MG Motor’s iconic fully-electric SUV is all set to follow the trend set by one of the most-loved Hector, but with a zero-carbon emission.
MG started working on its electric vehicle in India after Hector became an overnight success. However, the latest buzz is that the company wasted no time in launching ZS EV SUV as buyers started looking for electric mobility options. The prototype was unveiled a few months ago and the company has managed to impress buyers with its production model.
On the outside, it looks similar to the Hector, expects its MG badge; and the production-model SUV looks similar to the prototype except for the ‘Internet Inside’ badge at the rear.
The exterior of MG ZS EV
Visually, MG ZS looks more spacious than SUV. And honestly, everyone wants a spacious SUV. Crossovers create a thin line between sedans and SUVs, MG with crossover satisfy both of the worlds. The model has the ground clearance and body style just like an SUV and the comfort of a sedan. ZS EV’s design looks captivating from all angles. It is not so tall, so its comparatively compact design allows it to easily fit anywhere.
The SUV comes under premium models, a big thanks to the chrome surrounds for the grille and headlights. MGs charging port is positioned interestingly. All you need to do is to press the MG logo on the grille and the center section pops up to reveal the charging port.
The ZS is a cool-looking EV that never fails to turn heads on the road. The ZS is larger than the Hyundai Kona, the only fully electric car available for sale. The size of ZS is the same as the size of Kia Seltos, the most loved model in the SUV segment right now.
Interior of MG ZS EV
Not much has changed on the Inside. Leather has been used generously throughout the cabin and the quality of material used is also very good. The 8.0-inch touchscreen is fully responsive and the buttons for the KERS and drive modes are of superior quality. You will find everything at the places where it should be in an SUV. The only change that you would see is the USB port, hidden under the center console. The rear cabin is spacious and comfortable enough as compared to its Indian rival, Hyundai Kona.
The list of equipment installed inside is as lengthy as on the Kona. You get a panoramic sunroof and the iSMART voice-command system that comes loaded with a SIM. The addition of a PM 2.5 filter is a good idea. It acts as an air cleaner inside the car.
Engine of MG ZS EV
The engine is the heart of the ZS and its biggest assets. The permanent magnet synchronous motor produces a maximum power of 142.7hp and 353Nm of torque; all of which is produced as soon as you keep your right foot. But when we are talking about electric SUVs, driving range becomes a priority over performance. Don’t worry. ZS EV comes with a big, 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack which can cover a good range of 340km on a single charge.
The standard model of ZS comes with a 7.4kW AC charger that the company installs for free at your home or workspace. The other charging option is a 50kW DC fast charger, which can charge your battery up to 80% in just 50min. These fast chargers have been installed at selected MG dealers and can be used whenever required.
Additionally, the ZS can be charged via a 15A socket using a conventional three-pin charger. This may take a longer time (Around 16-18 hours) but is a precautionary solution when you run out of your battery and find no charging solution.
So clearly, we can see that the company has done everything to reduce buyers’ stress on charging the battery. You can also get the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which charges the battery when decelerating and applying to the brake. You can increase the KERS level via a toggle switch, but you can’t control it manually. Battery performance depends on your driving mode as well. Driving your SUV in the Sport, give you the best performance, but consume a lot of charges. Comfort mode creates a balance, and in the ECO mode, the vehicle is in its environment-friendly setting, where responses are dulled for that extra gain in range.
Safety in MG ZS EV
MG ZS EV received a 5-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP. A big thanks to features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, brake assist, and more. You can also use the i-Smart app to set up geo-fencing, alerts for over-speeding, and looking for the nearest charging station. The model has hill descent control and an emergency stop signal for situations when you are forced to apply a hard brake from speeds suddenly. The ZS also comes with ISOFIX mounts and seat belt reminders for passengers sitting at the rear. The ZS EV’s engine creates no noise so the system can detect people ahead and alert them about the car coming from behind.
Pricing of MG ZS EV
The ex-showroom price of MG ZS EV fully-electric SUV starts from Rs. 20.88 Lakh. Its top-spec ex-showroom price goes up to ₹ 23.58 Lakh.
Conclusion
It would be difficult to find at fault in the ZS EV. It is more of a practical, powerful, and reliable SUV that comes loaded with tons of features to make your drive comfortable and safe. Its boot space is decent. The ZS EV will be offered in two variants– Excite and Exclusive, with the second one being the top-spec model. The Excite may not have some of the features like the panoramic sunroof and iSMART app connectivity but is expected to come for an affordable price to challenge the Tata Nexon.
The MG ZS EV is one of the most promising e-SUV – one that can challenge the upcoming electric vehicles in India.
