The ZS has been MG Philippines’ best-selling model in the country. While it didn’t sell well from the get-go (no thanks to its old, controversial distributor), The Covenant Car Company Inc. managed to turn things around and made the car very popular among buyers.

Even after the launch of other models, the ZS remained one of the brand’s sales hits. But at six years old now, the car is starting to show its age—even after one facelift and the fitting of a turbocharged mill.

And while we’re all waiting for an all-new model to be launched, the brand’s new distributor (SAIC Motor Philippines) gave the subcompact crossover another nip-and-tuck.

You’re not mistaken if you think the car looks largely like the ones sold before it. That’s because there are very few changes to take note of. First is a redesigned front bumper, which now has a silver trim down low.

A set of fresh-looking 17-inch two-tone tomahawk design wheels can be found on the sides. Rounding up the list of exterior changes is the new rear bumper design.

The cabin looks mostly the same, save for the black leather-style interior and the red accents on the trims.

The biggest change in the ZS is under the hood. Gone are the 1.3-liter turbocharged, three-cylinder engine and the six-speed automatic transmission. Also gone is the option of having the crossover with a manual transmission.

The new model reverts to the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-banger, but is now paired with a continuously variable transmission. This powertrain combo makes 112hp and 150Nm of torque, while meeting the stringent Euro 6 emission standards.

The new ZS comes in two variants: the entry-level Comfort, which sells for P918,888, and the top-of-the-line Lux, which can be had for P1,088,888.

Meanwhile, you can still get the older version at the following prices:

• ZS Alpha AT – P1,048,888
• ZS Style AT – P898,888
• ZS Style MT – P848,888

Are the changes enough to make you consider owning one?