The new MG ZST is smarter than your average compact SUV. And delivers seven must-haves for smart city slickers
- The new MG ZST is smarter than your average compact SUV. And delivers seven must-haves for smart city slickers
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- USB outlets
- 360-degree surround view camera
- Panoramic sunroof
- Want to learn more?
- Find out more about the MG ZST Essence and the MG range of SUVs here
The new MG ZST is smarter than your average compact SUV. And delivers seven must-haves for smart city slickers
Navigating the urban jungle can be just as arduous as hacking your way through the real thing. Australians spend an average of 66 minutes travelling to and from work each day, according to latest statistics. Often most of it is in slow-moving, heavy traffic or jostling through the tight confines of a built-up CBD area at either end of their commute. It can be exhausting and downright hard work.
But having a car filled with modern creature comforts and safety features can reduce the stress associated with driving in the city.
So, here are seven must-have conveniences – all of which are standard in the $32,490 (drive-away) MG ZST Essence – that will make carving a path through the urban jungle a lot more bearable.
Traffic Jam Assist
Being stuck in stop-start traffic is hard work. But having Traffic Jam Assist – just one element in the suite of semi-autonomous driving aids packaged into MG Pilot (and a segment first in the MG ZST) – can drastically reduce the frustration.
Traffic Jam Assist works by using a combination of radar sensors and high-resolution cameras to constantly monitor the distance to vehicles immediately ahead. Activated when using cruise control, it automatically applies the brakes when the traffic is slowing down and accelerates the vehicle when it the car ahead is moving again in order to maintain a safe distance.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Using radar and camera-based technology, MG Pilot’s Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to prevent, or at least limit the severity of, a nose to tail collision. This is the most common accident on Australian roads, particularly in large cities.
As it does with Traffic Jam Assist, the system constantly monitors the traffic ahead of the car and will first issue a warning and then – even if you don’t physically touch the brake pedal – will automatically apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down and, in the worst-case scenario, bring the car to a complete halt.
Obviously if you’re paying attention you may never need it, but the one time you do could be a life-saver. Literally!
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Everyone is connected via their mobile phone in this modern world. And your car should be too.
Which is exactly why having the capacity to sync your vehicle’s infotainment system to mirror your phone – either through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – is a critical feature.
Both functions are standard within the MG ZST’s benchmark 10.1-inch colour centre display, allowing the driver to easily access features within their phone. Music, podcasts and additional navigation apps as well as your contacts are just a swipe away.
Oh, and you can make hands-free phone calls too!
USB outlets
Keeping mobile devices topped-up and running is just as important as having easy access to their functions, obviously. But if there’s only one USB outlet to use, expect the battles to start.
The MG ZST has that problem covered. Not only does it have two USB outlets in the lower section of the front console, it also has another pair for back-seat passengers. And, uniquely, it has a fifth outlet in the rear-view mirror for those using a dash camera or similar windscreen-mounted devices.
360-degree surround view camera
Inner-city parking can be tighter than Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, and the last thing you want is to scratch your car’s brilliant paintwork on a pillar, nudge the bumper on the back wall or bump into something you simply cannot see.
Having a surround view camera – which is standard on all variants of the MG ZST – is a great way to prevent anything like that from happening.
Using an array of cameras and ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle, it displays a full 360-degree virtual reality view (in either 2D or 3D graphics) of your vehicle’s immediate surroundings, and will sound a warning when an object is too close to the car.
Panoramic sunroof
There’s nothing worse than feeling closed in when you’re going nowhere, especially when you’re crowded in by the shadows of the city. Having additional light fill the cabin from a full-length sunroof – like the Panoramic Stargazer sunroof in the MG ZST Essence – adds an element of extra space to the cabin and brings an open-air ambience to the driving experience.
While those behind the wheel need to keep their eyes on the road ahead, the Panoramic Stargazer sunroof provides an otherworldly view for passengers, whether it is watching the clouds wander by or the stars shimmering on a clear night.
Sat-nav
Okay, so it’s pretty fair to assume we all know the fastest way to work and home again. But having the latest in sat-nav technology that monitors traffic flow – as it does in the MG ZST – helps prevent you from being stuck in an avoidable traffic jam by diverting you onto a faster alternative route.
And, naturally, having in-built sat-nav is a huge benefit when guiding you to new or infrequently-visited locations, whether it is travelling to a client meeting or catching up with friends at a new cafe. The ZST’s navigation system also provides an estimated time of arrival so you can communicate effectively if you’re running late.
Want to learn more?
The stylish and affordable MG ZST Essence compact SUV delivers all of our seven city must-haves and is priced from just $32,490 drive-away.
Powered by a powerful but economical turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the MG ZST Essence boasts class-leading equipment and all the safety you need, thanks to MG Pilot.
Unique to MG and standard in the MG ZST Essence, MG Pilot is a suite of driver aids which includes speed assist, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, plus a 360-degree camera, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist and more to keep you safe and focused on the road ahead.
Find out more about the MG ZST Essence and the MG range of SUVs here
Keyword: Seven city must-haves with MG