MG have travelled a bumpy road over the last number of decades. They are now owned by the Chinese car maker, SAIC Motors. Overall sales for the Chinese manufacturer in 2021 totalled more than 2 million vehicles. The MG ZS EV came to the Irish market quite recently and was very well received at a very low price point. However, customers found it lacking in some ways. MG listened to the feedback and has brought a very compelling refresh to the market for the 2022 year.
Outside, the MG has been modernised significantly. The grille was dispatched with and a more flush front-end houses the logo, with the charging flap off to one side. There are some bold colour options such as the Brilliant Blue. LED lights feature, wrapped in DRLs that reach around to the side profile. Two levels of trim exist, but both are equipped with 17” alloys. Inside, the MG is very well appointed for the price. There are some soft-touch plastics and leather seats. The finish is certainly not premium, but represents very good value. The panoramic electric sunroof gives a real sense of airiness inside.
The MG has an impressive amount of technology and specification. There is an 8” digital display behind the steering wheel, which details your battery charge, speed, but also things like tyre pressure and battery voltage. The 10” screen is a marked improvement on the previous generation, but is still a little slow and greyscale. Wired Android Auto and Apple Carplay integrate your phone with the system. Wireless charging is very useful, and you also get USB A and C connections. For those that like dashcams, there is a USB connection built into the rear-view mirror to cut down on cabling. One of the most impressive features of the MG ZS EV is the Pro Pilot system. It is an Advanced Driver Assistance System that features Adaptive Cruise Control. The MG iSmart app allows you to control the heat in the cabin from the comfort of your own home and schedule charging for when works best for you.
In terms of internal space, the ZS EV fares well. There is about 450 litres of luggage space. Unfortunately there is no frunk, but you can remove the parcel shelf in the back, fold down the seats and add 75kg roof rails if needed. It is also rated to tow up to 500kg.
Charging the ZS EV is much improved thanks to the new opening flap and indicator lights showing how full the battery is. On AC, the decision was made to use just 7.4kW, even though the same model comes with up to 11kW in other markets. On DC, early indications suggested a charging rate of around 75kW, but it looks like this is being advanced closer to 100kW. Very impressively, the MG is equipped with V2L technology. This means that you can plug an adaptor into the charging socket and draw up to 2.2kW back out.
The MG is fitted with a 115kW, 280Nm motor that will go from 0 to 100kmh in 8.4 seconds. In terms of range, the WLTP rating is 440km from a 68.3kWh usable battery. In the real world however, typical use will get from 350km to 400km.
With prices starting from just €32,000, there will be huge demand for the MG ZS EV Long Range in Ireland. So much of the equipment comes as standard so buyers can keep to budget. MG have not stated how many will be supplied, so hopefully they can keep up with demand from young families, taxis and those looking for a modestly priced SUV.
MG ZS EV Video Review
This review is in partnership with EV Review Ireland and you can learn more about what I thought of the MG ZS EV LR in the video below.
