The current version of Australia’s cheapest and second most-popular EV, MG’s ZS, has been removed from the company website as the launch of an update (pictured above) around mid-year draws near.
We have reached out to MG Australia for comment, but we understand the removal is because stock is pretty much depleted – though a few remain in the dealer network.
This leaves the plug-in hybrid MG HS Plus EV as the only electrified model the rapidly growing Chinese brand is currently advertising. MG made the overall top 10 brands list here in 2021.
Outgoing MG ZS EV
As well as being the cheapest EV, the ZS EV has also been the second-top selling battery electric car on sale, behind only the Tesla Model 3.
MG delivered a total of 1388 ZS EV models in 2021, compared to the 12,094 Model 3s delivered over the same period of time.
The British subsidiary of the state-owned SAIC Motor revealed the updated ZS EV electric SUV in October 2021 with more driving range, new looks and additional cabin technology.
Uodated MG ZS EV
Whether this also translates to price rises over the outgoing $44,990 drive-away ZS remains to be seen, but it would seem likely.
This updated ZS EV brings a choice of short- and long-range batteries, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, and app-based cabin pre-conditioning.
The Standard Range now comes with a 51kWh battery pack, and a Long Range 72kWh version will also be made available.
The driving ranges of Standard Range and Long Range models are 320km and 440km, respectively, on the European WLTP test cycle.
The outgoing MG ZS EV on the other hand is only available in a single spec level with a 44.5kWh battery option.
The updated ZS EV now handles three-phase 11kW AC charging, and faster DC charging rates so they’re quicker to recharge – 40 minutes to 80 per cent is the claim.
Inside, the updated ZS EV gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen and new digital instruments, a wireless charger, and more charging points (three USB-As and two USB-Cs).
It comes with the MG iSMART app that lets you control the air-conditioning remotely, find your lost vehicle, plan a route on the phone and ‘send’ it to the car, and diagnose status issues. It also handles firmware over-the-air updates, the company claims.
Outgoing MG ZS EV v Nissan Leaf
Once the updated MG ZS EV arrives Down Under it’ll have some tough competition in the form of the facelifted Hyundai Kona Electric, next-generation Kia Niro, and the imminent BYD Atto 3.
MG Motor Australia still has no current plans to introduce the MG5 electric wagon, nor the Marvel R electric crossover.
Keyword: 2021 MG ZS EV removed from site, but an update's on the way