2026 MG ZS gets new, more affordable base model

The MG ZS lineup has expanded downwards for model year 2026 (MY26), with a new base grade that slashes the cost of entry to the small crossover SUV by $2000.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the new entry-level Vibe is priced at $22,990 drive-away. MG is calling this a “celebration offer”, which will end on February 28, 2026.

The ZS lineup has been shuffled for MY26, with MG currently listing on its website Vibe and Essence variants with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and Excite and Essence variants with a 1.5-litre hybrid four, in addition to the new naturally aspirated Vibe.

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Gone are the turbocharged Vibe and naturally aspirated Essence variants that were part of the MY25.5 ZS lineup; the short-lived naturally aspirated Excite was already dropped for MY25.5.

The new MY26 1.5L Vibe comes standard with the following equipment:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 3.5-inch instrument cluster screen
• 4-speaker sound system
• Push-button start
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• Polyurethane steering wheel
• Fabric seat upholstery
• 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat

It also receives the same suite of active safety and driver assist technology as the rest of the range, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

It does, however, miss out on the climate control air-conditioning found in the Vibe Turbo, and features a traditional gear shifter.

For features like LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, satellite navigation, a surround-view camera, rear air vents or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, you’ll need to step up to the Essence Turbo or either of the two ZS Hybrid+ SUVs.

The Vibe’s 1.5-litre engine produces 81kW of power and 140Nm of torque, down 44kW and 135Nm on the turbo 1.5-litre.

Unlike the previous-generation ZS 1.5L, which used a four-speed auto, the new-generation SUV features a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Combined-cycle fuel consumption is 6.7L/100km, down 0.2L/100km on the turbo and, crucially, requiring only 91-octane regular unleaded fuel instead of 95 RON premium.

The current, second-generation ZS was launched here late in 2024, initially only with hybrid power before a turbocharged four followed in 2025.

The launch of the new 1.5L Vibe comes after the ZS lost the title of Australia’s best-selling small SUV in 2025, with the Hyundai Kona breaking its four-year streak. Hyundai sold 22,769 Konas against 20,000 MG ZS crossovers.

Not only that, but Chery’s Tiggo 4 narrowly beat the MG in the sales race (20,149), while the GWM Haval Jolion (19,413) came very close.

MG says the launch of the new 1.5L Vibe is “reinforcing its position within the compact SUV segment with a proudly value-focused entry variant”.

It’s a return to the ZS’ roots, with the previous-generation model closing out its run with a price tag of $23,990 drive-away, but with significantly less standard safety equipment than the current model.

MORE: Explore the MG ZS showroom