MG Motor Australia and New Zealand launched its updated ZS EV compact SUV in September, with the model available in two variants – an entry-level Excite model priced at $44,990 drive away, and a premium Essence model priced at $48,990 drive away.

The ZS EV has received an exterior makeover and a bump up in range to 320km from 263km on the previous model. MG says that new on-board charging capabilities means up to 80 per cent of charge can be achieved in as little as 54 minutes, based on a 50kW combined charging system (CCS). Charging can also be done with a 7kW fixed wall charger, taking around 8 hours to fully charge. Charging is done via ports hidden within the front grille. A V2L (vehicle-to-load) feature allows for the powering of appliances.

Regenerative braking is, of course, a feature, and there are three driving modes available – Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The ZS EV is powered by a 50.3kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor that deliver 280Nm and 130kW. The sprint to 100km/h can be done in 8.2 seconds.

There’s also an app-based software architecture, known as iSmart and which is backed by Amazon’s AWS cloud-based system, that enables over-the-air updates, remote AC control and door locking, real-time navigation, ‘find my car’ parking lot search, live weather updates and the streaming of audio from Amazon Music.

Inside, access to infotainment features comes via a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen and there’s an upgraded 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Much more top-notch technology is at hand, including satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and more, as well as the MG Pilot Driver Safety Technology system that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Departure Warning, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Cruise Assist, and Speed Assistance across both the Excite and Essence models.

The Essence model gets some extra features, including Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, as well as six-speaker audio system, a wireless phone charger, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, a panoramic glass sunroof, rain sensing wipers, and a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

MG has had a good year in Australia so far in 2022. Latest figures show the company has recorded 33,860 sales so far, placing it 7th on the biggest-selling brands list for the year. The company now has 83 dealerships across the country.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (October 2022)

20 October 2022