The growing demand for EV vehicles has been illustrated by MG, who revealed at the unveiling of their two new ZS EV models, that more than 1000 pre-orders had already been received before they’d even launched into the New Zealand market.

To see what the fuss is all about, we took the MG ZS for a spin, and naturally, felt compelled to drive the top of the range ‘Essence’ model first.

Considering the ZS EV has a gentle drive programme, we decided to depart from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, make our way to the Northwestern motorway and head towards Helensville. Within the city limits the MG ZS EV seems very much at home with its smooth acceleration and a nice in cabin feel.

What’s new?

All the ZS EV models come fitted with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, which includes classier graphics than before and more connectivity. We were pleased to not experience any glare from such a massive screen, and selecting a destination was a breeze.

Both the ZS MG models have the Pilot Driver Safety feature which senses your surroundings and keeps an eye out for unseen hazards. The entry level ‘Excite’ model features eight Active Driver safety features, however as the up-spec model the ‘Essence’ has two additional features.

Sitting inside you are in for a treat thanks to the panoramic sunroof – you literally become part of the surrounding skyline.

In addition, the Essence also provides: driver and passenger front seat heating, rain sensing wipers, roof rails, a wireless phone charger, synthetic leather seats, blind spot detection and a rear cross traffic alert.

Driving performance

As we drove onto the motorway and increased speed, we noticed the vehicle’s handling slowly drop away giving you a kind of willowy feel. It seemed more at home at lower city speeds but maybe with a few more passengers it might have a different outcome.

The MG ZS EV has three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport, giving you the ability to adjust to various driving conditions.

It’s also well suited for those weekend rubbish dump trips or hooking up a jet ski for a day out on the water, as the MG ZS EV SUV has the option to tow up to 500kg.

Let’s talk interior

The seats are comfy and supportive, and the lofty driving position will be appreciated by SUV buyers, but taller drivers will wish for some more reach adjustment in the steering as this vehicle has no telescope option – only up and down. Having no height adjustment in the passenger’s seat does give you the feeling of being a little higher than the driver.

Let’s talk exterior

Both the ‘Excite’ and ‘Essence’ models come in a range of five colours to suit all styles: Brighton Blue Metallic, Sloane Silver Metallic, Diamond Red Metallic, and two standard paint options: Pebble Black and Dover White.

Let’s talk specs

Powered by a 50.3kWh, liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery, the ZS EV delivers 280Nm of instant torque, 130kW of power and can go from 0-100 in 8.2 seconds.

Vehicle to load (V2L) has a 2.5kW power output, which is a nice touch if you want to take the MG out for a camp. You’ll be able to turn your MG into a mobile battery pack – boil a kettle or charge your laptop with your car. Pricing to come for this cable as it is a factory extra.

The MG ZS EV also comes with a seven-year warranty for your peace of mind. Service costs are due to be release in the coming weeks.

New on-board charging capabilities means up to 80% charging time in as little as 54 minutes, based on a 50kW combined charging system (CCS).

Conclusion

When Peter Ciao, CEO MG Motor Australia and New Zealand, was asked who the target market for the MG ZS EV was, his response was that the MG ZS EV is for everyone.

The ‘Excite’ model is a great entry level into the EV market for a mid-size SUV. Priced at an unrivalled $49,990 drive away price, and once you apply the clean car discount of $8,625, it brings the Excite in under $42,000. It also comes with a 320km range on a full charge – to compare, the previous 2021 model had a range of 263km.

If you would like to get your hands on one, MG has 14 dealers around the country to assist you with all your enquires.

Visit the MG website to find your nearest dealership: https://mgmotor.co.nz

Accessory pricing to be released soon.