The facelifted MG ZS EV is available to order in the UK now, with prices starting from £28,495 including the government’s £2,500 plug-in car grant.
The extensive facelift includes a new look, new interior technology, sharper styling, but also a new 72kWh battery pack that increases up the SUV’s maximum range by 110 miles to 273 miles under WLTP homologation, meaning it can now compete with the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia e-Niro. A cheaper 51kWh Standard Range model will follow in early 2022, capable of 198 miles on a single charge.
The 72kWh battery pack powers an electric motor driving the front axle, which develops 154bhp and 280Nm of torque. MG says the SUV will sprint from 0–62mph in 8.4 seconds. Top speed is 108mph.
The rapid charging standard for the ZS remains at 76kW, and MG claims that the Long Range model will take 42 minutes to recharge when connected to a CCS charger capable of that power flow or more. When connected to a 7kW wallbox, a full charge takes 10.5 hours.
MG has also added a new vehicle-to-load function to ZS EV, meaning owners can use the car’s battery pack to power electrical equipment such as power tools.
Currently, the MG ZS EV line-up is separated into three specifications, called SE Long Range, Trophy Long Range and Trophy Connect Long Range. Standard equipment for the base-model includes automatic air-conditioning, LED headlights, a few USB charging ports, keyless entry and a 360-degree parking camera.
Every MG ZS EV also comes with a new 10-1-inch infotainment system called MG iSmart. It runs new software with updated graphics, and it now offers smartphone connectivity with remote control of key functions such as charging and climate control. MG has also equipped the ZS EV with fully digital instrumentation and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Stepping up a rung, the ZS EV Trophy Long Range comes with a panoramic glass sunroof, faux-leather upholstery, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers and a wireless smartphone charger. Prices start from £30,995 including the government grant.
The range-topping Trophy Connect Long Range model comes with MG’s new connected services, which provides live traffic and weather updates, as well as Amazon Prime support. Prices start from £31,495 after the grant.
Design changes for the new-look ZS include a front end that’s more keeping with the model’s battery-electric drivetrain, and places distance between the electric version and its petrol powered siblings.
The conventional grille has been removed, and the front end is far more streamlined with a stamped pattern in its place. The charging flap is now visible on the car’s front end and no longer hidden beneath the grille. There’s a different design of LED headlights, along with alloy wheels and a subtly redesigned rear bumper.
Source: autoexpress