MG ZS EV - TopCarNews

MG ZS EV (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

MG has been struggling to build its identity on the UK market since relaunching under Chinese ownership but the MG ZS EV could provide a major boost.

Testers generally like this electric SUV, Auto Express saying it has “real appeal – as a second car, company car or an affordable route into a pure electric vehicle.”

As its name suggests, this is a battery-electric version of MG’s small SUV the ZS, which launched in 2017 into a highly crowded market. Replacing the petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor and 44.5kwh battery pack cut the number of rivals, but there are still a few and they are rapidly growing in number.

Against these the MG scores on its cost, being significantly cheaper than direct bigger-name small electric SUVs, and its practicality – it’s roomy inside and in our own The Car Expert review we highlight boot space more than 90 litres bigger than non-EV rivals such as the Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-3.

Interior finish is nothing to get excited about but as several reviews point out, for its price some hard plastics in evidence is hardly surprising.

Testers find the ZS EV “unexciting” to drive and note that others go much further than the claimed 163-mile range between charges. But as the review in The Mirror points out, those cars are more expensive. The MG’s “low-down centre of gravity, due to the batteries, gives a secure feel and the ride quality is better than in many crossovers.”

Auto Express sums up the general view by saying “in terms of practicality and affordability the MG measures up rather well, and if buyers can get past the less desirable badge it makes a lot of sense.”

An updated ZS EV arrived in the UK shortly before Christmas 2021. Crucially, this will see a larger battery that increases driving range to a claimed 273 miles, which will make the ZS a far more viable option for many households.

As of January 2022, the MG ZS EV currently holds an Expert Rating of 61% from 20 reviews, which is pretty average yet still significantly better than the petrol version.

ZS EV highlights

Affordable route into EV driving
Practical
Big boot
Comfortable ride
Comes with long warranty

ZS EV lowlights

Dull to drive
Cheap plastics inside
Rivals go further on a charge
Not so modern infotainment

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossoverPowertrain: electric motor, battery-poweredPrice: From £26,095 on-road*
*includes £2,500 plug-in car grant

Launched: Winter 2019/20Last updated: Autumn 2021
Update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

“One of the biggest compliments paid to the MG ZS is that those seeking a smaller SUV should consider it alongside much bigger-selling models from the better-known names in the business, so it’s no surprise that MG has chosen this car with which to step into the electric arena.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2021 FaceliftScore: 8 / 10” It’s a bargain EV for those prioritising range and roominess on a budget, but there are compromises to make on quality. It won’t suit everyone, but it’s an appealingly affordable electric SUV.”
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Score: 8 / 10“Affordable, practical and really quite likeable, the battery-powered MG ZS EV makes a strong case for itself.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 2021 FaceliftScore: 7 / 10“The ZS EV’s range is good for its price and its equipment levels are comprehensive, even if it’s lacking in perceived quality.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“By the standards of electric SUVs, which are saddled with sizeable battery packs, the ZS does weigh relatively little. MG claimed 1534kg at the kerb, which our test car weighed in very close to.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Its strengths are jaunty styling, plenty of equipment, ease of driving, good quality and a seven-year warranty on battery and car.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: Trophy Connect Long RangeScore: 8 / 10“Looking to make the switch to EV power but still having concerns over range and affordability? Well, MG’s tweaked ZS EV SUV could be the answer.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“It’s the electric SUV for people who just want an electric SUV. Not a posh badge. Not a sub five-second 0-62mph time. And not a two-speed transmission with a shiftable planetary gear set. The MG ZS EV is cheaper than its rivals with better battery tech than most.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2021 FaceliftScore: 8 / 10“The MG ZS EV has always been a no-nonsense electric family car, and this latest version only builds on that. The much longer electric range really increases its appeal, as does its much-improved interior.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“The MG ZS EV has lots of space and a big boot – particularly for an EV.”
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Carwow

Score: 6 / 10“The MG ZS EV is an affordable electric car with a decent amount of standard equipment and a roomy cabin. Alternatives have greater ranges and are better to drive, though.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 44.5kWh ExclusiveScore: 7.2 / 10“The MG ZS EV has its flaws around the driving experience, infotainment and some areas of cabin quality, but the costs equation stacks up very nicely and it looks smart.”
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Daily Mirror

Score: 6 / 10“Affordable electric vehicle that’s value for money.”
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Driving Electric

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The updated MG ZS EV is a well equipped and practical small electric family car, with the new Long Range version offering impressive range at an affordable price.”
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Eurekar

Model reviewed: ZS EV Trophy“The new Trophy model is a welcome freshening up of the ZS EV with the longer mileage range a big plus factor for many drivers and with the interior changes made still makes it one of the more affordable, practical and comfortable compact SUVs currently in the market.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The MG ZS EV is an all-electric compact SUV that’s good to drive, a practical size, and it’s also relatively affordable.”
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Honest John

“It’s difficult to deny that MG has produced a truly affordable family SUV.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Range review“The ZS EV looks like a conventional SUV crossover at first glance, and MG says there haven’t been any practicality compromises in creating the electric model, thanks to some clever packaging around the battery pack.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 72kWh Trophy long rangeScore: 8 / 10“The MG ZS feels old fashioned in good and bad ways, but more importantly it isn’t as efficient as rivals which are coming to the market in their droves. The fact remains, however, that the MG fills a gap for those who simply want a battery car without frills or fancies and at a keen price.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The MG ZS EV offers a lot for the money in the electric car world, with good interior space, a big boot and plenty of standard equipment. The ZS EV is mediocre in terms of its ride comfort and refinement, but many buyers will be happy to accept that compromise for such good value.”
Read review

Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019

90%

ADULT OCCUPANT

85%

CHILD OCCUPANT

64%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

70%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

The MG ZS EV was tested on its launch in 2019, gaining a top five-star rating. Euro NCAP reported that the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking system included pedestrian and cyclist detection, though its results in these tests were declared ‘marginal.’

Eco rating

No eco rating

As of January 2022, the MG ZS EV has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the ZS EV is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the MG ZS EV has received

2021

What Car? EV Awards – Best Used Electric Small EV

2020

Company Car & Van Awards – Best Medium EV
Southern Group of Motoring Writers Awards – Dark Horse of the Year

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the MG ZS EV, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The MG ZS EV launched against a small number of direct rivals but new ones are coming along all the time, recent examples including the Mazda MX-30. The most direct alternatives remain the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro, while many also consider the electric standard bearer, the Nissan Leaf.

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Keyword: MG ZS EV