MG Motor India’s Astor and ZS EV are also sold in multiple international markets. They were recently refreshed across the globe. However, the Indonesian website of the British car brand now shows yet another revamped version of the ZS, which is sold in India with Astor and ZS EV nameplates. In the Indonesian market, the company has introduced the new MG VS HEV. Yes, it is based on the internationally sold ZS, but with revised and sharper styling. In comparison to the India-spec models, the VS HEV now gets a new slim radiator grille, which neatly merges into sharp-looking headlamps.
The upper portion of the grille is finished in piano black and houses a blue streak within. Lower down the chin, a larger air dam with a diamond-like pattern is used. Also, huge air dams sit on either side of the air dam. They help in cutting down the visual bulk for sure. The bonnet is flatter now with sharper creases, and it does help the VS HEV look more masculine than the Astor/ZS EV.
Since the silhouette remains unchanged, the side profile looks familiar. In fact, the only change on the sides is the new design for alloy wheels. Talking of rear fascia, it looks identical to the India-spec models. However, minute changes are made around the bumper. On the inside, changes are more prominent.
A panoramic glass panel houses the digital instrument console and the touchscreen infotainment unit. Some German air we sense here. The AC vents sit below this panel and are rectangular. Besides, the centre console is now raised to offer an upmarket appeal to occupants. The gear lever is a joystick-type and does look neat. The steering wheel sadly remains unchanged.
While the MG VS HEV in the Indonesian spec gets a hybrid powertrain, the facelift is expected to make its run to Indian models without any mechanical changes. Thus, the MG Astor with the new design might continue selling with the outgoing set of engine choices – 1.3L turbo-petrol and 1.5L NA petrol. Similarly, the MG ZS EV will continue to retail with its electric powertrain. Talking about the update’s arrival on our shores, expect it to make its Indian debut by Auto Expo next year.
