MG wades into the electric vehicle market with this affordable ZS EV model. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review



The world is calling for higher levels of electrified vehicle technology (which to some extent we've now got) and more affordable EV models (which we're still waiting for). Enter MG - and specifically, this ZS EV model, priced to undercut similarly-sized rivals by a significant amount. It's even cheaper than smaller supermini-shaped EVs.


Driving Experience

The ZS EV is powered by a 44.5kWh, water-cooled lithium-ion battery which has a WLTP-rated driving range certified at 163 miles. A couple of years back, that would have been quite creditable but these days, comparable family EVs are routinely able to deliver well over 200 miles from a single charge. Mind you, those cars will be considerable more expensive than this one and are typically less spacious inside; it all comes down to what your priorities are. As with most EVs, this one should feel sprightly away from rest, courtesy of the fact that all its drive torque (353Nm) is generated immediately from the get-go. There's 105 kW of power, equivalent to 143PS, and the 62mph benchmark is dispatched in just 8.5s, though there's a rather limited top speed of just 87mph.


Design and Build

Some would number this car amongst the more stylish family sector EV models you can buy. At just over 4.3m in length, it's an SUV sized somewhere between the smaller Crossover class (think Renault Captur/Nissan Juke) and the larger family-sized Crossover segment (think Nissan Qashqai/Kia Sportage). In this form, the ZS sports a revised 'star-rider' front grille to frame its brand's famous octagonal company logo. There's also a unique colour option available to ZS buyers - 'Pimlico Blue'.


Market and Model

There are two trim levels, base 'Excite' and 'Exclusive', with respective asking prices pitched at either around £25,000 or around £27,000, once the government's £3,500 Plug-in car Grant has been deducted. If you're one of the first 1,000 MG ZS EV buyers, MG Motor UK will match the government subsidy with a further £3,500 reduction, reducing the asking prices down to around £21,500 ('Excite') or around £23,500 ('Exclusive'). That really is exceptional value by EV standards. To give you some market perspective, a comparably-sized Crossover-style family EV like the Kia e-Niro costs around £33,000. Even much smaller supermini-sized EVs like Vauxhall's Corsa-e and Peugeot's e208 cost around £26,000.

Equipment levels are strong, with both variants getting the latest version of MG's infotainment system, with an 8" colour touchscreen featuring satellite navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming and DAB radio. Smart 17-inch alloy wheels are also standard - and your dealer will want to show you the brand's glass sliding 'Sky Roof'. There's also the brand's 'MG Pilot' camera safety package which includes Advanced Emergency Braking, Blindspot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Cost of Ownership

Earlier we mentioned this car's 163 mile WLTP-rated driving range - which rises to 231 miles on the WLTP city cycle. Charging ZS EGV is straightforward thanks to its combined CCS and Type 2 port, mounted within the front grille for easy access from either side of the car. The CCS plug is an enhanced version of the Type 2 plug, with two additional power contacts for the purposes of quick charging and supports AC and DC charging power. Featuring rapid charging capability, the ZS EV can charge from 0-80% in 40 minutes from a 50 kW charging station (if you can find one).



We've been waiting to see just how affordable a family-sized full-EV model can be and in the form of this ZS EV, MG has delivered here a typically tightly-priced package. It's well equipped, spacious and comes with a notably long 7 year transferrable warranty to complement a price that looks like a misprint.




PRICES: £24,995-£26,995 [inc. subtraction of £3,500 government Plug-in Car Grant] – first 1,000 cars sold offered with a further £3,500 reduction



PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 8.5s / top speed 89mph

Charging Time: 6 hours from a home wallbox

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Six airbags, stability control, ABS brakes

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4314/1809/1611mm