The salary you need to afford the new MG ZS Pro in South Africa

You will need to earn at least R44,000 per month to afford the new MG ZS Pro if you opt for a finance plan, according to a calculation by TopAuto.

The ZS Pro is actually the next-gen version of the crossover that made its local debut earlier this year; however, MG has elected to launch the new version as a separate model to ensure the original remains as a more affordable option for consumers.

The more upmarket Pro is now available in two specifications – Comfort and Luxury – with prices starting at R397,600.

It is fitted with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine , which develops 125kW and 275Nm.

This is sent to the front wheels via a CVT transmission, leading to an average fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights, LED taillamps, electric side mirrors, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, PVC upholstery, automatic air conditioning, six speakers, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also has assistance functions such as cruise control, electronic stability control, traction control, hill assist, tyre pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

The top-end Luxury adds larger 18-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers, an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, a leather steering wheel, an expanded 12.3-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats.

Additional driving aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, traffic jam assist, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and a 360-degree camera, are also included.

Each purchase comes with a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 5-year/60,000km service plan.

What you need to earn

We can use the following formula to work out the monthly payments on the new MG:

• Car price – R397,600/R431,500 
• Payment term – 60 terms (5 years)
• Interest – 10.50%
• Deposit – 0%
• Balloon – No balloon payment
• Extras – No optional extras

According to this, you’ll need to pay at least R8,640 per month for the Comfort, and up to R9,369 per month for the Luxury.

Financial experts then recommend that you do not spend more than 20% of your gross monthly salary on vehicle payments.

This means you’ll need to earn between R43,200 per month and R46,845 per month to afford the new ZS Pro on a finance plan.

Note that this figure does not account for insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which must all be factored into your budget.