MG ZS EV review: price, specifications, drive impressions

Most electric cars remain prohibitively expensive but this city-friendly SUV bucks the trend, especially when government incentives are included.

The MG ZS EV is a reasonably priced entry into electric motoring. Picture: Supplied

Chinese brand MG has overtaken some established names to become firmly entrenched as one of the country’s top ten most popular badges.

Value for money is a huge part of MG’s appeal and its first electric car undercuts every rival on price.

The MG ZS EV is Australia’s most affordable EV. Picture: Supplied

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.

Rival BYD initially undercut the MG with its Atto 3 electric car late last year, then raised its price by about $3600. That means this MG is once again the most affordable electric car in Australia. Prices vary from state to state. In Victoria, for example, the MG ZS EV starts from a touch more than $49,000 drive-away, while the BYD costs about $51,000.

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 metallic blue paint is a $700 option.

The MG is covered by a generous seven-year warranty and servicing is very reasonably priced.

The cabin is well presented and has all the mod cons. Picture: Supplied

COMFORT

As with 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-the-range affair combining a leather steering wheel with manually adjustable cloth seats that feel a little flat. There’s no reach adjustment on the steering wheel, which makes it harder to find a comfortable position, while rear passengers make do without individual airconditioning outlets.

The ZS EV is smooth and quiet on the road. Picture: Supplied

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.

You’ll need to pay for the Essence model to get all the safety equipment. Picture: Supplied

DRIVING

The MG ZS EV is based on an affordable petrol-powered model that starts from $25,990 drive-away, 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 as the skinny tyres are designed for efficiency and a wooden-feeling brake pedal ranks toward the bottom of the class for response.

It sends 130kW and 280Nm to the front tyres, which occasionally struggle for traction, even after a significant reduction in torque for the new model. A 50.3kWh battery promises 320 kilometres of range.

The ZS EV isn’t as fun through the corners as some rivals. Picture: Supplied

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.

The BYD Atto is the MG’s main competition, although its dealer network is limited.

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

Australia’s cheapest electric car is an honest offering 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.

MG ZS EV

PRICE About $49,000 drive-away

MOTOR Electric, 130kW and 280Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE 7-yr, u’ltd km, $804 for 6 years

SAFETY Six airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane-keep assist

RANGE 320km

BOOT SPACE 359 litres

SPARE Repair kit