Looks like MG is truly set for a proper return in the coming few months. And they will be returning with 2 offerings, the 2020 MG HS C-segment SUV and the 2020 MG ZS EV, a fully-electric SUV option.

We’ve previously reported that the MG HS SUV was spotted reporting for approval review at the Road Transport Department (JPJ). Now both cars are spotted parked in front of Berjaya Time Square and looking as if it is a public preview of the car. 

The return of the MG brand to Malaysia has been a long time coming. MG entered the Malaysian market back in the 90s (then under Brookland Motors) but due to its lack of popularity, the brand ultimately had to make their exit not long after their entrance.

Fast forward almost 20 years later, MG owner SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle Co. (SMPV) finally found a partner out of Berjaya to not only distribute and provide after-sales services for MG cars in Malaysia but even manufacture and assemble them.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Berjaya and SMPV back in January 2019, now that the cars will be launch soon, Berjaya might soon make an annoucement that they will be representing MG. 

When the MG HS is introduced in Malaysia, it will go head-to-head with other C-segment SUV runners like the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5.

We already know that the SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine that dispenses 162 PS and 250 Nm, but the spy shots also revealed that the engine claims 7.3-litre/ 100 km. 

Like the Proton X70, the MG HS’s engine will be hooked up to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that sends drive to the front wheels.

The HS in the Thailand market is well equipped with a full suite of ADAS features and even a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

While it is very likely that MG Berjaya will make the full suite of ADAS available in Malaysia, but it remains to be seen if they will make the 10-inch screen available.

Meanwhile, the MG ZS EV will slot in next to the Mazda CX-30 in terms of size, but based on the car’s electric nature, the ZS will sit in a league of its own if it is launched in Malaysia.

The ZS’s electric motor sends 150 PS and 350 Nm to the front wheels and the 44.5 kWh lithium-ion battery has a range of 335 km per full charge.

Word is that MG Berjaya had planned to launch the ZS back in May, but like all other plans, the launch was pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Though the Memorandum of Understanding between SMPV and Berjaya includes assembly of the cars locally (CKD), there is still no word yet on whether both cars will be locally assembled or imported from Thailand.

If the MGs are assembled in Malaysia, they will most probably be assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.

Thanks to Che Mahmud for the tip!