MG relaunches in New Zealand

Monday, 25 February 2019

While it never technically went away, iconic British sports car brand MG has been relaunched into the New Zealand market with a far more meaningful presence, thanks to its parent company taking over official distributorship here.

The move also sees that parent company - Chinese car manufacturing giant SAIC Motor - making its first official representation in the New Zealand market, with the company's MG products previously being imported by British Motor Distributors, while Taupo-based Great lake Motor Distributors continues to handle its LDV commercial brand locally.

While MG is legendary for its sports cars, SAIC is relaunching it here with a range of two SUVs and a small car. The MG GS SUV has been available locally for a few years now and it will shortly be joined by an updated MG3 small hatch and the all-new MG ZS small SUV.

The facelifted MG3 (left) and the all-new MG ZS (right) will join the MG GS in New Zealand later this year.

The MG3 kicks off the local range, starting at $17,990, and will be available in Core and Excite models, with both being powered by a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 82kW of power and 150Nm of torque. For the first time it will be available with an automatic transmission (something the previous model never offered here), although it is only a four-speed unit.

**READ MORE:

While the MG3 and entry ZS only get a 4-speed auto, the top spec ZS gets a new engine and a six-speeder.

* MG scores China's first five-star safety rating

* How better-quality vehicles are taking the high road from China

* MG reveals E-Motion electric car concept with sci-fi tech tease**

The all-new ZS will start at $23,990 and comes in Excite and Essence trims, with the Excite being powered by the 1.5-litre engine (and four-speed auto), while the Essence gets an all-new 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo unit that produces 82kW and 160Nm, but is hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The GS continues to top the range, starting at $27,990, and all MGs will come with an impressive 5 year unlimited kilometre warranty, complete with roadside assist.

The cars will go on sale later this year, once SAIC has set up its initial dealership network, something the company says it is currently in the process doing and it plans to eventually have 8 to ten dealerships, with parts and service representation across the country as well.

SAIC is one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, selling more than 7 million vehicles last year, and its Australian operation has experienced impressive growth since it debuted there late in 2016.

MG now has 29 dealerships in Australia and last month its sales were 849 per cent higher than in January 2018, while the company has gone from selling less than 600 cars in 2017 to notching up more than 3,000 last year.

'We see New Zealand as the perfect fit for MG,' said Peter Cao, CEO of SAIC Motor Australia and New Zealand.

'As a global brand, MG has evolved to today stand for great value, impressive design and high-quality manufacture and we anticipate it will appeal to New Zealand customers.'

While the local operation comes under the Australian umbrella, the company has hired Auckland-based Anthony MacLean to the role of Business Manager for New Zealand.

'Anthony brings with him a wealth of experience, and will work to expand our dealer network,' Cao said. 'We have a strong focus on building trust, and creating jobs in the local market, engaging experienced, enthusiastic retail partners to represent MG in New Zealand.'