Power to the people
MG ZS BRINGS ELECTRIC MOTORING WITHIN REACH
MG has well and truly arrived. Sales are booming and increasing by big percentages each year. MG even outsells Renault in the UK.
It’s cars like the ZS crossover that are responsible for such big interest in the Chinese brand.
The ZS didn’t start life as an EV but since MG electrified it, sales have taken off. It’s simple: the ZS EV offers electric motoring for an extremely attractive price.
MG has just facelifted the ZS and we’re testing it this week. The headline news is the company has fitted the larger battery from the MG5 Long Range estate car. This means a 72.6kWh gross battery capacity and 68.3kWh net, compared to the previously used 44.5kWh.
MG quotes an official range of 273 miles, which is impressive; with real world range being an easy 240 miles in the winter.
Back to the facelift. The visual changes to the ZS are simple but very obvious. Gone is the conventional front grille from the internal combustion versions and in its place a more electricky-looking moulding. The charging port has been moved from the front wing to behind a flap in the grille.
This works best at a public charger as it allows you to drive straight into the bay and not worry about the huge EV beside you.
There’s also a new rear bumper and LED headlamps.
The range is simple: the Long Range is available in base level SE trim, Trophy and Trophy Connect at the top. The SE costs £28,495 including the PICG which is pretty good value.
If anyone says to you that EVs are too expensive you can point them in the direction of this entry-level ZS, which undercuts many petrolengined rivals.
We’re testing the poshest one which costs £31,495 after the grant. Next year the facelifted ZS will be available with a smaller 49 kWh battery. No price yet but it’ll be cheaper and very good value.
Moving the charging socket is a practical improvement but bigger wins await inside the MG. There’s a new centrally-mounted infotainment screen that deals with all the usual, plus gives you a clear idea of what’s going on with the electricity consumption.
Phone mirroring is painless and the graphics are sharp. Overall the new system works as well as those fitted to considerably more expensive cars. Like VW’s
ID.4.
One novel feature is a power socket that MG describes as vehicle-to-load capability. This means you can power mains devices up to 2.2kW. Could be useful but I wouldn’t recommend cranking up an electric heater during a camping trip or boiling too many kettles, or you might find yourself short of electrical energy for the trip home.
The ZS is propelled down the road by a 153bhp motor that’s the same as the unit fitted before but seems to have a bit more vim than in earlier cars. Acceleration is suitably brisk with 0-62mph taking 8.2 seconds.
MG hasn’t restricted the top speed so it’ll do 108mph. Don’t try it as you’ll probably get points on your licence and definitely run the battery down extremely quickly.
The electric motor used to emit an annoying whine in the ZS but in the facelifted car it’s much quieter. As for the driving experience, none of its rivals are fun and the ZS is no worse or better. The steering has very little feel and the ride is a bit choppy over broken roads but the suspension is quiet.
The facelifted ZS in Long Range spec is an appealing family car for those not too concerned with style or the overall driving experience. It’s good value, spacious and with a range and performance equal to that of more costly rivals.
Recent concept cars from MG have shown they’ve got design talent behind the scenes who will no doubt make sure this car’s successor has lots of kerb appeal.