2021 MG ZS gets more than just a refresh in Thailand
2021 MG ZS officially debuts at this year's Bangkok International Motor Show
Remember when MG mentioned all of the details and changes they made for the refreshed MG ZS? Well, after releasing all of the details last week, MG has officially launched the 2021 ZS at this year's Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS).
Featuring an updated look, a more high-tech cabin, and a plethora of new safety features, the updated crossover gets more than just a simple cosmetic upgrade.
Starting with its exterior, the MG ZS has been given a smoother, sharper front fascia thanks to a new set of headlights (LED optional), reshaped front grille, and refreshed front bumper design with faux skid plate. Meanwhile, the rear of the ZS makes use of new LED taillights, a smoother rear bumper, and additional aluminum trim pieces. Serving as the final touch are the turbine-style 17-inch alloy wheels.
The interior may look like it has been carried over, but MG has been busy putting new technologies inside the crossover. For starters, there's now a new 7-inch digital instrument panel available that displays the gauges, as well as the advanced multi-info display. There's also the bigger 10-inch touchscreen display which replaces the previous 8-inch screen from before. It now supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as navigation.
Complementing the more high-tech infotainment is the I-Smart Intelligent System. With it, users can remotely activate the automatic climate control, stream online music with ease, look for points of interest, check the weather, as well as remote control certain functions of the ZS.
Other available amenities inside the 2021 ZS are two-tone leather upholstery with contrast stitching, piano black accents and trim, power-adjustable driver's seat, electronic parking brake, panoramic sunroof, and 60:40 split rear seats.
Under the hood, a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four continues to power the 2021 ZS. It produces 114 PS at 6000 rpm, along with 150 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. Gone is the old four-speed automatic as it has been replaced by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an eight-speed manual mode. There was no mention of a manual transmission for the Thai-spec ZS. This is in stark contrast to the Euro-spec ZS, which isn't available with a CVT or an automatic
A wide array of intelligent and new safety systems are now available on the 2021 MG ZS. These include a 360-degree around-view monitor, real-time tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, and six airbags.
With Thailand already getting their hands on the 2021 MG ZS, perhaps it's only a matter of time before it makes its way to the Philippines. What we see here is likely to be close to the one the could be sold locally, and we're curious to see how it will drive like with that new transmission.
