MG ZS Pro 1.5T (2025) First Drive Review

I attended the launch of the new model, which replaces the original car's naturally aspirated engine with a turbocharged unit and a suite of technology.

Related: MG's U9 bakkie headed for SA?

Design & interior 

The aesthetic transition from the standard ZS to the Pro is noticeable. The exterior adopts a sleeker, more aggressive design language, featuring a larger, frameless front grille and distinctive LED headlamp clusters that certainly grab attention. The top-tier Luxury model (R431 500), with its 18-inch wheels and red brake callipers, elevates the visual appeal.

Inside, the cabin takes a giant leap forward. While the outgoing model felt built to a price, the Pro introduces a modern digital fascia: a 7-inch digital driver's display and a centrally mounted infotainment screen—a 10.25-inch unit in the Comfort (R397 600) and a larger 12.3-inch screen in the Luxury. The minimal switchgear pushes most functions to the touchscreen, which responds promptly. Importantly, the build quality feels more substantial, with soft-touch materials employed across the dashboard and subtle stitching hinting at a premium feel. Cabin space remains a strength, with practical rear legroom and a functional 443-litre boot.

The Drivetrain

The core of the ZS Pro's repositioning is the new powertrain: a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering a competitive 125kW and 275Nm of torque. This is a crucial number for buyers in higher-altitude regions like Gauteng.

Engine & Performance	MG ZS Pro 1.5T	Jaecoo J5 1.5T Glacier	Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T Super Luxury
Power (kW)	$125$	$115$	$105$
Torque (Nm)	$275$	$230$	$210$
Transmission	CVT	CVT	7-speed DCT
Claimed Fuel Economy (L/100km)	$6.9$	$7.5$	$7.5$

Driving the MG ZS Pro

On the Road, the increase in power is immediately apparent. Where the old ZS often felt strained, the Pro is eager and responsive, particularly in the mid-range. The 0-100 km/h sprint is managed in a claimed 8.5 seconds, and it feels every bit as fast in the real world, with the engine feeling both responsive and punchy.

The transmission is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While generally smooth in urban stop-start traffic, it can still induce the characteristic engine drone when pushed hard. I would opt for this CVT over some of the poorly calibrated dual-clutch gearboxes I have encountered in some other Chinese models of late. The suspension features MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear,  and is tuned for comfort, providing a pliant ride that shrugs off most road imperfections. It is an easy car to drive, but dynamically, apart from a surprisingly peppy turn of acceleration, it feels pretty dull, not necessarily helped by the tyres, which are from a brand called LingLong, which I am not familiar with.

Value proposition

The ZS Pro’s most compelling argument is its perceived value proposition:

• MG ZS Pro 1.5T Comfort: R397 600

• MG ZS Pro 1.5T Luxury: R431 500

The Luxury model bundles a massive amount of tech for its price point, including a full suite of MG Pilot advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and a 360-degree camera.

All models come with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan. 

Comparison: MG ZS Pro Luxury vs. Haval Jolion Pro Super Luxury

The MG ZS Pro 1.5T Luxury (R431 500) and the Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T Super Luxury (R427 950) are priced almost identically and feature a smartphone-esque "Pro" badge, forcing buyers to scrutinise the specifications for the best return on investment. MG's superior powertrain and warranty are the key differentiators, versus the Haval's marginally larger size and dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Here is a comparative breakdown of the crucial features and mechanical differences:

Performance & Drivetrain

Verdict on Drivetrain: The MG ZS Pro offers a clear and substantial advantage in raw power and torque, making it feel more responsive, particularly at altitude. 

Technology & Comfort

Verdict on Comfort: Feature-for-feature, these two are remarkably similar. The MG ZS Pro Luxury pulls ahead with heated front seats, a significant comfort feature at this price point. However, the Jolion Pro Super Luxury offers a better solution for climate management with Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control.

Active Safety & ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems)

Both models offer a robust suite of safety systems, collectively known as MG Pilot and L2 Autonomous Driving.

Verdict on Safety Tech: The MG ZS Pro Luxury holds a tangible edge. For a virtually identical price, the MG includes critical active safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist, which Haval reserves for its more expensive, higher-spec Ultra Luxury model. The standard 360-degree camera on the MG Luxury model is also a significant convenience and safety booster over the Haval's standard reverse camera.

Final Summary: Where the Value Lies

The decision between the two top-spec models comes down to performance versus utility.

• Choose the MG ZS Pro 1.5T Luxury if:

  • You prioritise engine performance (125kW/275Nm) and need power for highway cruising or high-altitude driving.

  • You want the absolute most active safety tech for your money (BSM, TJA, 360-degree camera).

  • You value the unique comfort of heated front seats.

• Choose the Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T Super Luxury if:

  • You strongly prefer a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) over a CVT.

  • You need the slightly longer service plan (75 000 km vs 60 000 km).

  • Dual-Zone Climate Control is a non-negotiable comfort feature for you.

At this price, the MG ZS Pro, with its powerful engine and more comprehensive active safety feature list, currently offers a superior overall value proposition for the South African consumer.

Verdict

The MG ZS Pro arrives as a potentially serious disruptor. It boasts strong power and torque figures, an impressive list of standard features, and a brand that appears rather serious about its ambitions in the local market, with 50 dealerships set to be opened by the end of 2025. While the CVT remains the point of compromise, the overall execution, from the sharp design to the quality interior, suggests the ZS Pro is poised to secure some market share. It offers solid features at a mainstream price, making it an impressive entrant into South Africa's compact crossover market.