MG ZS T

Like the exterior, the interior layout of the MG ZS T is also a subtly tweaked version of that of the regular ZS. The layout looks much similar but still manages to get that much-required fresh appeal, due to the inclusion of a few revisions to the existing bits.

The major revisions introduced in the cabin of the MG ZS T over that of the regular ZS are a full-TFT instrument console behind the three-spoke round-themed multi-functional steering wheel and a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity. Apart from the infotainment system, the asymmetric looking centre console has sleek AC vents at the top and a slim panel for the automatic climate control buttons below the screen.

With a spacious cabin on offer, the MG ZS T also comes with a host of other features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery with contrast red stitching and red emblems on seat headrests, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and push start-stop button.

The MG ZS is already a smart looking vehicle, and with the ZS T, MG has only taken the bars even higher. The new MG ZS T looks much sharper and more modern, even with the minute tweaks it has received over the regular ZS.

At the front, the new MG ZS T looks sleeker with its new hexagonal grille, which comes with slightly rounded edges and honeycomb inserts. The fascia of the MG ZS T has got the much-required sharpness, thanks to the presence of the new edgier-looking eyebrow-shaped headlamps, which comes integrated with LED projectors and boomerang-shaped daytime running LEDs. The lower part of the bumper also gets an additional air dam with honeycomb inserts in the middle, while the corners of the bumper have large housings for the fog lamps with chrome garnish above the lamps.

The side profile of the MG ZS T doesn’t look significantly different from the regular ZS, with the SUV still retaining the crossover-like stance which makes it look slightly lowered, especially from the front. The large overhangs above the rear fenders give a muscular appeal to the SUV when viewed from the rear. The main attraction of the side profile of the MG ZS T is the sporty-looking 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which come with red-coloured brake callipers behind them.

The rear profile of the MG ZS T receives the same type of changes as the front profile as received, with a tweaked design for the tail lamps which makes them look sharper than before. The tail lamps now come with revised LED inserts, while the rear bumper also has been tweaked with redesigned housings for reflectors in the corners. At the bottom of the rear bumper, the MG ZS T gets dual faux exhaust outlets finished in chrome.

The MG ZS T offers decent driving dynamics, which are neither too sporty and thrilling, nor too sedate. It is somewhere in the middle, which should work with the majority of the targeted car buyers. The suspension feels like a fine balance between outright stiffness and plush setup.

The single variant of the MG ZS T comes with a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under its hood, which is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. The engine produces a maximum power output of 163 PS and a peak torque output of 230 Nm. While the initial response of the engine is excellent, the car doesn’t feel as fast as other turbo-petrol-powered crossovers and SUVs in the same price range when the RPMs rise.

The MG ZS T is loaded with safety features to its gills, with a long list including front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic parking brake, cornering brake control, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, tire pressure monitoring system, blind-spot warning system, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear driving assist, reverse parking sensors and 360-degree parking camera.

For a modern-day family-oriented SUV, the MG ZS T ticks all the right boxes. While it doesn’t get the traditional SUV stance, it looks contemporary, has a very long list of features and feels spacious and comfortable on the inside.