ doors. Incidentally, it is the first open-top, two-seat EV sportscar in the world.

The two-seater has one electric motor on each axle. As a result it is all-wheel drive. The Cyberster is said to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3,2 seconds thanks to 375 kW of peak power. Its top speed is limited to 200 km/h. The price of this little sportscar is just a few rands short of R1,4m. The price includes a seven-year warranty (5 years/200 000 km on vehicle and 7 years/250 000 km on the powertrain. Additionally, it comes with a five-year 100 000 km maintenance plan.

Optimistic Outlook

Chatting with Zhang at the launch event held in Gauteng this week, he seemed bullish about the brands reintroduction to the SA market. “We are expecting to sell about 8 000 units for the 2025 year. This is the plan. But for me, I am hoping for 10 000.” With the proliferation of brands in SA of late, along with tough market conditions, Zhang has his work cut out for him.