- MG Cyberster turns heads at the 15th edition of Simola Hillclimb
MG made a striking debut at South Africa’s renowned Simola Hillclimb, which took place from the 1 – 4 May, showcasing two impressive models. The star of the event was the recently launched all-electric MG Cyberster sports car, featuring a powerful 375 kW all-wheel drive electric drivetrain and a stunning British design that captivated spectators.
As a symbol of MG’s tribute to its racing heritage and bold step into the electric age, the Cyberster stands at the forefront of electrification. It embodies the brand’s passion for innovation and performance, setting a new benchmark for electric sports cars. This model demonstrated the potential of electric vehicles and pushed the boundaries of performance. Alongside the Cyberster, MG also presented the highly anticipated hybrid version of the MG3. Together, these vehicles embody MG’s bold reinvention of its century-long motorsport heritage for a new energy era.
A Collision of Legendary Racing and Electric Innovation
The 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb was marked by a mix of difficult emotions and exceptional competition during the King of the Hill challenge. The shortened Sunday program was dedicated to Pieter Joubert, who tragically passed away after an accident during the day’s opening run. As one of South Africa’s most influential automotive festivals, the Simola Hillclimb is celebrated for its steep track and passionate fans, drawing top drivers and race cars from around the globe. This year, the MG Cyberster brought fresh energy to the event, showcasing MG’s strong capabilities in electrification and reaffirming its commitment to both heritage and innovation in the electric age. Through this race, MG highlighted its technological excellence in electric vehicle development.
Ashley Oldfield, the driver behind the wheel of the Cyberster. Equipped with years of racing experience, Ashley took up journalism and became a writer for some of South Africa’s best motoring magazines and online publications. He is SA’s first (and only) GT Academy winner, having raced professionally overseas. He now serves as the Head of Content at Cars.co.za, putting his wealth of racing and driving experience to good use. This year marked Ashley’s 7th Knysna Simola Hillclimb, intending to add an official record as the fastest EV time up the hill in the MG Cyberster.
The Perfect Fusion of Performance and Aesthetics
The Cyberster is equipped with a powerful electric system delivering 375 kW and 725 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds.
In terms of design, the Cyberster fully embraces British retro-futurism with its iconic scissor doors. Every line and curve tells a story of MG’s pursuit of both aesthetics and performance. The vehicle’s advanced electric technology ensured solid performance, while the 77 kWh battery supported up to 11 kW AC and 144 kW DC fast charging, enabling rapid recharge to tackle every challenge.
The MG Cyberster has seen great initial traction in the local market with a price of R1,399,900, owners get supercar performance in a sports car package.
With the initial models introduced earlier this year and more exciting products on the way, MG aims to meet diverse market needs and provide South African consumers with full-spectrum mobility, from everyday vehicles to high-performance EVs.
An Overview of MG’s Model Lineup
The MG ZS, a compact SUV, is focused on family safety. It meets E-NCAP safety standards, comes with six airbags, and boasts a 7-year unlimited mileage warranty. As a best-seller in Europe, it is affordably priced starting from R289,900.
ZS 1,5 Auto Comfort – R289,900
ZS 1.5 Auto Luxury – R309,900
The MG HS is a mid-size SUV that balances smart technology with performance. Meeting E-NCAP standards, it includes 14 ADAS intelligent driving features for all-around safety. Its 1.5T engine delivers 125 kW and 275 Nm of torque, with a fuel economy of just 6.9 L/100 km (NEDC). Price: R499,900.
HS 1.5T 7DCT Comfort – R499,900
HS 1.5T 7DCT Luxury – R534,900
The MG Cyberster, an all-electric supercar, exemplifies MG’s sports car legacy. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, and from 80–120 km/h in only 2.1 seconds. With a maximum output of 375 kW and 725 Nm of torque, it combines extreme performance with style. Its electric scissor doors and convertible soft top add both flair and practicality. Official price: R1,399,900.
