Ever since it was launched in Thailand in 2019, the has blown Thais away with the crossover becoming one of the country’s best-selling EVs. Hoping to continue its dominance in the market amidst the rise of foes from fellow Chinese rival, GWM, MG Thailand has just introduced the 2022 MG ZS EV facelift.
The pre-facelift has sold 660 units in 2021 and MG holds 90% market share in the Kingdom's EV segment. Those figures alone are nearly twice more EVs that were registered in Malaysia in the same year, according to MAA figures.
Obviously, the biggest change on the ZS EV facelift is the new “invisible” front grille design. An EV doesn’t need a functioning grille after all but another change is the placement of the charging port in front.
Unlike the pre-facelift ZS EV, the port is housed next to the MG badge instead of beneath it. Speaking of charging, the ZS EV supports both regular AC charging (0-100% takes about 7 hours 15 minutes) and DC fast-charging (30-80% takes around 30 minutes).
Powering the ZS EV is a permanent magnet synchronous motor that makes 177 PS and 280 Nm. Battery capacity on the Thai model is 50.3 kWh and the electric crossover has a range of 403 km on a single full charge according to NEDC standard. That battery is also rated IP67 for water and dust protection.
You can charge your laptop or even an electric scooter with the ZS EV
Another new feature on the facelifted ZS EV is the V2L (Vehicle to Load) system which turns the crossover into power source to charge any electrical devices up to 2,200 W. Think of it as a powerbank on wheels.
Aside from being fully-electric, the new ZS EV is pretty much like your regular everyday crossover which might be why it’s a major hit in Thailand. Depending on the variant, the ZS EV comes with:
- Wireless charger
- Panoramic sunroof
- 7-inch digital display
- 10-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- 6 speakers
Safety features are also quite generous on the ZS EV facelift which include:
- AEB
- Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELK) that combines Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Change Assist (LCA)
- Blind-Spot Detection (BSD)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow (Traffic Jam Assist, TJA)
- Intelligent High-beam Control (IHC)
Being touted as a smart electric crossover, the Thai-spec ZS EV facelift also comes with the i-Smart operating system that connects the car to the owner’s smartphone. Aside from the usual vehicle status monitoring system and acting as an SOS button during emergencies, the system also allows the smartphone to act as a digital key and to also control the air-cond.
The ZS EV now comes with two variants in Thailand, namely D and X. The latter is the highest variant of the pair but prices will only be announced on 22-March at the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS 2022).
Malaysia when?
Despite Malaysia being mentioned at an online press conference earlier this year by the Managing Director of SAIC Motor CP Co. Ltd. and MG Sales (Thailand), we can’t quite answer for certain when the ZS EV or even MG as a whole would be sold here.
MG’s comeback into Malaysia marks one of a few Chinese brands that are trying to enter the market in 2022. The other Chinese brands are Chery and GWM with the latter expected to be launched here by July under Go Auto.
Keyword: Arriving in Malaysia, 2022 MG ZS EV facelift unveiled in Thailand and doubles as a powerbank