MG has revealed its entry into the mini-SUV segment, which is called the XS. Making its public debut this week at the London Motor Show, the XS will aim to take sales off the likes of the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, SsangYong Tivoli and Peugeot 2008.
Expected to arrive in showrooms near the end of this year, the XS sits below the GS which was launched in the UK last year and represented MG’s first production SUV. Like with the GS, MG are aiming to entice customers to the XS through affordability, so while prices have yet to be confirmed, it’s likely the XS will start from just under £13,000.
Unlike other recent MGs, the new mini-SUV has a different name in the British market compared to others. The XS will be called the ZS in other countries including China, where the car will be produced.
Full specification details for the UK will be confirmed closer to release, but engines likely to be offered include a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 123bhp and 170Nm of torque.
A 1.5-litre petrol engine carried over the GS is also likely to be offered with the XS. However, whereas this unit offers 164bhp and 250Nm of torque in the GS, it’s rumoured that the XS will get a less powerful version of the engine with 118bhp and 150Nm of torque. In the future, the XS range is expected to expand with plug-in hybrid and fully-electric variants.
Three trim levels will reportedly be offered with the XS and the equipment list is set to include an eight-inch touchscreen, cruise control, keyless start and a reversing camera. Custom design options similar to what’s available for the MG3 supermini are also likely.
