We drove the petrol MG ZS in 2018 & concluded that, at it’s price point, it really was a bit of a bargain. Twelve months later, MG launched an electric version of the ZS, the ZS EV fitted with a 44.5kWh battery offering a 163 mile range. And, after driving that, we realised that just like the petrol ZS, the ZS EV gave electric car customers great value for money.
What’s new ?
Fast forward to 2022 & there’s a new ZS EV on the block & it comes fitted with a larger 72.6kWh battery offering a more competitive 273 mile range matching most of the electric cars in the market place.
Thanks to MG’s sister firm Roewe, who have been selling upwards of 140,000 EV’s annually in China & access to a Chinese battery factory that can supply up to 300,000 vehicles per year, MG with the ZS EV are in the fortunate position of being able to supply the market with ZS EV’s, when many others are struggling.
Battery, performance & range
The ZS battery powers a single electric motor, producing 156 PS & 280 Nm’s of torque which gives you a 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 108mph. The 72.6kWh battery is claimed to give a range of 273 miles.
Charging
MG have hidden the charging port behind the MG badge on the front grille & when you plug in, the ZS EV is compatible with 50kW rapid charging. This allows around four fifths of the battery capacity – 218 miles – to be replenished in 63 minutes. At home on a 7kWh charger a full charge will take 10.5 hours.
Trim & spec
The ZS EV is offered in three trim levels; SE, which comes with a 10.1″ colour touchscreen, MG Pilot, iSmart user app & a digital drivers display.
Trophy which features an all around parking camera, wireless phone charger, heated front seats & a panoramic sky roof. And Trophy Connect. The larger battery versions are distinguished by the addition of Long Range after their trim names.
We were testing the Trophy Connect Long Range which also includes Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, SatNav, Air Con, an electric parking brake with auto hold, auto headlights, LED daytime running lights & rear parking sensors. The range topper also comes with Adaptive Cruise Control. MG Pilot fitted to all ZS EV’s features Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Active Emergency Braking, Intelligent High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Assist & Traffic Jam Assist.
Looks
Looks-wise, the ZS is okay, rather it looks like pretty much all of the other generic cars in it’s class. And for some that will be just fine, but a more EV’s enter the marketplace its conservative looks may not appeal to all.
Cabin & practicality
Inside there’s actually plenty of space for five adults with good head & legroom in the rear. Storage wise, there’s a couple of useful cup holders & door pockets but, the glove box is letterbox-shaped & small. The switchgear is sensibly located & the infotainment touchscreen is easy to use, as well as offering a really good SatNav system, with great map graphics. Like al of the latest touchscreen systems, it takes a few goes to get used to & all in all it works well. But, it’s not as quick or intuitive as many other systems out there.
The latest version is definitely better quality wise, than the ZS EV we drove in 2018. Plastic quality has improved.The new dashboard features twin USB sockets, improved piano keys function switches which sit underneath the touchscreen & the seats & fabric finishes are improved as well.
The boot offers 470 litres of space. The rear seats don’t fold completely flat. Charging cables can be stored neatly beneath the boot floor & which is also split-level So plenty of room for your cables & your luggage.
Regeneration & driving modes
ZS EV features three levels of Regenerative Braking & three driving modes; Eco, Normal & Sport. Eco turns off the heating so is best avoided in a cold January, which is why we drove the whole week in Normal mode.
On the road
Climb aboard & it’s really rather good to drive especially on the motorway. It’s quiet as well, even in the pouring rain, wind & road noise isn’t too intrusive. By choosing Normal mode, progress is average, but plenty fast enough for most.
If you’re driving on smaller roads, the ZS EV handles pretty well. It’s not exciting nor engaging, just comfortable & easy to drive. The instant torque is fun & you can select the level of brake energy recuperation from a toggle toggle switch near the base of the centre console. This allows you to choose the level of brake energy recuperation when you lift off the throttle & works, as it does in the competition, very well. It goes without saying that in traffic & in town the electric MG is brilliant.
Pros
All of the ZS EV range are great value for money Entry level short range SE costs just £27,495, the long-range version is £29,495, easily undercutting the current crop of mid-range family EV’s in the market. In fact, it’s a similar price point to smaller EV’s such as the Vauxhall Corsa-e & Peugeot-e-208. For company car drivers of course, the Treasury have decided in their infinite wisdom, to offer 1% BIK on EV’s, so switching to a ZS EV becomes even more tempting.
Cons
No one will be staring at your ZS EV as its looks are a little bland. Everything looks good & works well, but there are more exciting electric cars on offer, with better infotainment & high quality interiors.
Conclusion
If you’re a user-chooser & are currently caught up in a company car changeover, the choice of electric car’s may be a little baffling. In real terms, if in your regular daily driving, you only travel short distances & you can take advantage of a work or home charger to charge every day or two, then the MG ZS EV would be an excellent choice. Drive further & the larger battery now gives the MG ZS a fighting chance against the opposition. What the MG ZS EV does well, is to offer what many customers want. It’s attractively priced, comes very well equipped & is a proper practical five-seat family car.
An excellent budget-priced family EV now with a decent electric range 4/5
