Price and Specs: 2020 MG ZST launches in Australia from $28,490+ORC

MG ZST launches in Australia

The new 2020 MG ZST has been launched in Australia today with the two-model range starting from $28,490+ORC.

The MG ZST has launched in Australia (and will go on-sale mid-September) boasting a seven-year warranty, active safety and more. But what is it?

An addition to the ZS lineup (the architecture is the same), the new ZST boasts unique styling (inside and out), a new engine, and full active safety features. According to MG, the brand has no intention of updating the existing ZS model, so the two will be sold alongside one another with the aim of appealing to different buyers.

And MG is clearly hoping the new MG ZST will cut through against key rivals. MotoFomo attended the local reveal virtually and so we can’t talk to the quality of the new ZST but it’s loaded down with features.

MG ZST launches in Australia

Let’s start with the business end. Under the bonnet is a 1.3-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 115kW at 5200-5600rpm (a 40% increase in power compared with the 1.0L engine in the current ZS) and 230Nm of torque from 1800-4400rpm. The engine is Euro 5 compliant and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission only. 

Styling-wise, the ZST borrows from the look of the HS, boasting LED head- and tail-lights, folding wing mirrors, gloss black accents and a huge panoramic roof on the top-spec Essence variant. On the inside, there’s soft touch materials, leather wrapped steering wheel and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There’s also a full digital instrument display ahead of the driver (on the top-spec Essence variant) and five USB outlets around the cabin, two in the back, two in the front and one up on the rear vision mirror for dash cams. The driver gets six-way power adjustment on the top-spec Excite, with both front seats offering heating.

MG ZST launches in Australia

The new ZST boasts an impressive active safety list, with both variants getting MG’s MG Pilot active safety suite. This includes, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB); Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Traffic Jam Assist (TJA); Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA); Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC); Speed Assistance System (SAS); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The ZST also gets a 360-degree surround parking camera.

Both the Excite and Essence are available in two standard non-cost colour options: York White, Pebble Black, plus a range of metallic paint options (RRP $500): Brighton Blue, Diamond Red, and Sterling Silver. And the ZST is covered by a  seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and seven-year roadside assist package. 

MG ZST launches in Australia

ZST Excite – Price and Key Features – $28,490+ORC:

  • Black high-gloss grille
  • Black high-gloss mirror covers
  • Black high-gloss bumper inserts (Front and Rear)
  • Black high-gloss side sill inserts
  • 17-inch Two-tone machined alloy wheels
  • Red brake callipers
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Fog lamps
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Leatherette centre armrest
  • Full grain leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching
  • Synthetic leather interior trim with contrast stitching
  • MG Pilot
  • 360-degree camera
  • Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
  • In-built Navigation
  • 6 speaker sound system
  • Keyless entry and push-button start

MG ZST Essence – Price and Key Features – $31,490+ORC (in addition to Excite):

  • Class leading panoramic stargazer sunroof
  • Full digital instrument cluster
  • Red embossed “MG” logo on front headrests
  • Front seat heating
  • 6-way electric driver’s seat
  • Alternate design pattern 17-inch Two-tone machined alloy wheels