Review of MG ZS EV- the people’s electric car?

Launched on January 27th, 2020, MG ZS electric variant has created quite a buzz in the SUV EV market. Since the crowd is already impressed by MG Hector, it was a delight to see that ZS EV does fulfil buyer’s most expectations. 

India did miss out on MG ZS that’s sold abroad. However, the crowd does get to see it’s look in EV variant. MG ZS EV has a signature MG look that features a diamond-studded grille pattern which houses the car’s charging point. You will find the charge board just behind the MG logo, lift the illuminated logo to find it. It has (dare I say) all that a buyer looks for in the price with the right amount of power and torque that makes it an interesting drive – strong warranty on offer, almost the correct dimensions and all for a few lakhs cheaper to its direct competition- Hyundai Kona.

MG ZS EV Review

No resemblance with its sibling – Hector in terms of looks, its chrome diamond-studded grille does give ZS EV a premium car look. MG does mark its legacy with omega-shaped day lamps with tight and nice proportions. It does not try hard to be different, sets right in with a C- segment SUV. It does have a green touch to the look with wind-mill inspired wheels design.

How is it inside

It’s swift to go in and out of the cabin, you will appreciate the materials used. Soft touched material, black faux leather coated and adequate seats, hard plastics and aluminium panels make it a good place to be in. The seats are six-way electrically adjustable and good steering to handle the wheel. In the centre of the dashboard lies an 8-inch touchscreen which features songs from Gaana.com, weather and of course the battery percentage with the destination of the next charging station available. To top it off, it has a long panoramic sunroof, just like the one we have seen in Hector. Most controls are in reach of the driver, with an analogue paddle showing the percentage of the battery where the fuel indicator might have been.

MG ZS EV Review – Interior

The middle is just right to fit 3 in. However, the missing rear AC vents and armrest would have made it more comfortable. It has an interestingly placed USB port under the central tray which means no more annoying stray wires. It is extremely spacious with flat floor (batteries underneath) and good height, yet the seats miss the under-thigh comfort. 

The drive

The ZS EV comes with a 44.5 KWh battery to power it up which gives 340kms of range. But realistically, it is safe to assume 400 kms of range in mixed conditions. It has different drive modes, battery and KERS toggle with aircraft-style toggle switches, to add to its charm. 

It is said to go from 0-100 kmph in 8.5 sec which is respectable. The torque is surprising, press it all the way and it will pin you to your seat. The KERs (Kinetic Energy Regeneration) with its 3 stages can astonishingly improve your range, get a hang of it and you can easily add about 20 kms to your range.

It is swift to drive in the city and on the way. On the roundabouts too, its well-controlled body roll with light and precise steering gives the driver absolute ease. It is European typical drive feel which gets better with rising speed, though in the city you will feel the bumpers. 

Charging and safety

Out- of the box MG ZS EV comes with a 7.4k Wh AC charger it takes about 6-8 hours to fully charge, which MG is ready to fit at your home or your office. MG has also made DC fast chargers available at their showrooms, it is said to charge from 0-80% in under an hour. It also has a 15A socket charger that takes about 16-18 hours to fully charge the car. Additionally, if you do run out of charge on the road, it offers a portable charger that promises you to get to the next charging station. 

In terms of safety, MG has tried its best. Its 5-star EuroNCAP crash rating says it all. It is the highest rating a car can manage to score, equally as Audi Q8 and Ford Puma.         

It also has 6 air-bags with chauffeur alerts, sim-enabled geo-fencing and stability control. 

Verdict

MG ZS EV is a good buy in terms of safety, style and premium interiors and a long list of features. It does manage to get the price right. The 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, 5 years free RSA additionally appeals to the practical minds. It is well priced, well behaved at low speeds and is a good spin to EVs in India. Priced somewhat lower than its competitor Kona, MG ZS EV is here to stay.

Specifications

• Ex-Showroom Price: From Rs. 20.9 lakhs
• Seating capacity: 5
• Range: 340 km battery-only
• Dimensions: 4,314 mm L x 1,809 mm W x 1,620-1,644 mm H
• Horsepower: 105 kW
• Transmission: 1-speed automatic

Also read: TATA Nexon Electric Car Review

EV Duniya Editorial: This article is written by Natasha Talesara