As expected, the incoming second-generation of the car that reinstated MG here has the same petrol-electric as MG3, as well as full petrol choices. 

DETAILS of the hybrid option for the next MG ZS have been shared ahead of its arrival here.

In addition to taking the same set up offered in the smaller MG3 Hybrid Plus recently released here, the new second-generation model has additional technology to the previous model and also sports an updated look.

It’s also expected to be as electric as the ZS gets from now on. 

Overseas reports say there won’t actually be a fully electric ZS as exists currently. Instead MG will create a separate, standalone all-electric crossover that will sit in the range alongside the hybrid ZS.

The ZS hybrid edition takes a 75kW 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol with a 100kW/250Nm electric motor for a 144kW total claimed system output. It is claimed to reach 100 kilometres per hour from a standstill in 8.7 seconds.

It has a fuel economy of 5.1 litres per 100km and Co2 emissions of 115g/km.

Like the MG 3, the ZS Hybrid Plus is front-wheel drive only, with a three-speed automatic and a 1.83kWh battery pack. 

As New Zealand adopts a common specification as Australia, it is likely the range will also include a 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder to replace the current ZS Excite, along with a turbocharged version of that engine.

The petrol-only options are paired with a continuously variable transmission automatic, replacing the four-speed torque-converter auto found in the current non-turbo ZS Excite, and the six-speed torque-converter auto in turbocharged models.

The latest styling direction means it closely relates to the larger new-gen HS plug-in hybrid, but also has resemblance to the MG3. All use similar design cues around the grille and the headlights.

Pricing and specifications for ZS are unlikely to be revealed until much closer to its launch, set to occur late year.

Full LED lighting front and rear, a 12.3-inch HD infotainment display with navigation, a seven-inch virtual driver display, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry all appear as features for other right hand drive markets.

The first generation ZS model was hugely important in re-establishing the MG brand here but its status has lapsed since the MG4 landed.

The new HS is next off the block here. It arrives soon with a wider and longer body, with a 30mm longer wheelbase also helping deliver a larger cabin and bigger boot. Pricing and features were understood to have been shared with the several NZ journalists who the brand took to Sydney earlier this week for a sneak preview, but these are subject to an embargo that doesn’t lift until next week.