New Car Review: MG ZS EV

MG is well known in Ireland for small sports cars. After a turbulent few decades, the brand is now owned by Chinese manufacturing giant SAIC motors. They produce EVs under various brand names, and have rebadged some versions for the Irish market of late. The MG5 and MG ZS EV proved a big hit with Irish buyers, and now with refreshed versions are carving out a waiting list that stretches to nearly a year.

What makes the MG ZS EV different?

The MG ZS EV is carving out a little niche as a really good value option. It may lack the finesse of something like an Audi Q4 etron, or the space of a Tesla Model Y. However, it gives a huge amount of spec as standard, along with good power and range at a price far lower than the competition.

What does the MG ZS EV look like?

Much improved

The older MG ZS EV wasn’t exactly an inspiring sight, but the refreshed version we had on test is a big improvement. The front grille is now completely closed off with a honey-comb effect that houses the MG badge and charging flap.

From the side, the MG cuts a familiar mid-sized SUV silhouette. 17” alloys are covered by aero hubcaps that help with range, but they do look well with two-tone silver and black colouring.

What colours are available on the MG ZS EV?

There are a total of five colours to choose from on the MG ZS EV: Black Pearl, Brilliant Blue, Monument Silver, Dynamic Red and Arctic White. Our test car was blue, which is probably our favourite colour choice for the ZS EV.

The older MG ZS EV wasn’t exactly an inspiring sight, but the refreshed version we had on test is a big improvement. The front grille is now completely closed off with a honey-comb effect that houses the MG badge and charging flap.

From the side, the MG cuts a familiar mid-sized SUV silhouette. 17” alloys are covered by aero hubcaps that help with range, but they do look well with two-tone silver and black colouring.

What colours are available on the MG ZS EV?

There are a total of five colours to choose from on the MG ZS EV: Black Pearl, Brilliant Blue, Monument Silver, Dynamic Red and Arctic White. Our test car was blue, which is probably our favourite colour choice for the ZS EV.

Inside, MG have taken a real step up from the previous generation. Materials have been upgraded, and the overall feel is more stylish than you would expect from a car with such a price tag. Contrast stitching, carbon effect and a 10” infotainment screen all help the MG punch above its weight.

However, once you start to interact with the materials, you realise that the interior probably looks a little better than it actually is. There is a good deal of cheaper plastics, the carbon effect dash is patterned soft touch plastic, and the door trim features a lot of cheaper plastics. In the MG’s defence though, it is still excellent for the price, and we wouldn’t complain at all.

What tech features does the MG ZS EV have?

The MG has a good level of tech. You get a whole lot as standard, and the MG really puts it up to a lot of other manufacturers that are charging nearly double the amount for the same features.

The MG Pilot system is hugely impressive. The adaptive cruise control makes long trips much easier. It was especially welcome to us on a day when we had to do 400km of motorway driving. We arrived home much less tired than we normally would after a trip like that.

You get access to the iSmart App, which allows you to find your parked car, remotely unlock, and even set the climate control remotely. The 360 degree camera is complimented by a host of sensors that make parking easier in tight spots.

Is there good space in the MG ZS EV?

Plenty of space for 5 adults and a few suitcases

The MG ZS EV is a little shorter than you might expect at 4.32m long. So the space isn’t cavernous, but it certainly is decent. The boot measures 448 litres, and expands out to 1,166 litres with the seats folded down.

Space up front is good, and it feels very open and airy thanks to the sunroof. In the back, we tested space for four adults of 6ft 2inches, and found there was just about enough space. A fifth adult in the back would find things a little tight. Having said that, there’s plenty of space for four average sized adults and a few suitcases in the boot.

The MG ZS EV has a whole raft of safety features thanks to the advanced MG Pilot system. It is equipped with numerous cameras and sensors around the car that help avoid accidents. Other features include ABS and EBD, front seatbelt pre-tensioner and limiter, and multiple airbags including side curtain.

The earlier model received a 5-star rating at the Euro NCAP, outperforming the petrol variant due to its additional active safety features.