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MG is updating its common ZS small SUV for 2026, making driveability enhancements to hybrid-powered variants whereas including customary equipment throughout the vary.
Concurrently, MG has introduced a runout clearance for 2025-plated automobiles.
MG hasn’t confirmed pricing for the complete 2026 ZS lineup, which is able to embrace the brand new Vibe Turbo variant. This was launched as a part of a mannequin 12 months (MY) 2025.5 replace and is at the moment priced at $25,990 drive-away, a sticker that’ll drop to $25,888 drive-away for 2026.
Vibe variants will obtain revised 17-inch alloy wheels for 2026, whereas all ZS variants acquire tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment. At the moment, the ZS has tilt-only tiller adjustment.
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Arguably the most important information for the 2026 ZS lineup, nevertheless, is the second spherical of software program enhancements made to its hybrid system.
MG says it has launched a softer ECM pedal map to make the ZS’ throttle response smoother, whereas the cabin is claimed to be quieter with the automobile sitting at 3200rpm at “mid/excessive speeds”.
Modifications to the hybrid management unit have additionally resulted in power regen that may be skilled “extra usually and earlier”, whereas MG additionally says the facility contribution from the combustion engine has been enhanced for stronger efficiency over 4000rpm.
General gasoline consumption is unchanged.
We’ve contacted MG Motor Australia to substantiate if the MG 3, which makes use of the identical hybrid system, will obtain these updates.
The sunshine hatch missed out on earlier enhancements rolled out to the ZS this 12 months.
“The Hybrid+ powertrain will actively cost the battery when extra load on the powertrain is detected, the engine will cost the battery to retain a reasonable State of Cost (SoC),” the model wrote earlier this 12 months.
“When on an incline, the Hybrid+ powertrain has been recalibrated to interact the engine when the automobile is driving with reasonable or greater velocity. The general expertise shall be a balanced expertise of energy supply and effectivity.
“When automobile velocity is over 100km/h, the Hybrid+ powertrain will interact the engine to make sure sustained energy relying on the battery SoC.”
MG’s hybrids have suffered from driveability points, chief amongst these being a powertrain that doesn’t enable for extra energy from the petrol engine when it’s wanted – for instance, on steep inclines.
In CarExpert testing, the associated MG 3 Hybrid+ was discovered to not speed up past 54km/h on a steep grade even with the accelerator pedal pushed all the best way to the ground, on account of the hybrid battery missing ample cost.
Provided with naturally aspirated, turbocharged and hybrid four-cylinder powertrains, the second-generation ZS – launched right here final 12 months – is not Australia’s best-selling small SUV, a title it held from 2021 to 2024.
To the tip of September, MG Motor Australia has delivered 16,015 examples of the ZS, placing it simply behind the Hyundai Kona (16,971), however above the GWM Haval Jolion (14,159) and Chery Tiggo 4 (13,889).
There’s nonetheless time for the ZS to push previous the Kona on the gross sales charts once more, nevertheless, with fewer than 1000 items separating the 2 small SUVs up to now this 12 months and three months’ value of gross sales figures but to be reported.
MORE: Discover the MG ZS showroom
