SAIC Motor Malaysia has announced that the completely knocked-down (CKD) MG ZS variant will be launched at the end of October, more than four months after the second-generation model was presented at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) in June 2026.

The ZS will be available in two variants: the 1.5 Turbo and the Hybrid+. Orders for the Hybrid+ opened during KLIMS, and its estimated price is MYR 115,000 (US$ 28,160), excluding insurance and potentially on-the-road costs.

The 1.5 Turbo is expected to be priced at MYR 105,000, which is MYR 10,000 less than the Hybrid+. An early-bird promotion will offer the first 1,000 customers benefits worth MYR 3,000 and five years of free servicing.

"Following the reception received during its preview at KLIMS 2026, we are introducing the all-new ZS in Malaysia. Developed with the needs and expectations of Malaysian consumers in mind, the ZS Hybrid+ features a dedicated hybrid powertrain and a three-speed hybrid transmission that work together to keep performance within its most efficient range, reducing energy wastage while delivering a smooth and responsive drive," said Emory Qi, managing director of SAIC Motor Malaysia.

The ZS is a B-segment SUV measuring 4,430 mm in length, 1,818 mm in width and 1,635 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. Ground clearance is 161 mm. The model is assembled in Melaka and has a boot capacity of 443 litres, increasing to 1,457 litres when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are folded down.

Both variants have front-wheel drive. The 1.5 Turbo is powered by a 1.5-litre inline-four petrol engine producing 170 PS (125 kW) and 275 Nm of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Hybrid+ uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 102 PS (75 kW) and 128 Nm of torque. Its powertrain also comprises a three-speed hybrid transmission, a 1.83-kWh battery and an electric motor rated at 136 PS (100 kW) and 250 Nm of torque. The combined system output is 215 PS (158 kW) and 465 Nm of torque. The Hybrid+ has a quoted combined fuel consumption figure of 4.7 litres per 100 km, compared with 6.9 litres per 100 km for the 1.5 Turbo.

Both variants have similar equipment levels. Standard features include front MacPherson strut suspension, a rear torsion beam, disc brakes on all four wheels, 18-inch wheels with 215/50 R18 tyres, LED exterior lighting, intelligent headlamp control, silver roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, an electronic panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, PVC trim, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic air conditioning with rear air vents, and keyless entry and start.

Other features include three drive modes (Eco, Sport and Normal), a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a six-speaker sound system, and 12 months of complimentary access to MG's iSmart telematics system. The Hybrid+ additionally has three selectable energy regeneration modes and a pedestrian warning sound.

Safety and driver assistance equipment includes six airbags, passive safety systems and an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite. The suite comprises adaptive cruise control, forward and rear collision warnings, autonomous emergency braking, lane change assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, intelligent cruise assist, driver monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, door opening warning and a 360-degree camera.