MG Cyberster and MG SA’s Master Plan

The Cyberster shines as the leading light in MG’s South African revival…

Image: MG Motor

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Conceived as the sportscar division of Morris Cars in 1924, MG (established as Morris Garages) would become synonymous with producing stylish, fun-to-drive sportscars that were accessible to people from all walks of life. Browsing through the automaker’s archives, it’s the models produced in the first five decades of the British marque’s existence, along with the motorsport pedigree gained from the K3 Magnette’s 1933 Mille Miglia victory, that have contributed to the company securing its place in the annals of sportscar history.

Many MGs manufactured throughout that period have become classics. These include the 1955 MGA and its 1962 MGB successor, which, at the time, was billed as the firm’s first modern sportscar. However, following the release of the latter and subsequent iterations thereof, including the MGC, 33 years would pass before the automaker would introduce an all-new sportscar — the MGF in 1995.

This rear-wheel-drive, mid-engined sportscar was sold by the then-BMW-owned Rover Group and, from the turn of the new millennium, MG Rover until it was replaced by the MG mechanically related TF in 2002. Unfortunately, owing to several factors, the UK company collapsed in 2005; taking production of the MG TF with it. It seemed MG, a brand that had managed to persevere through adversity, had finally drawn its last breath. However, the manufacturer would have its Lazarus moment with a move to Chinese ownership.

Following a two-year hiatus, the MG brand was revived in 2007 when Nanjing Automotive Corporation, which was acquired by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) in the same year, secured production rights for the MG TF and several other MG models. The MG TF would, however, retire four years later as the final roadster to don the MG octagon for more than a decade; the subsequent MG models would come in the shape of hatchbacks, sedans and crossover/SUVs. Twelve years would pass before a new MG roadster would finally grace the road…and it wouldn’t be like MG roadsters of old. Revealed in 2023, the Cyberster signified the all-electric future of MG sportscars.

However, the manufacturer maintains that the future-focused two-seater is every bit as exciting as its predecessors. Such a bold statement was likely met with a good deal of scepticism from unconvinced, yet curious, MG enthusiasts. But, with the launch of the Cyberster, it’s fair to say that such words are seemingly well-founded – the electric roadster excites in spades, whether you’re just admiring its design or driving it.

Dressed in Flare red, the car’s sculpted sheet metal cuts a striking figure. There are few cars out there as head-turning as the Cyberster. The ‘Storm Eye’ LED headlamps and arrow-shaped taillamp arrays, along with an expansive light bar, and 20-inch alloy wheels especially provide visual verve to MG’s halo car. The showpiece, however, must be the automatically opening scissor doors. The Cyberster’s measures 4 535 mm front to rear, 1 913 mm in width, 1 329 mm in height and 2 690 mm between the fore and aft axles – making it marginally larger than the likes of the BMW Z4 and Porsche 718, but possessed of a snug, driver-focused interior.

The key adjective here is “driver-focused”. Admittedly, it has become somewhat clichéd to describe a sportscar’s cockpit as such. However, in the case of the Cyberster, this rings true. Sited ahead of the steering wheel, are a trio of digital displays housed within a single, curved panel. Positioned towards the driver, the 7.0-inch units flanking the 10.25-inch central driver’s display are touch-enabled. The left- and right-hand-side items display infotainment, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, essential vehicle-related information, and surround-view camera feed to the driver, respectively. Initially, learning the intricacies the tri-screen arrangement’s operation can be quite daunting, but the displays are crisp and the interfaces logical. So best leave fiddling with the setup to the more tech-oriented and, instead, drive. After all, that’s what a roadster is made for…

Cyberster. Image: MG Motor

Locally, the Cyberster is exclusively available in flagship, dual electric-motor, AWD configuration, which gains an additional (150 kW/250 N.m) front-mounted electric motor to the rear-wheel-driven variant’s single 250 kW/475 N.m item. The twin-motor system produces a combined 375 kW and 725 N.m of torque.

Although it couldn’t not quite match MG’s supercar-levelling claimed 0-100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, on our test strip the 1 840 kg Cyberster completed the obligatory sprint in 3.68 seconds. While this gives it the sort of straight-line speed that will make more expensive roadster rivals from Germany take notice, it doesn’t quite match their pin-sharp handling. Yet, with its near-50:50 weight distribution (52:48 front to rear, tested) and low centre of gravity, the Cyberster, though not necessarily a surgically accurate corner carver, remains fun to drive. A touch more weight to the steering and lower adjustment for the driver’s pew would have elevated the R1.4 million package further.

The star in MG’s line-up, the Cyberster shines in the way it manages to excite the driver and passersby, alike. If this is the essence of an MG roadster, the Cyberster – though not built in its native country – is an MG roadster. However, the excitement generated by a halo model in a company’s product portfolio must stretch beyond the car itself — it must elicit excitement around the brand. And it seems the Cyberster has achieved this, globally and now, with MG’s return to South Africa, locally.

Towards the end of 2024, the year MG celebrated its centenary, those with a keen eye would have noticed MG’s octagon emblem gradually appearing on the façades of several dealerships across South Africa. Indeed, following an eight-year hiatus since its second exit from South Africa in 2016, MG is back.

Having launched its local operations with 30 dealerships nationwide, MG is set on offering SA consumers a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from keenly priced compact crossovers/SUVs to the striking Cyberster all-electric roadster you’ve just read about. In addition to the automaker’s halo car, MG SA’s initial model portfolio includes the ZS, an entry-level crossover aimed at budget-conscious buyers, and the HS, a family-focused midsize SUV. However, the company’s local arm has plans to introduce more models, which we expect to include the ZS Pro and the MG 3 hatchback, in the coming two years.

Notably, the manufacturer’s eyes aren’t set solely on the continued roll-out of new products. Firmly focused on ensuring the brand’s longevity in SA, MG remains conscious about consumers’ expectations and needs and has set a goal for itself to become a reliable presence in the market. MG’s plans further include providing peace of mind to consumers through a comprehensive network of service and support centres.

However, the firm’s plans stretch further than the products on its showroom floors and customer care. To reinforce its commitment to the SA market, MG is intent on investing on local job creation.

“Backed by SAIC Motor […] MG has a robust foundation for sustainable growth. The brand’s arrival in SA is a strategic long-term investment,” said Sky Zhang, General Manager of MG SA.

Find the full feature in the March 2025 issue of CAR Magazine.

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