MG Motor is looking to elevate the standard for budget-friendly compact SUVs in Australia with the arrival of the MY26 MG ZS Vibe, priced from AUD 25,888—roughly USD 16,920 based on current conversion rates. Although MG began its life as a British automotive marque founded in 1924 in Oxford, its modern identity has been shaped under Chinese ownership. The turning point came in late 2007, when SAIC Motor acquired the Nanjing Automobile Corporation, which itself had secured the rights to the MG name in 2005 after the collapse of MG Rover. Since then, MG has reestablished its presence in several global markets, including Australia, where it has steadily grown in popularity.
In the Australian market, MG has been rapidly broadening its showroom offerings. Recent additions include the MG4 electric hatchback, the premium IM range developed in partnership with SAIC, the MG HS Hybrid+, and even the large MGU9 pickup. But alongside these more upscale or specialized vehicles, MG is also targeting budget-conscious buyers. One of its latest efforts is the MG ZS Vibe, the newest member of the small crossover lineup that originally debuted in 2017 and entered its second generation only last year.
While many regions—including Europe—receive the second-generation ZS exclusively with a 193-horsepower hybrid system, the Australian market will get something different for the MY26 ZS Vibe. Instead of a hybrid, Australian buyers are being offered a new 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine designed to deliver strong performance at a price that remains highly accessible. MG highlights that this engine provides a “significant performance boost,” boasting a 54 percent increase in power compared to the outgoing model.
The MY26 ZS Vibe features a standard 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with a CVT transmission. This setup produces 125 kW and 275 Nm—equivalent to 168 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The improvement is substantial versus the previous naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine, while torque output is said to exceed the class average by approximately 30 percent. MG attributes the model’s efficiency to components such as a variable-geometry turbocharger, a lightweight architecture, and low-friction engineering throughout the powertrain.
Beyond the Vibe trim, MG is also updating the ZS Hybrid+ Excite and Essence variants. Both hybrid models receive new software calibrations aimed at improving power delivery above 4,000 rpm. According to MG, these refinements result in better off-the-line response, smoother highway behavior, and a quieter overall driving experience. The hybrid versions also benefit from a two-speed transmission system designed to maintain efficiency at higher speeds while giving drivers stronger acceleration when needed.
MG continues to support its vehicles with a warranty of up to ten years, provided customers service their vehicles at official MG dealerships. With the strengthened ZS range and the success of models like the MG3 and ZS—each topping their segments last year—MG Motor hopes to maintain its momentum in Australia, where it finished seventh overall in national auto sales.