After an absence of close to a decade, the iconic British Motor brand MG is back in South Africa with a few surprises. They are opening 25 branches across the country and will be looking to introduce some of its latest models into the local motoring landscape.
MG had been through a torrid time and had withdrawn from South Africa completely in 2016 amidst slow sales.
New Ownership Boosting Growth
However, with a cash injection from new owner SAIC motor Corp in China, and a fresh auto-design centre, MG has emerged with fresh models that are gaining in popularity and rebuilding demand for this classic car brand. In 2018 the company opened the new SAIC DESIGN ADVANCED LONDON based in the heart of the UK Capital. The London studio enables MG to focus on innovative design concept studies and pre-concepts for future production projects by using state-of-the-art digital modelling.
SAIC produces MG vehicles in Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan for their respective regional markets and MG has become the largest single-brand car exporter from China since 2019.
In 2023, MG Motor sold approximately 840,000 vehicles globally, with 88 percent coming from markets outside of China, while in its home of origin, the UK, MG has held the title for the fastest-growing automotive brand for the past two years.
Committed to South African Market
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.”
SAIC has committed to a long-term investment into SA and as confirmation of this commitment is the priority MG has placed on establishing a solid parts supply chain in South Africa. The company’s National Parts Distribution Centre is already operational – based in Isando, in Johannesburg. In addition, via SAIC’s extensive global network, a steady, available inventory of high-quality parts has already been sourced to minimise downtime and deliver efficient servicing.
Reinforcing this commitment to quality and reliability, MG will offer a class-leading warranty and comprehensive service plan.
“Our goal is to set a new standard for after-sales support and reliability in the South African market, emphasising MG’s long-term commitment to its customers here,” Zhang concludes.
MG Model Line-Up for South Africa:
“The international best seller, the ZS will be the first of several new models they will be launching. The ZS combines SUV practicality with a compact size and an affordable price tag. With over a million units sold, it features styling and driving controls to appeal to Western consumers, while boasting safety (standard with six airbags) and reliability in its engineering DNA, built upon the foundation of its SAIC parent. This has resulted in a class-leading seven-year warranty that’s apparently being hailed as one of the best in the industry.
The HS is the second model in the new MG SUV model lineup. The HS was revealed at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It has a high-end appeal without the associated high price and a reputation for reliability and low running costs established in its previous itteration.
The HS features the now-characteristic ultra-slim ‘hammer-head shark’ front design that first appeared on the ground-breaking MG4 model that netted the UK Car of the Year award in 2023. It will be available with several powertrain options, including Hybrid variants. Initially, the HS will launch locally with the 1.5-litre turbo engine as well as the recently revealed 2.0-litre turbo powerplant. It was also just recently awarded five stars in the latest Euro NCAP test.
MG’s most significant new model to be available in South Africa is the all-electric Cyberster, that has been described as a “thoroughly forward-thinking take’ on the traditional MG roadster” and a fitting tribute to the pioneering sports cars that made MG a staple of the roadster market.
As Zhang points out, “MG needed something very special to celebrate its centenary and the new Cyberster more than lives up to its sporting heritage”.
ZS Specs:
- 1.5-litre petrol
- 4-speed Auto
- 84kW / 150Nm
- Top speed 195km/h
- Fuel consumption 7.1 l/100km
- Full Active Safety package including ESC (Electronic Stability Control), EBA (Electronic Brake Assist), HLA (Hill Launch Assist) and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring)
- 7-year / warranty (5 years / 200 000km vehicle & 7 years unlimited on engine)
- 5-year / 60 000km service plan
HS Specs:
- 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol / 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT / new wet-clutch design for smoother shifts) / 125kW/275Nm and a 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol / 9-speed Auto Transmission (new high-efficiency oil pump) / 170kW/370Nm
- FWD
- Full Active Safety package including ESP (Electronic Stability), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution, CBC (Corner Brake Control), TCS (Traction Control), VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), HAZ (Hazard Control), HHC (Hill Hold Control), BDW (Brake Disc Washing), HAC (Hill Assist Control) and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring)
- Latest Driver Assistance Safety Aids include Front and Rear Collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Driver Monitoring System and Intelligent Cruise Assist
- 7-year/ unlimited km warranty (5 years / 200 000km vehicle & 7 years unlimited on engine)
- 5-year / 90 000km Service Plan
- 5-Star Euro NCAP (2024)
Cyberster Specs:
- Dual electric motors / AWD
- 375kW front, 250kW rear
- 725Nm (250Nm front, 475Nm rear)
- 0-100km/h in 3,2 seconds
- Top speed 208km/h
- Driving range (WLTP) – 443km
- Energy consumption (WLTP) – 19,1kWh/100km
- Double wishbone front suspension
- 5-link rear suspension
- Electronic Diff Lock
- Four drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Custom, Super Sport)
- Four regenerative braking modes
- 7-year / unlimited km warranty (5 years / 200 000km vehicle & 7 years / 250 000km on powertrain)
- 5-year / 100 000km Maintenance Plan