MG is currently riding high on the success of the Gloster with bookings reaching 2000 and the full-size SUV is already sold out for this year. MG made its debut last year with the Hector and now they have Hector Plus, Gloster and ZS EV in their portfolio. With their eyes set on the SUV segment, MG is also planning to bring in ZS Petrol in 2021 which will rival with the likes of popular Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Before we go any further and share the exclusive details of this spied MG ZS Petrol in the Himalayas, make sure you are a member of our exclusive 91Wheels Whatsapp group where we share the latest information about Indian Automotive Industry.
This 2021 MG ZS Petrol was spotted near Manali which sets its height at 2,050 m above sea level. We have seen several images of the vehicle testing in normal conditions but this is the first time it has been spotted with full camouflage on high altitude terrains.
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MG must be checking out the performance of the ZS Petrol at higher regions and to see how it sets its pitch with the popular Hyundai Creta. Also, BS6 engines mandate cold starts which helps to mitigate the issue of underperformance at lower speeds.
Under the hood, MG ZS is expected to carry a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit. The former is capable of churning out 106 PS PS with a maximum torque of 141 Nm while the turbo petrol generates 163 PS with 230 Nm of peak torque. There is no information as to which engine was tested at this time. Another turbo engine which is the 1.0L unit generates 111 PS with a peak torque of 160 Nm.
Transmission for the 1.5L NA includes a 5-speed manual while for the 1.0L turbo petrol is 6-speed automatic and a manual too. Some reports also suggest that the 1.3L turbo petrol will be offered with a CVT but we don't want to comment anything on this. Also, with the growing popularity for the diesel engines in the mid-size SUVs, MG might plan and introduce an oil burner too. However, the plan of bringing a diesel engine will be at a later stage after observing its sales.
Design-wise, the upcoming ZS Petrol is based on the international specced model. It will come with slimmer headlights along with LED DRLs on top of it. At the front, the bumper has been redesigned for an aggressive approach and the honeycomb designed mesh grille carries the look forward.
The side profile is similar to the EV model but gets a different wheel design. We are expecting it to be 16-inch diamond-cut alloys. The rear is not seen but according to the reports, that too has been reworked. The LED taillight pattern differentiates itself from the model which was shown at the 2020 Auto Expo.
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Feature-wise, the ZS Petrol could give a fierce competition to the Hyundai Creta and is expected to come with a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It will also host Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as connectivity features along with the Internet Inside technology which featured in the Hector. A panoramic sunroof, air purifier, digital instrument cluster, smart key are some other features of the ZS Petrol.
As of now, there is no clarity on the prices of the upcoming 2021 MG ZS Petrol but we expect it to stick between Rs 9 lakh and going all the way up till Rs 16 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. Of course, these will be introductory prices and will be increased after a short amount of time. This is the party trick MG plays in the Indian market every time.
