Johannesburg, South Africa, 20 February 2026. As MG Motor South Africa continues its reintroduction to local roads, the brand’s story stretches far beyond the present moment. It is a story that began more than a century ago in Britain, one defined by innovation, motorsport success and the democratisation of the sports car – and one that today finds its boldest expression in the all-electric MG Cyberster.

Tracing its roots back to 1924, MG is one of the most iconic names in global motoring. Born in Oxford and shaped by the vision of the legendary Cecil Kimber, MG built its reputation on sporty, exciting and attainable cars that delivered pure driving enjoyment. From the original MG 14/28 Super Sports car through to record-breaking competition machines and beloved roadsters like the MGB, MG has always stood for accessible performance and unmistakable British character.

That ethos has never faded – it has evolved.

THE RETURN OF A LEGEND: MG CYBERSTER

Unveiled to global acclaim and confirmed for production back in 2023 at Auto Shanghai, the MG Cyberster marked a long-awaited return to MG’s sports car DNA, now under the ownership of SAIC, one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers. It is the world’s first and only open-top, two-seat electric roadster to enter production – a clear signal that MG’s future will be as exciting as its past.

Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director at MG’s London studio, explains:

“Our intention was to create a completely new roadster ready for a new generation of sports car drivers – one that respects MG’s illustrious past while being absolutely modern and forward-facing.”

Visually, the Cyberster is unmistakably MG. Its long bonnet, low nose and flowing surfaces pay homage to classic MG roadsters, while bold contemporary elements such as dramatic scissor doors and a distinctive Kammback rear design firmly place it in the electric era.

PERFORMANCE THAT REDEFINES THE BRAND

Beneath its sculpted exterior, the Cyberster delivers performance worthy of MG’s sporting heritage. Available in South Africa in the dual-motor configurations, the Cyberster produces 375kW and 725Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds – making it the fastest accelerating production MG in history.

A 77kWh battery provides up to 443km of range (WLTP), while rapid DC charging at up to 150kW enables a 10-80% charge in approximately 38 minutes. Multiple drive modes – from comfort through to Sport and Track – allow drivers to tailor the experience, whether cruising or pushing the limits on a winding road.

Inside, the Cyberster blends classic roadster intimacy with ultra-modern luxury. A wraparound three-screen cockpit, premium materials, advanced driver assistance via MG Pilot, and features typically reserved for more expensive grand tourers position the Cyberster as a true performance flagship for the electric age.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

The Cyberster’s impact has been immediate and emphatic. It has claimed ‘Best Sports Car’ at The British Motor Show, ‘Best EV Roadster’ at the Top Gear Electric Awards, and ‘Most Anticipated New Car’ at the Carwow Car of the Year Awards, all in 2024. Locally, it was also nominated as a semi-finalist in the 2026 Old Mutual Car of the Year Competition.

Judges have praised not only its performance and design, but also its sustainability credentials and premium value proposition – hallmarks that have defined MG for generations.

CELEBRATING OVER A CENTURY: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE UNITED

MG’s centenary celebrations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2024 brought the brand’s journey full circle. Historic cars, iconic roadsters and Cyberster itself shared the stage, led by the Duke of Richmond in a parade that symbolised MG’s enduring connection to British motorsport.

Alongside the Cyberster, MG showcased visionary concepts such as the Cyber GTS and dramatic EXE181 – a modern electric reinterpretation of the legendary EX181 ‘Roaring Raindrop’ land speed record car driven by Stirling Moss. These concepts underline MG’s philosophy of honouring its past while relentlessly exploring the future.

A GLOBAL EUROPEAN BRAND, READY FOR SOUTH AFRICA

For South African consumers, the MG Cyberster is a statement; MG is not a newcomer, nor “just another” brand. It is a century-old British marque with a proven legacy, now reimagined for a new generation of drivers who value performance, design, innovation and authenticity.

As MG Motor South Africa looks ahead, the Cyberster stands as a powerful symbol of where the brand has come from and where it is going. After MG's first full year of operation in the local market, it has established 49 dealerships across the country, with plans to add more throughout 2026. This expansion will enable MG to support its growing customer base with service that exceeds expectations.

From Oxford in 1924 to the electric roadster of today, MG remains true to its founding promise: to build cars that are innovative, engaging and always fun to drive.