MG has confirmed to CarSauce that the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine has been discontinued across for the MG ZS.

Previously paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder produced 81kW and 140Nm.

Runout offers remain available on the ZS, but once current stock is sold, the engine will no longer be offered.

This change marks a major shift for the ZS, which is now hybrid or turbo-petrol only. Entry price for the ZS has also increased, now starting at $25,990 driveaway - an extra $2,000 versus the outgoing naturally aspirated 1.5L engine in the same Vibe trim.

Power for the ZS Hybrid+ comes from a system with a combined output of 158kW and 465Nm, featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 75kW and 128Nm, paired with an electric motor producing 100kW and 250Nm. The hybrid system uses a 1.83kWh battery and a three-speed transmission.

The turbo petrol engine engine - producing 125kW and 275Nm - was recently expanded across the ZS range for 2026, as detailed in CarSauce’s earlier report.

MG only recently announced the 2026 ZS update included recalibrated software for smoother hybrid performance and improved ergonomics.

The ZS 1.5 NA variants remain covered by MG’s 10-year warranty when serviced through authorised dealers.