SPARK & THRIFT
SHORTCUT
VALUE
The second-generation MG ZS EV launched in September as Australia’s cheapest electric car, priced from $44,990 drive-away. It costs more than that now, but MG isn’t alone in raising prices.
New brand BYD initially undercut the MG with its Atto 3 electric car late last year, then raised its price by about $3600. Fellow Chinese brand GWM undercuts both now, at a little over $45,000 on the road depending on where you live, as electric car taxes vary between states,.
The MG isn’t the newest car in this class, but it is a reasonably proven package.
It’s well-equipped for the money, offering a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, sat nav and a 360-degree camera. A clever app lets owners remotely lock and unlock the car, check the charge status, or set the climate control before a journey.
Alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers are standard, but the metallic blue paint shown here is a $700 option.
A seven-year warranty reinforces a case for the MG, which has a more comprehensive dealer network than emerging rivals.
COMFORT
Like all battery-powered cars, the MG’S comfort quotient starts with a smooth and quiet electric motor. This car’s firm suspension delivers a bumpier ride than most, which is somewhat surprising as it wears relatively small 17-inch wheels with chubby Michelin tyres.
The Vw-inspired cabin is a middle-of-therange affair combining a leather steering wheel with manually adjustable cloth seats that feel flat. A 10.1-inch central touchscreen has sat nav and smartphone mirroring, but a basic fourspeaker stereo lets the side down.
SAFETY
The electric MG comes with six airbags and basic safety features such as auto emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and a reversing camera.
Folks who want more tech, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alerts, need to spend $3000 to upgrade from the standard “Excite” trim to the premium “Essence” that also adds a panoramic sunroof, heated faux leather seats, wireless phone charging and other luxury touches.
DRIVING
The MG ZS EV is based on an affordable petrolpowered model that starts from $25,990 driveaway, so you shouldn’t expect it to feel particularly sophisticated.
A quiet motor means you hear more noise from the tyres and suspension, which are louder than conventionally powered cars at this price.
Roadholding is not a strong point for skinny tyres designed for efficiency, and a woodenfeeling brake pedal ranks toward the bottom of the class for response.
It sends 130kw and 280Nm to front tyres that occasionally struggle for traction, even after a significant reduction in torque for the new model. A 50.3kwh battery promises 320 kilometres of range.
Electrified motoring is affordable with MG
ALTERNATIVES
BYD ATTO 3 FROM ABOUT $51,000
drive-away
Superior range, a quirky cabin and better driving behaviour impress, but quality and after-sales service are questionable.
HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC, FROM ABOUT $57,500 DRIVE-AWAY
More expensive, the Hyundai comes from a well-established brand while delivering less power and range than the MG.
NISSAN LEAF, FROM ABOUT $53,500 DRIVE-AWAY
The cheapest Leaf blends “one pedal” electric driving with a small battery offering 270km of range.
VERDICT
Australia’s cheapest electric car is an honest car that delivers on its promise of affordable electric motoring. There are more refined, advanced and engaging options on sale – but you’ll pay a lot more than this.