• All-electric MG Cyberster celebrates MG’s iconic racing heritage as a modern electric showcase of the brand’s innovation prowess
  • Value-packed MG ZS Pro breaks the mould with confident styling, a premium digital cabin, turbocharged performance and advanced safety

Johannesburg, 9 January 2026. Following the first-round vote by eligible members of the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) late in 2025, the striking MG Cyberster all-electric roadster and the value-packed MG ZS Pro compact crossover have been announced as semi-finalists in the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure.

The South African Car of the Year competition has an illustrious history dating back to 1986, with members of the SAGMJ crowning an annual winner that its jury panel deems the pinnacle of innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. The competition includes a stringent experiential evaluation, with rigorous scoring across multiple aspects, and incorporates data from Lightstone for the automated scoring element of the contest, which includes market segment sales volumes and spec-adjusted competitor pricing.

“MG Motor is passionately focused on providing customers with a joyful driving experience that fuses smart technology with real value to exceed expectations every time you get behind the wheel,” comments Alec He, newly appointed General Manager of MG Motor South Africa. “The Cyberster is not only a nod to MG’s century-long heritage, but also the epitome of how future-focused technology can live side by side with legacy. In turn, the ZS Pro demonstrates how our cars can also be dynamic and forward-thinking, without compromising on practicality, safety and value for money.”

LEGENDS LIVE FOREVER

A fusion of MG’s iconic heritage with modern electric innovation, the Cyberster is a statement that defines what it means to drive an electric roadster. Featuring a powerful 375kW all-wheel drive electric drivetrain with 725 Nm available from the get-go, it’s no surprise that the MG Cyberster races to the 100 km/h mark in just 3.2 seconds. The 77kWh battery supports up to 11 kW AC and 144 kW DC fast charging.

The MG Cyberster fully embraces British retro-futurism, with its iconic scissor doors bringing a thoroughly futuristic touch to a sleek and powerful design that not only pays homage to MG’s celebrated racing heritage but also represents a bold step into the electric age for the brand that created the much-loved MGB roadster. Priced at R1,399,900, the Cyberster is an everyday sports car bargain that catches the eye wherever it goes.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD

Having made its official South African debut at the 2025 Festival of Motoring, followed by a public launch in October last year, the striking MG ZS Pro is an expressive evolution of MG’s popular compact SUV. With its solid, wide-frame grille, sculpted bodywork and signature “Predator Eye” LED headlamps, the ZS Pro has a sleek, stylish and sporty stance that breaks the often-generic mould crossovers are created from to bring customers a package that doesn’t compromise on practical space for families, rewarding daily driving performance or modern technology that makes life easier and safer for all occupants.

Under the bonnet, the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 125kW of power and 275Nm of torque, paired with a high-performing CVT transmission that has been widely acclaimed as one of the best in the segment. Available in Comfort and Luxury grades, and priced from only R397,600, the MG ZS Pro also ships as standard with a 7-year/200,000km warranty as well as a 5-year/60,000km service plan.

“Apart from our excellent warranty and the standard service plans, MG Motor operates a state-of-the-art parts distribution centre in Johannesburg, supported by a globally renowned logistics partner. Our dealership network is also rapidly growing – from launching with 25 dealers at the beginning of 2025, we have already doubled our coverage across South Africa,” adds Alec He. “MG Motor is committed to the South African market and to serve our customers with distinction.”

The 2026 South African Car of the Year winner will be announced later this year.