MG ZS Archives - Brochureshub

MG is gearing up for a major plug-in push, and 2026 is shaping up to be the year the brand stops playing catch-up and starts shaping the segment. In an exclusive conversation with Auto Express, David Allison, MG Motor UK’s head of product and planning, confirmed that demand for plug-in hybrids “keeps creeping up”—enough that the brand is preparing to widen its PHEV pipeline. That expansion will come in the form of an electrified ZS, positioned just below the leaked MGS9 PHEV that quietly surfaced via Euro NCAP documentation this week.

MG’s strategy hinges on the sweet spot of the market: compact SUVs. As Allison put it, city cars and superminis “don’t really suit plug-in hybrid powertrains,” but B-segment crossovers—where range expectations and packaging tolerate a larger battery—are ripe for the picking. “I think [B-segment SUVs] are the next natural thing to do,” he said. He added that no automaker has meaningfully brought PHEV tech below traditional C-segment hatchbacks, and when pressed about a ZS with a plug, Allison’s reply was as subtle as an illuminated charge port: “Yes, probably.”

A 2026 Reveal Looks Likely

MG hasn’t locked in a reveal date, but if the brand’s hyperactive 2024 product cadence is any indication—four launches in a single year—it won’t be shy about pulling the covers off early. A 2026 debut for the ZS PHEV seems more “when” than “if.”

Once it lands, the ZS PHEV will slide directly into a niche that, for the moment, has just one occupant: the BYD Atto 2 DM-i, a newcomer temporarily enjoying a monopoly in the small PHEV crossover class. MG plans to bookend its plug-in range with the ZS at the entry point and the upcoming MGS9 PHEV as the range-topper, leaving the existing HS PHEV as a comfortable middle sibling.

Range, Pricing, and Real-World Expectations

Don’t expect the ZS PHEV to replicate the HS PHEV’s SUV-topping 75-mile electric-only rating. Segment realities—and battery size—won’t allow for it. But to stay in the fight with BYD’s upper-trim Atto 2 DM-i, MG will need to deliver close to 60 miles of EV range. Encouragingly, when Car and Driver’s UK counterparts tested the HS PHEV against a suite of Chinese hybrids earlier this year, the MG came within two percent of its official electric range. Efficiency seems to be a strong suit across MG’s electrified portfolio, so the ZS should inherit that discipline.

Pricing looks similarly competitive. Using the HS PHEV as a guide, MG is likely to tack roughly 10 percent onto the equivalent ZS hybrid’s price. That math points to an entry-level ZS PHEV SE starting around £25,000, a figure that would line up almost perfectly with the expected base price of BYD’s Atto 2 DM-i. If value remains MG’s trump card—and it usually does—the brand could find itself in a very favorable position.

MG’s Hybrid Momentum

The brand certainly has momentum on its side. In 2024, hybrids accounted for 44.8 percent of MG UK’s total volume—second only to Toyota in national HEV sales dominance. The lone PHEV currently in showrooms, the HS PHEV, made up 8.8 percent of the brand’s registrations last year. In other words, MG has already proven it can sell electrified SUVs in meaningful numbers; adding a lower-priced, more urban-friendly plug-in model could pour gasoline—figuratively, of course—on that growth.

The Takeaway

The ZS PHEV won’t be a moonshot, but it doesn’t need to be. It merely needs to be efficient, sensibly priced, and unmistakably MG. With plug-in interest rising, rivals limited, and the brand’s hybrid lineup already punching above its weight, the ZS PHEV could arrive as one of 2026’s most important small SUVs—not groundbreaking, but perfectly timed.

If MG executes the formula cleanly, expect to see a lot more charge ports glowing in UK driveways next year.

Source: Auto Express

A new contender is gearing up to challenge the European compact SUV segment. The Omoda 3, a long-awaited model from Chery’s sub-brand Omoda, is preparing for its European debut—and it’s arriving with a bold promise: cutting-edge design, impressive technology, and a price tag under €20,000.

This ambitious newcomer has its sights firmly set on bestsellers like the Dacia Duster and MG ZS, currently dominating the B-SUV class. But if the early signs are anything to go by, those established names may soon have serious competition.

A New Star with Premium Ambitions

First revealed to the world at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Omoda 3 quickly captured attention with its striking design, which some have compared to the Lamborghini Urus. This is no coincidence. The Omoda 3 features a wedge-shaped front fascia, aggressive slanted daytime running lights, and sharply cut body lines that echo supercar styling. Even the polygonal wing mirrors and wheel arches exude a sporty, futuristic vibe.

Measuring 4.2 meters in length, the Omoda 3 fits neatly into the B-segment alongside rivals like the Toyota Yaris Cross (4.18 m) and Škoda Kamiq (4.24 m). Optional 18-inch wheels and Matrix LED headlights—standard or optional depending on trim—add a premium flair, while colors like the signature Stellar Blue are expected to boost its curb appeal.

“Starship Cockpit” Interior and High-Tech Promise

Inside, the Omoda 3 leans heavily into modernity with a so-called “Starship Cockpit” layout. The cabin is dominated by two digital screens, a vertical central touchscreen, and a digital instrument panel with customizable themes. A sculpted center tunnel, reminiscent of high-end sports cars, houses the gear selector and gives the vehicle an unexpectedly luxurious feel for its segment.

Standard equipment is expected to be generous, aligning with Omoda’s broader goal of proving that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality or features.

Three Powertrains, One Ambitious Goal

What truly sets the Omoda 3 apart is its powertrain strategy. Buyers will be able to choose between:

A traditional petrol engine
A fully electric version
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant—an unusual and potentially game-changing offering in this price-sensitive segment.

While plug-in hybrids are rare in this class due to cost, Omoda aims to make its version accessible, offering up to 100 km of electric-only range. If priced competitively, this could give the Omoda 3 a clear edge over its rivals, which typically skip the PHEV option altogether.

Price: The Ultimate Weapon

Affordability remains the centerpiece of the Omoda 3’s strategy. While the larger Omoda 5 starts at just over €27,000, the new model is widely expected to start below €20,000, placing it directly in line with the Dacia Duster and MG ZS—Europe’s top-selling budget SUVs.

This aggressive pricing, paired with sophisticated design and generous tech, could be enough to seriously shake the market.

European Arrival Pushed to 2026

Initially planned for a late 2025 launch in Europe, the Omoda 3’s arrival has now been delayed until 2026, according to sources close to the importer. While the wait may frustrate eager buyers, the extra time could give the brand room to fine-tune the offering and adapt it for stringent European regulations.

Conclusion: A Real Threat to the Status Quo

With the Omoda 3, Chery’s sub-brand is not just offering another cheap SUV—it’s making a clear bid for leadership in the entry-level crossover segment. Stylish, well-equipped, and attractively priced, the Omoda 3 could be the most serious threat yet to Europe’s budget SUV champions.

For Dacia and MG, it’s not just a new competitor—it’s a wake-up call.

Source: Omoda

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