MG has returned to the South African market after exiting the country in 2016.

The former British brand belongs to Shanghai giant SAIC Motor, which acquired it in 2007.

MG Motor South Africa (MG SA) starts its local campaign with sales of the ZS and HS sports-utility vehicles (SUVs), to be followed by the all-electric Cyberster roadster.

Pricing in what has become a keenly contested segment, especially among Chinese brands themselves, starts at R289 900 for the 1.5 ℓ entry-level ZS model, and R499 900 for the bottom-of-the-range HS model.

The HS range is available in 1.5 ℓ and 2 ℓ guises.

The warranties on both the ZS and HS ranges are five years/200 000 km on the vehicle itself, and seven years/unlimited kilometres on the engine.

The Cyberster will start at R1.4-million.

In 2023, MG Motor sold roughly 840 000 vehicles globally, with 88% of those sales in markets outside China.

“We are confident MG will perform just as well in the [South African] market, which is why we are launching initially with 25 dealers – and with plans for more over the next two years,” says MG SA GM Sky Zhang.

“Offering the right product at the right price is crucial in a highly competitive market like South Africa,” he adds.

“The ZS is the first of a raft of new models we will be launching.

“MG is 100% committed to the South African market,” notes Zhang.

“Backed by SAIC Motor, the largest automotive manufacturer in China and ranked among the Fortune Global 500, MG has a robust foundation for sustainable growth.

“The brand’s arrival in South Africa is a strategic long-term investment.

“SAIC’s infrastructure and resources are dedicated to ensuring local stability, from comprehensive service and support networks, to a firm investment in local job creation and partnerships.

“Our goal is to make MG a reliable presence in South Africa and provide our customers with peace of mind, knowing that they can count on MG for years to come.”

The company says its Ekurhuleni national parts distribution centre is already well stocked.

“Our goal is to set a new standard for after-sales support and reliability in the South African market, emphasising MG’s long-term commitment to its customers here,” notes Zhang.